Visual Arts

The Tree of Hope

The Tree of Hope is a collaborative artwork created by the students at St. Roch’s Primary School to commemorate the Year of Hope, inspired by the theme "Pilgrims of Hope", a concept introduced by Pope Francis in the context of spiritual journeys and the broader theme of hope.

Pope Francis speaks about the importance of hope during times of struggle, encouraging people to be "pilgrims of hope" in their own lives and communities. This involves sharing hope with others, supporting those in need, and actively working towards a better world by living out the values of love, kindness and faith.

This large-scale installation spans two interconnected canvases. At the centre of the composition, a sprawling tree takes shape, with its branches stretching across the canvases as a visual metaphor for hope, faith, and connection. Trees symbolise the potential for growth, renewal, and transformation. Just as a tree grows from the smallest seed, hope begins with a small spark but can flourish into something powerful and transformative.

The design is enriched with various artistic elements. The flowers and details are created through collage techniques, some stencilled and others hand-cut and layered to create texture and dimension, symbolising the individual contributions of each student.

Within the tree, are the students’ personal reflections on their hopes for the coming year. These meaningful phrases are woven through the branches like leaves of thought.

The Tree of Hope serves as a constant reminder of the shared journey of hope and faith, not only within the school but also in connection with the broader pilgrimage of the Year of Hope, as guided by the Pope’s call for unity and resilience. The collaborative nature of the project emphasises the importance of community, where every individual’s voice contributes to the greater whole.

Jo Boers

Visual Arts Specialist Teacher