Christmas Tree, 1994
© Cathy de Monchaux
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Cathy de Monchaux was invited to create the 1994 Tate Gallery Christmas Tree and Christmas Card. The twenty foot high Christmas Tree was entirely enclosed in canvas and blue velvet. Eight strips of canvas were wound around the tree in a spiral with the velvet appearing in the gap between the strips. The edges of the strips were held together at intervals by intricate rusted metal clasps in the form of hands. From the hands cords twisted down to the ground where they were grasped by similar hands set in eight amorphous lumps placed in a circle around the tree.

The commission was supported by the Patrons of New Art and Tate Gallery Publications with additional support from Clifton Nurseries and Rank Zerox Ltd.

Biography

Cathy de Monchaux was born in London in 1960. She studied at Camberwell School of Art, London (1980-83), and at Goldsmiths College, London (1985-87). She lives and works in London. Cathy de Monchaux was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1998.

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