Like Trees Update

LIKE TREES (UPDATE), 2026 Rosen ran across a set of cards, used by allergists, graphically depicting maps of the distribution of trees and grasses in the United States. The artist elevated the map to a 3-D diorama with colored map pins to approximate trees. The maps have changed since they were created in the 1950’s. The trees have either receded or expanded in their geographical zones. They have been re-coded here in red or green ink by the naturalist Lindsay Neubeck-Brooks to reflect their current status. According to Rosen, the main thing that distinguishes LIKE TREES (UPDATE) from a science project is art, or more precisely, color, making the piece a visual object devoid of any scientific information. The colored map pins are matched to the tree names – Silver Maple, White Alder, Black Locust, and Eastern White Pine – turning aerial views of black dots into miniature landscapes.