credits: Eva and Franco Mattes

Oaks on Cosmos Island

Eva and Franco Mattes will plant 7000 oaks in Second Life as part of their Synthetic Performances series

Eva and Franco Mattes have begun to reenact Joseph Beuys‘ “7000 Oaks” in the synthetic world of Second Life. Beuys’ project began on March 16th, 1982 in Kassal and called for the planting of 7000 oaks, each paired with a basalt stone. Bueys wanted the Kassel project to extend throughout the world as part of a global mission to affect environmental and social change.

The Mattes started their work exactly 25 years later, planting the first tree and stone on March 16th, 2007, on Cosmos Island in Second Life. The Mattes will continue the project with help from Second Life inhabitants until all 7000 oaks and stones have been planted.

This work is part of the Mattes’ series of “Synthetic Performances,” historical performances and art installations redone in the virtual world where space, body, and time can be completely restructured. A time machine of sorts.