Tree of knowledge.

Abstract

In this work, the artist looks at knowledge as diverse, from which people can obtain it from different directions. For him no one has the monopoly of knowledge. When we come together and share what we have, we create knowledge which knows no boundaries. His usage of branches going in all direction is an indication of this conceptualization. Below the huge tree stands a female figure with her breasts out suggesting old age. His use of this female figure is symbolic. It stands for wisdom. In many traditional African societies, old age is a symbol of wisdom. This work therefore looks also at age as another source of knowledge. Old people have gone through a lot; their lives have been shaped by many events which have created experiences which have shaped their lives. This is the reason why in the work, the artist creates waves in form of decorative lines which suggest the different experiences that have shaped the old people’s lives.