Populus Tremula, 2003
© Mark Wallinger
Populus Tremula, 2003
© Mark Wallinger
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Mark Wallinger
Christmas card, 2003
This year, Mark Wallinger installed a large, bare aspen tree in the gallery, and dressed it with about 500 mass-produced, lightly-scented, Catholic rosaries.
Wallinger's work is distinguished by its engagement with issues of spirituality and faith, and its use of historical reference points. According to legend, it was wood from the aspen tree (populus tremula) that was used to make the cross on which Christ was crucified. Rosaries are designed to assist in meditative prayer. Wallinger's tree thus combines strongly symbolic elements, redolent of death, rebirth and ritual. These may be seen as disrupting or enhancing the conventional imagery of Christmas celebration.
Biography
Mark Wallinger was born in Chigwell, Essex in 1959. He studied at Loughton College, Chelsea School of Art and Goldsmiths College. Wallinger represented Britain at the 49th Venice Biennale (2001) and was shortlisted for the Turner Prize in 1995. He lives and works in London.
