In the heart of Philadelphia, Temple University It has become the home of a unique living work of art: the 40 fruits tree. Created by Sam van AkenA contemporary artist known for mixing horticulture with art, this grafted tree produces a surprising variety of 40 different types of stone fruitsas Albaricoques, Cherries, Peach, PlusAnd more.
A fusion of art and horticulture
The 40 fruits tree is not simply a botanical creation; It is an intersection of artistic expression and horticultural science. Van Aken’s unique approach allows students from various disciplines, including Art, horticultureand landscape architectureto explore the fusion of creativity and sustainability.
Students participate in the graft process, join branches from different fruit trees to a single trunk, learning how this old agricultural technique can preserve varieties of rare fruits while creating something completely new.
This project serves as a practical and educational experience.. During the next two years, the students of the University of Temple will not only learn about graft But also explores the Cultural importance of varieties of fruits in the region, including both Indigenous and introduced species.
Graft: a skill rooted in history
In the heart of this creation is the centenary technique of graftthat Van Aken explained that it has been used in agriculture from at least 1800 a. C.. The process implies joining the tree holder with the branch of another to combine its best characteristics.
This allows the preservation of specific features, such as the production of flowers or the quality of the fruit, while guaranteeing that the tree remains resistant and adaptable to various climates.
Van Aken emphasized the importance of graft not only in terms of creating hybrid trees but also in Preserving fruits of relic fruits. Shared that many of these varieties have been “lost” to commercial agriculture over the years, so their work is so significant.
“For me, what has become really interesting in my discovery process is that these relic fruits are not just agricultural products,” said Van Aken. “They are cultural and integrated objects in them are not only nutritional aspects or tastes, in reality it is the history of civilizations worldwide.”
Cultural importance and educational opportunities
In addition to the technical aspects of the project, the 40 fruits tree It also offers a rich opportunity to explore the historical and Cultural importance Fruit cultivation. Van Aken’s vision goes beyond simply creating a tree with multiple varieties of fruit. Its objective is to educate students and the public about the cultural narratives that each of these fruits carries.
“These fruits are not just agricultural products,” he explained, “they are cultural objects.”
Fruits in the tree represent the agricultural exchange between different cultures and civilizations, which makes this project a testimony of the interconnection of nature and history.
During his conference at the University of Temple, they go Aken encouraged students to reflect on the role of agriculture In the configuration of societies throughout history. The conference also provided a practical experience in which students had the opportunity to graft their own trees, learning the delicate art of splicing branches to create a new life.
This interaction between art and Horticultural Education It is a key aspect of the project. “Bring an artist to the campus whose medium is a tree is such an exciting opportunity,” he said Sasha EisenmanAssociated Horticulture Professor in the Temple.
“Seeing how art, science and nature cross is valuable for our students while sailing their careers and align their passions with their professional activities.”
Artistic workshops: cyanotypes and botanical art
In addition to graft workshops, Van Aken also directed students in an artistic exploration of the botanical world through cyanotypes. This traditional photographic technique implies exposing a solution sensitive to light to UV light, creating beautiful plans of natural objects.
Using fabric and paper, students experienced with natural materials, learning to combine the worlds of art and science. For many students, including Jami DelucaA Junior photography student, this experience was revealing.
“Talking to Sam, I realized that it is almost like a detective, accelerating rare plants, investigating their history and preserving them through their work,” Deluca said. “We see the finished cyanotypes, but behind them is this deep scientific process, from the collection of materials to the chemistry of printing.”
Van Aken’s workshops illustrate the greatest philosophy behind the 40 fruits tree– Encourage an appreciation of how art can be used to preserve and communicate the intricate beauty and historical importance of the natural world.
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