The Best Tree in the World: Laminated Leaves: Tracking, interactive installation 2005, data analyzed and presentation materials designed 2006
This 6-week installation explored patterns of human-leaf interaction. 74 laminated
leaves from different trees were left on the gallery floor. As visitors walked
through the gallery, their feet slowly brushed the leaves from the most heavily-walked
paths. They could also intentionally re-arrange (or take) the leaves as they
wished. Three times a week, Chris drew a map of the leaves’ placement
on the chart on the wall. This series of maps is being analyzed longitudinally
so that each leaf’s pattern of movement can be seen in relation to that
of the rest. As with many other works, the instructions and title were incorporated
into the presentation and given their own panels.
Close-ups of some of the leaves can be seen here, here, and here, and close-ups of some of the hand-drawn maps can be seen here, here, and here.
The final map can be seen here, and a few representative leaves' tracks can be seen here.