Arbre 

This imposing iron sculpture titled "Arbre" by Eduardo Chillida presents a powerful image of growth and resilience. The upward reaching form and the title itself evoke the symbol of a tree, deeply rooted yet aspiring towards the heavens. The motif of the tree as a link between the earthly and spiritual realms appears in countless cultures across history. From the Norse Yggdrasil connecting the nine worlds, to the Tree of Life in various mythologies, the tree symbolizes the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all things. Chillida’s “Arbre,” with its robust material and simplified form, strips away the decorative elements, laying bare the essential idea of the tree as a symbol of strength and continuity. Like the human psyche, rooted in primal instincts yet capable of reaching towards enlightenment, the tree persists, adapting and evolving, its enduring presence a testament to the power of life itself. This symbol continues to resonate, reminding us of our own place within the grand tapestry of time.