‘Flailing Trees speaks with stentorian authority about a world turned on its head and the violence humanity inflicts upon nature’
Marisa Bartolucci – Artinfo

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Walking or driving the same streets every day, many of us take our surroundings for granted. Artist Gustav Metzger will challenge this sense of security with Flailing Trees, an arresting and poignant new piece of public art, standing in the Manchester Peace Garden for the duration of the Festival.

Flailing Trees comprises 21 inverted willows, a subversion of the natural order that brings nature and the environment into sharp focus. With flourishing branches replaced by dying roots, the sculpture is both a plea for reflection and a plaintive cry for change, and is sure to provide a catalyst for debate.

The Festival is delighted that the Whitworth Art Gallery is acquiring this work for its permanent collection. After the Festival, Flailing Trees will be sited in the Gallery grounds for continued free public viewing.

Commissioned by Manchester International Festival.
Produced by Manchester International Festival and CUBE.

Photo © Karen Wright