Family Tree plant sculptures are a synthesis of organic matter and digital manifestation, exploring family connection through ecology, genetics, community and technology. Using fallen leaves from Burgess Park in Southeast London as internal structures, Hatta combines original and reproduced natural forms to create a hybrid diasporic plant.
The works incorporate block-printed leaves native to both London and Kuala Lumpur, alongside collected organic matter, merging multiple geographies into a single botanical form. These hybrid plants reflect layered identities shaped by migration, memory and environment.
Community plays a central role in the making of the sculptures. The constructed leaves are produced using donated fabrics sourced from tailors, local studios, friends and family, including Amy Woh Tailors and Aunty Azah in Kuala Lumpur, and The Garment Studio in Peckham.
These materials embed personal relationships directly into the work, transforming acts of care and contribution into physical form.
Individual plants represent a member of the Hatta family: Alya, Afiq, Mama and Dada, with honorary members Cousin Antoine and Grandma Nenek.
Accompanying each sculpture is a collection of WhatsApp voice memos shared by the family. These recordings function as an intimate digital archive and reflect the family’s primary mode of communication across continents.
Together, the sculptures and audio works examine how familial bonds are maintained through material, technological and emotional networks, proposing a living family tree shaped by distance, collaboration and shared memory.
Family Tree
(2025)
Variable Dimensions
Organic matter, found objects, motion detectors, speakers and mixed media
'Family Tree' has exhibited with HSBC in the Saatchi Gallery, seen as part of the Lates programme at the V&A Museum and has been adapted into a collaborative performance 'Nurin's Garden of Groceries' with artist Nurin Yusof.