Nature & Humanity by Daniel Popper

The Inimitable Daniel Popper

Creativity and nature had a child and named him Daniel Popper.

That’s the best way I can describe the South African artist’s works of art.

I originally discovered Daniel Popper through the temporary (two years) “Human Nature” installations at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois (near Chicago). 

The figures stood between 15 and 30 feet tall.

Wood, glass reinforced concrete, fiberglass, and steel make up their construction.

Four statues depict diverse aspects of femininity. Only ‘Basilica‘ represented parts of a body.

I returned for three new sculptures. They were smaller at 12 feet and below.

You’re just too good to be true. Can’t take my eyes off of you…

Killing me Softly

‘Umi‘ (life in Swahili and Mother in Arabic)’ is a woman with child lovingly clutching at her unborn. Her eyes are closed in reverence.

‘Hallow‘ portrays a woman with hands spread over an open chest cavity.

It speaks to me of the hallowed intimacy of a woman opening her heart to love.

She’s the “sister” to ‘Thrive‘ (minus the fern interior).

In 2020, ‘Thrive‘ was erected close to home, in Fort Lauderdale. It was only as of yesterday (July 22, 2023) that I visited.

It’s in front of the “Society Las Olas” and is free of charge. 

Sentient: Able to perceive

All of Daniel Popper’s sculptures are realistic up close and incite familiarity.

One doesn’t want to leave them.

They make you a story teller as everyone’s interpretation will be unique.

Coincidentally, I had first visited The Morton Arboretum after a church service. I was overjoyed to see my favorite gospel choir (Shekinah Glory) LIVE.

‘Basilica‘ was “giving divine” even without me seeing a plaque. It comforted me and let me know that I would always be “in God’s hands”.

I explored numerous basilicas (grand Catholic churches) in Europe after this symbolic experience.

‘Sentient’s’ dimensions reminds me of ‘Mycelia‘. I see a woman with multi-faceted layers.

Her depths require skillful navigation. I described it on a social media post as a “masterpiece”.

‘Ephemera‘ means fleeting and it aptly describes the effect it had on me. Its the only one of his work that I did not feel a connection to.

I wasn’t sure if the figure was male, female, or animal.

The head had fungi growing out and the figure had a meditative stance. The statues’ locations were strategic to their message.

Some were easy and others hard to find.

I will definitely miss the vastness of The Morton Arboretum.

‘Ginkgo‘ holds a special place in my heart.

A Dior quote comes to mind that sums it up beautifully , “After women, flowers are the most lovely thing.”

The way Daniel Popper blends the two in Ginkgo leaves me speechless!

A Bohemian Flair

I recently visited Tulum, Mexico for my birthday.

‘Ven a La Luz‘ (‘Come Into the Light‘) was high on my itinerary! It’s ‘Hallow‘s’ and ‘Thrive‘s’ “Mayan cousin”.

It’s located at Ahau Tulm’s Art with Me Park.

There is a $3 donation that includes a wings, butterfly and a Feel the Fruit exhibit. 

Beach sand through my toes was unexpected. Go early, as the line can get pretty long.

On the way to Tulum, I had to stop at Chambao Cancun for ‘True Nature‘ . It’s about 30 minutes from the airport.

I simply walked in and took the pictures/videos. 

To me True Nature message said: “Authenticity follows transparency. The mask must come off!”

There was a small replica of ‘Ven a la Luz‘. 

Artistic Nature

I’m proud to say I have seen all of Daniel Popper’s work on the east coast of the US and Mexico.

I plan to explore the west coast’s installations and other international ones. 

‘Heartwood‘ and ‘Mycelia‘ (from “Human Nature“) stand out most to me. It’s almost impossible to choose one as a favorite!

In ‘Heartwood’, I see my Black and beautifully pronounced features.

She’s regal and humble. I would like to think I mirror those qualities.

On the inner parts, lines are drawn resembling finger prints.

Its no wonder I recently began an ancestry search after visiting Africa this year.

Out of the eight, she’s the first one in “Human Nature” to have found a temporary home at Chicago’s Museum Campus on Linn White Drive.

Hopefully, her March 2024 end date is extended as done at The Morton Arboretum.

‘Mycelie‘ is a mushroom in feminine form. The white speaks to me of purity and innocence. It reminds me of Asian art.

I think it’s one of the most creative Daniel Popper pieces.

Do you have a favorite?

~Poof…Bee Gone

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