‘Aurora Arborealis’ is an exhibition on the theme of the magical tree at Christmas.
The illuminated tree is a key motif of the enchantment of Christmastime. First introduced to the UK from Germany by Queen Charlotte in 1800, the Christmas tree’s origins are old. It grew from the tradition of a ‘Paradise Tree’ representing the Garden of Eden whose evergreen branches lit with candles symbolised rebirth around the Winter Solstice. This in turn had its roots not just in the pagan tree-worshipping cultures of northern Europe, but also in ancient Egyptian and Roman traditions where evergreen garlands symbolised eternal life and renewal. The tree illuminated brings light in the dark forest, a folkloric place akin to the unconscious where storytelling and imagination rule. ‘Aurora Arborealis’ is an exhibition of eight contemporary artists exploring this most fecund of seasonal themes.