Root & Branch

Root & BranchIn Root & Branch, an exhibition at the Princeton University Art Museum from July 14 December 2, 2012, curator Joel Smith assembled a collection of artworks and objects around the form of a tree. In its introduction, he describes the tree as a pervasive and fundamental metaphorthe road branches, one problem is rooted in another. But he also shows how the tree is a tool. The hierarchy, grouping and subdivision implicit in its form can be used as a

In ÒRoot & Branch,Ó an exhibition at the Princeton University Art Museum from July 14 Ð December 2, 2012, curator Joel Smith assembled a collection of artworks and objects around the form of a tree. In its introduction, he describes the tree as a pervasive and fundamental metaphorÑthe road Òbranches,Ó one problem is ÒrootedÓ in another. But he also shows how the tree is a tool. The hierarchy, grouping and subdivision implicit in its form can be used as a structuring device for organizing complex information or giving static representation to a dynamic process. A treeÕs structure implies this use: as Joel describes, its Òsplitting paths signify causes and effects, an event and its ramifications.Ó

Collaboratively produced by Diana Shi, Lily Healey, Devin Karbowicz, Erin Byrne and John OÕNeill in VIS 415: Advanced Graphic Design at Princeton University in Fall 2012.