Artist Robert Lobe’s metal sculpture of a tree that was torn out of the ground during Superstorm Sandy is currently on display in lower Manhattan at Duarte Square. Lobe recreated the tree using the repoussé technique, by hammering aluminum around the tree and corresponding boulder to capture their forms.
Although the original tree was found on the Appalachian Trail in New Jersey, the sculpture also serves as a memorial to remind pedestrians of the storm’s devastation in downtown Manhattan, where Lobe resides. The artist’s ability to capture both the tragedy and beauty of the felled tree also points to more current environmental issues related to climate change. The sculpture will remain on display until May 19, 2020.