The tree and the river

For his latest feat of visual storytelling, the acclaimed creator of the ‘Journey’ trilogy invents a familiar world layered with imaginary civilisations. Borrowing from multiple cultures and architectural styles to craft astonishing new humanscapes, Aaron Becker tracks the evolution of our species – and its toll on the Earth – through the fates of a lone tree and an enduring river. River and tree bear silent witness over time as people arrive to harness water, wind, and animals; devise technology and transportation; redirect rivers; and reshape the land.