The current exhibition ‘no country for old trees’ shows an examination by Osnabrück photographer Kerstin Hehmann of foreign tree species, which are becoming increasingly relevant to us in terms of changing living conditions. In sustainable forest tree nurseries, research is being carried out into how special tree species can withstand climate change and its consequences and provide us with an environment worth living in. Inspired by a test area of such a forest tree nursery, the photographer explores the topic using artistic means. In doing so, she makes the plants visible in a way that initially does not correspond to our visual habits. On closer inspection of the photographic works, the focus is directed to forms and structures, whereby the plants become visible to us in their essential aspects and perhaps even perceptible to us as beings in their own right. In the graphic continuations of the tree structures on the window screen of the CUBIC, the artist brings the possibility of recognition even closer to the viewer. The fine lines appear almost touchable and yet they are not. Furthermore, the CUBIC itself seems like an examination room due to the installation of the photographs, the graphic transfer and the strange foliage on the floor. The arrangement appears enigmatic and raises questions that must remain unanswered for the time being. We do not know to what extent we can reshape our living environment and what the consequences will be.

The exhibition opened on 10 May 2025 and can be seen until 29 June 2025. Further works by the artist can be found on her website!

Photos: Julia Piehl, Marcus Schramm
Text: Astrid Brünner