Verum Ultimum Gallery is thrilled to invite artists to interpret the theme “Tree,” and the boundless notions this one word conjures. This exhibit is set to be an exploration of this infinite source with endless possible interpretations.

Trees are essential to all life and are the essence of expansion (intrinsic to every breath). They are symbolic of growth, connection, community, spirit, air, family, and more. Artists are encouraged to enter work that is any interpretation of the theme. The intention of the call is not to drive the work or to exclusively exhibit depictions of trees, but to spark an impetus to discover unique visions. Artists may (of course) elect to depict trees, forest, woods, and the sky, but exploration of the idea of tree as a metaphor is also encouraged. Thus, submissions do not necessarily have to include actual trees, for example lungs could symbolize trees, the sky could infer the air we breathe, an abstract work might reflect interconnection (patterns and networks), and so on.

All visual media and genres are welcome (from abstraction, expressionism, realistic, surrealistic, fantastical, illustrative and beyond). This call emphasizes the idea of growth, expansion, breath, and humanity.

What does the word tree conjure for you?

“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”

The exhibition will open at Verum Ultimum’s Southeast Portland location in mid-February and run through the end of March.