Arbor-Vitae
Marcelo Moscheta, Brazil (2014)
Description
This artwork was featured in the International Pavilion which was open to the public between June and October 2014.
Title: Arbor-Vitae
Artist: Marcelo Moscheta (b. 1976, Brazil)
Medium: Graphite drawing on black PVC; driftwood
Dimensions (H x W): 300 x 370 cm (118 x 146 in)
Weight: Unavailable
Location: International Pavilion (North Vancouver, Pipefitters Building: 19 Wallace Mews) from June to October 2014
The western Red Cedar is British Columbia’s official tree. It is sometimes called arbor vitae, which means “tree of life” in Latin. In Arbor-Vitae, Moscheta uses this provincial symbol to explore the intersection of memory, history and landscape.
During his time in Vancouver, Moscheta undertook extensive research at the Museum of Anthropology, where he investigated the connection between the western Red Cedar Tree and the hidden layers of geography, history and culture. Inspired by the landscape in Stanley Park, Moscheta created a detailed graphite drawing of a tree stump on three sheets of black PVC.
The sun-bleached driftwood placed at the base of the drawing was sourced by the artist along the city’s beaches. Moscheta recorded the GPS coordinates of each log, framing a poignant commentary on natural history and commercial resources. Moscheta’s work blurs physical, geographical, historic, and cultural boundaries.
Listen to the audio tour by Maya Donkers: