London Plane Tree Study
The London Plane Tree Study is a mixed media and photographic exploration that invites the viewer to pause and look closely at the often-overlooked details of nature in an urban environment. The imagery in this series captures the intricate textures and evolving forms of the London Plane tree, a resilient species lining the streets of Brooklyn, New York. Shot with a 90mm macro lens, each photograph delves deep into the unique patterns of bark, moss, and growth—revealing the subtleties of nature’s design often hidden from view.
This work is not just about documenting a tree. It is about heightening perception, drawing attention to the beauty of the organic world that surrounds us yet often goes unnoticed. The process begins with a “hyper sharpening” technique where Hopeton enhances the black tones of the image with black acrylic paint, intensifying the natural textures. Clear matte and gloss acrylics are then layered over the surface, creating a tactile, three-dimensional effect that allows the images to almost “come off the page,” blurring the line between the photograph and the sculpture. Finally, Hopeton pulls out abstract forms from the images—whether the outline of a human figure, a mythical creature, or an ephemeral concept—and highlighting them with metallic paints (gold, bronze, silver) to further draw attention to these hidden layers of meaning.
The evolution of this series also extends to its framing, which uses the ancient Japanese technique of shou sugi ban—a method of charring wood for preservation. This nod to craftsmanship reflects the interplay of time and transformation central to the theme of the work. The tree, in all its rugged beauty, mirrors the persistence and evolution of both nature and the human spirit, making it a profound metaphor for personal growth, resilience, and connection.
The London Plane Tree Study is about awakening the viewer’s perception to the nuances and beauty in the world around them. I wish to draw attention to what is typically overlooked, and to offer a meditative space where the viewer can reflect on the layers of existence—both physical and metaphysical. Through this series, Mr.Hibbert hopes to invite contemplation on the intersections of humanity and nature, and to encourage a deeper connection to the world we inhabit.
In his ongoing exploration of themes related to social, cultural, and spiritual ephemerality, Hibbert draws inspiration from W.E.B. Du Bois’s concept of Double Consciousness. Just as the texture of the London Plane tree represents both growth and decay, the abstract forms in this series reflect the tension between dual identities and the ongoing negotiation of self in the face of societal forces. Like the organic patterns that evolve in the bark of the tree, human identity is fluid, shaped by both external and internal forces. The London Plane Tree Study asks the viewer to engage with these complexities, contemplating how they, too, are shaped by time, environment, and history.
Ultimately, Hopetons art is an invitation to explore the unseen, to challenge perceptions, and to reflect on the profound connections that bind humanity to the natural world.
