Veronica Hodges - Under The Tree

During our latest visit to Finn Juhl's house at Ordrupgaard, we also had the chance to catch Veronica Hodges' stunning installation called "Under the Tree." Veronica Hodges is an American installation artist, and her work in Ordrupgaard's greenhouse beautifully symbolizes the fleeting nature of life.

Ordrupgaard's greenhouse, built in 1921, has been restored and moved to the park's eastern part with support from the Villum Fonden foundation. It's now an art space with a three-year program focused on climate and sustainability, featuring a different artist's work each year.

Veronica Hodges is the first artist in this series with her installation "Under the Tree." It's a large spring-blossoming tree filled with paper flowers and birch branches in the greenhouse. Despite the beauty, there are signs of decay, symbolizing the temporary nature of seasons and life. A bench beneath the tree encourages reflection and a connection to nature, described by Hodges as a form of "healing."

With time, the colors will fade, and materials will deteriorate in the sunlight. As spring goes on, the installation will contrast with the healthy trees outside, making us think about how humans affect nature.

Veronica Hodges is doing research for her PhD at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Design, looking at how art can impact climate change discussions. Her work "Under the Tree" is part of her research and includes 4,000 recycled paper flowers, branches from the nearby woods, an iron frame, and birch veneer.

Find out more about Veronica Hodges: https://veronicahodges.dk/