Storm Thorgerson, Opposites (Biffy Tree), 2015

'Opposites' - An authenticated limited edition print from StormStudios by Storm Thorgerson. A new large format edition of the image created by Storm Thorgerson for Biffy Clyro's 2013 album Opposites.

The image is based on the concept of the tree of life; a common concept in many cultures. These trees can also be known as votive or wishing trees and often have objects hung from them, such as coins, padlocks or notes. Thorgerson chose to create a tree of death rather than of life; a tree concerned with disconnectedness rather than interconnectedness and therefore hung glass bones on the tree and scissors at its base. No computer manipulation was used to achieve the image; the tree was physically built by the studio and transported to Iceland where the photography took place.

"The band were happy with the location, Iceland, as a place full of appropriate scenery. We construct the tree and take it with us on the plane in a coffin-like box. The tree was erected in a desert and photographed. All seemed well, but there was a long hiatus, the band didn't like the tree. They claimed that they wanted a more 'powerful' tree. At this point I nearly shut down, a bigger, older, leafier tree would undo itself and wouldn't see the objects hanging there. I think neither the group nor the record company fully understood that it was the objects that were important, not the tree. In desperation, I bent the tree in the middle, due to thousands of years of prevailing winds. It was such a simple act it was stupefying! But the band said they loved it. Biffy is a great band so God bless Ayrshire and bent trees!" - Storm Thorgerson

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Storm Thorgerson