5 Times Artists Subverted the Christmas Tree
By Something CuratedEmbedded within the rich tapestry of festive customs, the Christmas tree has evolved into a symbol synonymous with holiday spirit, long associated with warmth and joy. At once borrowing and departing from the conventional archetype, a number of contemporary artists have sought to reimagine and subvert the coniferous icon. Something Curated highlights five artworks that ingeniously, and sometimes controversially, transform this holiday staple.
Paul McCarthy, Tree, 2014
In October 2014, a 24-metre high inflatable sculpture titled Tree by artist Paul McCarthy briefly adorned the Place Vendôme in Paris as part of the Paris International Contemporary Art Fair. Despite its official description as a Christmas tree, the artwork faced widespread criticism due to its striking resemblance to a large green butt plug. McCarthy openly acknowledged that the provocative shape was intentional, meant as a humorous gesture. The controversy escalated when the artist was assaulted and the sculpture was vandalised just two days after its installation.
Shirazeh Houshiary, Christmas Tree, 1993/2016
In 1993, sculptor Shirazeh Houshiary was commissioned to create the Tate’s Christmas tree. Departing from tradition, Houshiar flipped the tree upside down, suspending it from the gallery ceiling, and adorned its roots with gold leaf, showcasing their intricate structure. This unconventional presentation, remade for the museum in 2016, created the illusion of the tree floating in air, liberated from earthly confines. Describing it as “taking earth back to heaven,” the artist work poetically referenced astronomy, mysticism, and the interplay between light and dark.
Roman Signer, Zimmer mit Weihnachtsbaum (Room with Christmas Tree), 2010
A rotating Christmas tree flings baubles across the space, disintegrating upon impact with the walls and floor. Over four decades, Swiss artist Roman Signer has reshaped the definition of sculpture, earning recognition as a prominent figure in Process and Conceptual art. Renowned for his elemental dynamic sculptures, known as time sculptures, Signer explores the metamorphosis of materials and objects over time. Acceleration and change are integral to his creative process, documented through photography and moving image.
Laila & Nadia Gohar, The Gohar World Christmas Tree, 2022
Founded by sisters Laila and Nadia Gohar in 2020, Gohar World describes itself as a tableware universe that embraces craft, time, tradition, and humour. Last year, the duo created a magnificent Christmas tree comprising verdant plantains with an earthy trunk of cassava. Conceived in a New York City studio and produced by family-owned workshops worldwide, including the Cairo atelier of the siblings’ family, Gohar World’s pieces honour vanishing traditions like mouth-blown glass, intricate needlework, and hand-dipped candles.
Michael Johansson, Seasons Greetings, 2009
Swedish artist Michael Johansson transforms everyday objects through a process of re-contextualisation, liberating them from their usual functions to create meticulously constructed geometric sculptures and installations. Employing the “Tetris-effect,” as he puts, his 2009 piece, Seasons Greetings, depicts a Christmas tree rendered in an assortment of found domestic items. By utilising familiar components, arranged and colour-coded with obsessive precision, the works instil a sense of comfort through their recognisable nature.
Feature image: Roman Signer, Zimmer mit Weihnachtsbaum (Room with Christmas Tree), 2010. Courtesy of the artist, Yvon Lambert, Galerie Martin Janda, and Hauser & Wirth