The intricate forms of the Aeonium succulent sparked inspiration for Daniel Popper’s latest artwork, emphasizing how nature’s design and beauty are central to the creative process.
Aeonium, standing 16 feet tall, exemplifies how nature’s forms can inspire monumental artistry. The sculpture reimagines the spiral, rosette-like arrangement of Aeonium leaves into large, thick forms that radiate strength and serenity. These waxy, layered shapes, with their shades of green, purple, and earthy hues, are not just aesthetic choices; they embody the resilience and balance inherent in the natural world.


For Popper, form is the bridge between nature and human expression. In Aeonium, the spiraling structure becomes a metaphor for growth, continuity, and connection. The tactile, organic design invites viewers to engage with its physicality, encouraging reflection on how form influences perception and emotion.
But the process doesn’t end with physical construction. The addition of projection mapping transforms Aeonium into a living, evolving entity. This interplay of light and movement mirrors the ever-changing nature of inspiration itself: fluid, dynamic, and boundless. The shifting visuals breathe life into the sculpture, creating a dialogue between static form and transient light.


Through Aeonium, Daniel Popper explores how the forms found in succulents can act as blueprints for larger creative visions. It’s a celebration of nature’s ability to inspire – a reminder that even the smallest details in the natural world can hold the key to monumental ideas. By weaving together resilience, form, and artistic transformation, Popper crafts not just a sculpture but an ongoing conversation about the beauty and power of nature as a medium for creative thought.
Read more about the power of nature in Daniel’s work here.