The ash tree is regarded as a symbol of the power of water, as well as the Tree of Life, and is deeply rooted in the original myths of humanity. Druids used ash wood for the rain spell. In the mythological tales of Zeus, he created the human race from ashes and formed the Germanic gods Ask-Ash and Embla-Oak from driftwood. The Algonquin Native American tribe also sees in the ash a connection to the creation story. These narratives illustrate the symbolic meaning of the ash as a source of life and human existence.

On the occasion of Berlin Climate Day, Kristina Popov invited visitors to participate in her installation, which she builds around the ash at the RAW site. The ailing ash serves as a symbol of the relationship between humans and nature, as well as its vulnerability and endangerment. Attendees were invited to write wishes for the ash on the wooden boards as an expression of awareness for the importance of protecting and preserving nature. The labeled wooden boards form a kind of collective artwork that reflects people’s connection to and commitment to nature. Through the space of interaction and reflection, the installation became a place of exchange and joint engagement with current environmental issues.

Funded by the Naturschutzstiftung (Nature Conservancy Foundation) Berlin.