Human+Nature, the newest outdoor art exhibition at Morton Arboretum, debuted Friday. Human+Nature (pronounced “human nature”) is a group of five large-scale sculptures created exclusively for the Arboretum.

It is the first major U.S. exhibition by South African artist Daniel Popper. It is also his largest-to-date work anywhere.

The five 15- to 26-foot-tall, nature-inspired sculptures are intended “to create a sense of awe and wonder and to reflect how trees are at the heart of the Arboretum’s mission, work and vision for the future,” said Preston Bautista, Ph.D., vice president of learning and engagement.

Located near the Visitor Center, guests are welcomed by a 26-foot-tall female figure, Hallow. UMI is a 20.5-foot-tall maternal figure surrounded by magnolia trees. Bordering the Japan Collection is Sentient, an 18-foot-tall sculpture featuring human facial traits interwoven with root structures. Heartwood is a 15.5-foot-tall bisected face reflecting the connection between trees and humans. On the West Side is Basilica, two 37-foot hands joined by intertwining roots.

Hallow courtesy of Morton Arboretum.

Hallow courtesy of Morton Arboretum.

“Each sculpture has a story behind it, but I like to leave the questions about each piece a little bit open, so people can come and bring their own ideas to it,” Popper said. “I want people to come here and ask questions of themselves about their relationship with nature.”

Heartwood courtesy of Morton Arboretum.

Heartwood courtesy of Morton Arboretum.

The sculptures are made of concrete, fiberglass and steel. Each weighs several metric tons.

UMI courtesy of Morton Arboretum.

Located in Lisle, Illinois, about 30 minutes west of Chicago, the Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum. Covering 1,700 acres, it includes 16 miles of hiking trails, a Children’s Garden, educational exhibitions and specialty tree and plant collections.

Sentient courtesy of Morton Arboretum.

— John Wroblewski, online writer