Inspired by the folkloric reverence of the silver birch and aspen, known as "The Watchful Tree" within medieval literature and myths, Lauren Baker’s Consciousness Awakening encapsulates the essence of nature's vigilance and the interconnectedness of all living things. Within these ancient tales, the trees were perceived as guardians of ancient wisdom, and conduits between the earthly realm and the divine. In folklore and mediaeval literature Forests were often portrayed as having a sort of consciousness or awareness, actively watching or listening to the activity of humans. They were also seen as places where the boundary between the human world and the realm of the supernatural becomes blurred.
Baker’s sculpture uses the inclusion of feminine eyes emerging from a tree-like plant to remind the observer that Mother Nature is alive and vigilant. It also evokes the 2024 Biennale theme of ‘Foreigners Everywhere’ by prompting the viewer to consider their role as foreigners in the vast fabric of existence