FAMILY TREE
elin, Madeleine, Sarah and Susanne Slavick
Tuesday, September 9 – Friday, October 24, 2025
Opening reception: Tuesday, September 9, 2025, 12:30 – 1:30 pm
In a 1940 poem, Bertolt Brecht asked:
What kind of times are they, when
To talk about trees is almost a crime
Because it implies silence about so many horrors?
In a 1995 poem, Adrienne Rich answered:
…so why do I tell you
anything? Because you still listen, because in times like these
to have you listen at all, it’s necessary
to talk about trees.
Family Tree brings together the work of four sisters to ‘talk about trees.’ As curators, painters, photographers, and writers, we portray trees in in and outside of human care and conflict. In exploring the multitude of relations within and between trees and humans, genealogical roots and botanical roots intertwine.
Whether bombed or irradiated, contained or sidelined, in underground union or standing in persistence, trees and their representations can offer solace and space—for the necessity of talking, listening, and learning. Family Tree offers both critical commentary and sensual delight in visualizing the tree as refuge and livelihood, consumed and consuming, under assault and triumphant, as historical record, and as harbinger of things to come.
With thanks for support from:
The City of Boston, College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University, Hiroshima City University, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Lesley University and Masterton Creative Communities/Creative New Zealand.