Autonomous Tree is an art installation in which a tree is transformed to hypothetically represent and act on the behalf of non-human living beings within established human systems of governance. A tree is selected as the primary actor, together with a human assistant, representing an ecological network that exists to protect and advocate for the best interest of non-human living beings. Physical symbolic artefacts and devices associated with human authority today are installed on and around the tree. These replicate the look and feel of certain industrial components utilised on autonomous vehicles and security apparatus today and are original designs made using digital fabrication techniques. Humans, subjected to the tree’s authority, meet with the tree to receive an assessment of their behaviour. A digital interface, featuring an arboreal chat-bot, enables a conversational experience between visiting humans and the tree—during which all humans are issued a fine as punishment for the collective harm they cause. The overall form and presentation of the installation captivates and draws attention to the tree’s hypothetical power and promotes people to reflect on the ecological world’s needs and challenges as well as their personal relationship with non-humans.
Autonomous Tree emerged from a participatory initiative facilitated by the artist called Hypothetical Authorities. Between January and June 2021, critically-minded authority proposals were gathered with people globally through playful collaborative and participatory activities and discussions. Autonomous Tree was developed as a response to the submitted proposals and the themes they surfaced, primarily focused on creating agency, promoting the well-being of all beings and the planet, and disrupting extractive practices and exploitation.
