Hallow by Daniel Popper: A Quiet Call from Nature

 

Discovering Hallow: A Quiet Call from Nature in Lisle, Illinois

Hey there, art enthusiasts and nature lovers! I’m an architect by trade and an artist by soul, forever chasing that sweet spot where human creations dance with the untamed beauty of the earth. Recently, I found myself captivated by Hallow, a stunning sculpture by Daniel Popper nestled in the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. As someone who drafts buildings to harmonize with their surroundings and experiments with installations that tug at the heart, this piece felt like a revelation. Let’s take a relaxed walk through what makes Hallow so special—its concept, its role as public art, the materials, its impact, and how you can visit it yourself. Picture this as a cozy chat over tea, not a formal talk.

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The Concept: Stepping Into Nature’s Embrace

Imagine a 26-foot-tall female figure rising from the ground, her chest split open like a doorway to her heart. That’s Hallow. It’s about vulnerability, healing, and the deep ties we share with the natural world. Daniel Popper, the South African artist behind it, crafted it to spark personal reflections. For me, it’s like a threshold: step inside, and you’re in the “heart” of the figure, invited to look inward or reconnect with nature’s pulse. It carries notes of sorrow, growth, and remembrance, much like a space designed to make you pause and feel.

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Public Art: Rooted in the Landscape

Hallow is part of the Human+Nature exhibition, created by Popper exclusively for the Morton Arboretum. The theme is all about rethinking our bond with trees and the environment—what they offer us and what we must give back, especially in a changing climate. Spread across 1,700 acres of meadows, lakes, and woodlands, the sculptures feel like they belong there, not just placed but grown from the land. As an architect, I see this as the pinnacle of site-specific design: art that doesn’t dominate the landscape but becomes part of its story, inviting visitors to wander and reflect.

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Materials: Resilient Yet Poetic

What I love about Hallow is how its materials tell a story of their own. Made from glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC), it’s tough enough to brave Illinois winters yet light enough to allow intricate details like rope-like textures that feel organic, almost woven. Having worked with concrete and fibers in my own projects, I’m impressed by how Popper uses GFRC to balance industrial strength with natural softness, mimicking bark or vines. It’s a material choice that feels both enduring and tender, perfectly matching the sculpture’s themes.

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Impact: A Ripple Beyond the Arboretum

Since its debut in 2021, Hallow and the Human+Nature exhibition have pulled in crowds, turning the Morton Arboretum into a hub for art and ecology. Visitors don’t just snap photos—they linger, ponder, and connect with the environment. The exhibition’s success led to its extension and expansion, a testament to its resonance. For the Lisle community, Hallow is a landmark, but its influence stretches further, inspiring designers like me to create public spaces that spark dialogue and care for the planet.

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Visiting Hallow: Your Guide

Ready to see it for yourself? Hallow is at the Morton Arboretum, 4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle—just 25 miles west of Chicago. It’s near the Visitor Center by Meadow Lake on the Frost Hill Path, with parking in lots 1 or 2. Admission (around $15–16 for adults, less for kids and seniors) includes access to all sculptures. Driving? Take I-88 to Route 53 North. For public transit, hop on a Metra train to a nearby stop and take a quick ride-share. Visit in fall for vibrant foliage or spring for blooming surroundings—the arboretum is open year-round, so pick your season and go.

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Final Thoughts

Hallow isn’t just art—it’s a conversation, a mirror, a reminder of our inseparable bond with nature. For me, it’s a spark that reignites why I create: to design spaces and art that feel alive and meaningful. Whether you’re an architect, an artist, or just someone who loves a good walk, Hallow is worth the trip. It’s a quiet whisper that might just echo your own story back to you.

Stay curious,
Pallavi Vasekar – Architect, Artist, Endless Wanderer