THE SOUL OF THE TREE – THE PURITY OF FORM

26 September – 2 November 2003

Sculpture exhibition by the Brazilian artist Elim Dutra

The material for the sculpture exhibition the museum presents in the fall, comes from the gigantic, tropical forests of Brazil. Sculptures breathing the soul of the tree and which with their forms can be described as body art. With this exhibition the Brazilian sculptor Elim Dutra and his abstract work is being introduced for the first time in Northern Europe. The exhibition also provides an unique opportunity to get acquainted with some of the fantastic variety of tropical trees on this continent.

Respect for the material and a fixation with the purity of form, is significant of the sculptures of Elim Dutra. He often works with the beautiful tree callad Pau Brasil which has given the country its name and its stunning glowing (brasil) red colour gives such sensous quality to his abstract sculptures, marked by purity and elegance. His works, dominated by the use of tree, are powerful and subdued and radiate a sensualism which exceeds the surface of the material.

I have always cherished a passion for trees", says Mr Dutra, "and for wood and for objects made of tree. To work with wood is for me a sacred mission, of almost religious character. Perhaps no other material has been so useful and associated with the human development as the wood. Wood attracts humans, who are tempted to touch it and feel its positive energy.

As many other sculptors, I believe it to be a noble mission to demonstrate the dignity and the beauty of the tree through my art works and in this way encourge people to be respectful to trees and work for their preservation."