The Trees of India installation is an ongoing project by artist Blandine Martin (www.blandinemartin.com) inspired by a story about a village called Piplantri in Rajasthan, India.

This village has turned tradition on its head by planting 111 trees for every baby girl born in their village. Initiated by Mr. Shyam Paliwal, after the loss of his beloved daughter, he committed his life to helping every girl in his village. Such a wonderful idea when unfortunately in this part of the world, girls can still be regarded as a financial burden particularly amongst poor families. This new village tradition has not only transformed the eco- system along with the economy but the girls are now cherished by the villagers. Shyam and his team are still in constant contact with the girls and now in 2018, the story goes on and is developing fast. We have been in contact with the village and the initiator himself Shyam Paliwal and have decided to take this project further by travelling to Piplantri in August 2019. I will be going with a team of teachers to offer the girls workshops to develop their creative skills ending the 3 week course with an exhibition of their art works. Mr. Manoj Paliwal, the nephew of Mr Shyam Palliwal, is facilitating our stay in India and we are very grateful.

As I mentioned briefly, in 2014 I started to make my own “tribute art” to create 111 tree-like sculptures. So far, I have made 65 sculptures, so there are a few more to go! The plan is to exhibit them in London and India, so I can carry on telling their story. I will donate a few to the village as I feel that’s where it all started for me too.

Thanks for reading and I hope you will agree it's an exciting project to be part of.

thank you , Blandine