Our Stories

Land artist, Simon Max Bannister, was commissioned by the Good Work Foundation to create the Digital Tree of Knowledge (Terabytus digitata) as a symbol of African excellence in learning. GWF dreams of enabling such trees to one day be “planted” across South Africa. Terabytus Digitata was created in 2012, so what a wonderful surprise it was when, seven years later, Simon surprised us with a visit and got to see the learning that is happening underneath this tree today.

Artist’s Statement:

Set in this modern context the implementation of this artwork navigates a social political landscape. The tree is seen here in a neo-mythical paradigm, remade and recycled, the structure provides a wireless connection to all knowledge without the filter of good and bad. This Digital Tree of Knowledge offers a place for learning and sharing. The meeting place is now connected with the virtual, creating an infinite branching of minds, wires and ideas, held strong by the roots of our humanity. Exploring the growth of the human mindscape and environment, may this work provide a boundless resource of learning and sharing for many years to come.

Check out the creation process below:

To see more of Simon’s work, visit his website.