Fever Tree
Multiple exposure photograph
Eswatini MMXVIII
Limited edition art photography print on archival paper
On an unforgettable walk through the Mbuluzi Game Reserve in Eswatini, a lush and jagged kingdom within the borders of South Africa, I was fascinated by the near-neon verdancy of the indigenous Fever Tree. It earned its name from early European settlers who believed the tree caused malaria, due to its prevalence in swampy, mosquito-infested areas. They were wrong of course, but there’s an acidic sickliness to its distinctive hues that make the name seem apt despite Science’s reassurances, which helps to maintain its mysterious aura. Studying it closely, it dawned on me how much of an anomaly its yellowish bark really is. Trees look kinda weird without brownish bodies. Walking amongst them in the bush, the light seems tinged with lime, and the subtle green undertones that portrait painters use to render the human face present themselves prominently, and unnaturally.
Imagining this not-so-distant mythology of Fever Trees radiating plague – the fear their thorny presence once evoked when stumbled upon – I used multiple exposure photography to capture three similar perspectives of one magnificent specimen, superimposed in camera into a final image that evokes the hallucinogenic madness of a fever dream. This technique helped me to convey the tree's historical and mythical associations, while also emphasising the dynamism and perpetual motion of life itself. Trees are not statues, they never stand still: rooting, shooting, branching, fruiting, swaying, shuddering, shedding, dying, decomposing… perpetually, through a life cycle longer than ours. As I see it, the multiple exposure technique seems to capture the Fever Tree in a moment of dance, limbs akimbo, pirouetting.
As an artist, I am captivated by the South African landscape and inspired by the countless ways in which photography can reveal the hidden beauty of the world around us. My work is an exploration of perception, imagination, and a playful experimentation with the camera as a magical toy rather than a forensic device. ‘Fever Tree’ embodies this spirit of curiosity, inviting viewers to delve into the complexities of the natural world and challenge their own perceptions.
This bold piece, printed in vibrant colours and intricate details that do justice to this unique Southern African tree, will undoubtedly create allure and intrigue in any room. It radiates natural energy – the aura of trees – and as such has the potential to be a powerful statement piece in large format. The complex branch structures invite constant exploration, revealing new aspects and insights with each viewing. The repetition of branches creates hypnotic pattern that draws the viewer in. Personally, ‘Fever Tree’ serves as a vivid reminder of the enchanting, dreamlike world I discovered while wandering on foot through the forests of Mbuluzi Game Reserve. It’s a unique and authentic piece that would make a special addition to any art collection, or a totem on the wall for anybody with a sentimental attachment to the South African landscape.
Available in three sizes and limited to an edition of 10 in each size, this limited edition art print is perfect for creating a powerful visual statement and a portal into a world inspired by the sensation of being immersed in nature. The edition is verified (signed and numbered) on the blockchain with Verisart to ensure its authenticity. Printed on museum-quality Hahnemühle German etching paper, it is available for worldwide delivery from my trusted printing partners in Cape Town, Dusseldorf and London.