The Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum has unveiled an extraordinary exhibition titled “Seeds: Containers of a World to Come,” offering visitors a profound perspective on ecological concerns and sustainability. Running until July 28, 2025, this exhibit uses seeds as symbols of hope and resilience for our planet’s future.

Discover the Power of Seeds in Art and Sustainability

The world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, but art can provide unique insights into these issues. This exhibition invites you to rethink the role of seeds in shaping our shared destiny.

Curating Change: The Vision Behind the Exhibit

Meredith Malone, an associate curator at the Kemper Museum, envisioned this exhibition to bridge the gap between abstract environmental crises and tangible artistic expression. By focusing on seeds, Malone aims to illuminate their critical role in sustaining life and fostering biodiversity. Seeds are not merely biological entities; they encapsulate millennia of evolution and cultural significance. As Malone explains, "They connect us to the past while hinting at possibilities for the future."In today's rapidly changing climate, understanding seeds becomes essential. They represent the foundation of food systems worldwide, embodying both vulnerability and potential. Malone emphasizes that through visual arts, complex ideas like soil health and resource management become accessible. Her vision extends beyond aesthetics, encouraging dialogue about pressing global issues.

A Global Perspective Through Art

This exhibition features diverse three-dimensional artworks from artists across the globe, each contributing distinct perspectives on seeds and their environments. One notable piece comes from Anne Percoco, whose seed library offers interactive engagement with local flora. This installation invites participants to explore St. Louis' adaptive plant species, highlighting resilience in urban ecosystems.Percoco collaborates with Ellie Irons, another environmentalist passionate about documenting invasive weeds. Together, they have spent years collecting samples from abandoned sites, revealing how plants adapt under adverse conditions. Their work underscores the importance of recognizing overlooked species as vital contributors to ecological balance. These collections serve as reminders of nature’s capacity to thrive despite human interference.

Local Voices Addressing Global Issues

St. Louis-based artist Juan William Chávez brings personal and political dimensions to the conversation. His project, “Decolonize the Garden Seeds to Bees,” explores themes of migration and identity through handcrafted sculptures known as “survival blankets.” Made from mylar—a material used in immigration detention centers—these pieces symbolize displacement and survival. Accompanying them are concrete potatoes and family heirlooms, reflecting his Peruvian heritage and emphasizing connections between culture and environment.Chávez’s work also addresses bee conservation, advocating for pollinator-friendly habitats. His approach blends activism with creativity, challenging viewers to consider broader implications of climate change. According to Malone, these portable gardens exemplify practical solutions to nurturing life amidst adversity. Such initiatives highlight the intersectionality of social justice and environmental stewardship.

Innovative Designs Inspired by Ancient Techniques

Beatriz Cortez, a Salvadoran immigrant and contemporary artist, contributes a striking steel pod housing seed containers. Designed to resemble chultuns—underground storage systems used by Mayans—this structure bridges ancient wisdom with modern innovation. On one side lies a collection of bioproducts such as corn and amaranth, representing enduring traditions. Meanwhile, the other side nurtures living gardens, symbolizing growth and renewal.Cortez draws inspiration from NASA experiments aimed at cultivating plants in space stations. Her creation envisions scenarios where humanity must preserve resources for future generations. By incorporating elements of science fiction alongside indigenous practices, she crafts narratives of continuity and adaptation. This fusion resonates deeply within discussions surrounding climate adaptation strategies.

Interactive Experiences Cultivate Curiosity

Central to the exhibition is a hands-on seed library curated by Percoco and Irons. Visitors encounter packets filled with seeds native to St. Louis, prompting reflection on regional biodiversity. Enclosed beneath a roof at the exit, this feature encourages taking action beyond passive observation. Participants leave inspired to cultivate their own green spaces or advocate for sustainable land use policies.These interactions foster deeper appreciation for often-neglected aspects of ecosystems. For instance, certain weeds collected during expeditions demonstrate remarkable tolerance against pollution and rising temperatures. Such characteristics hold promise for developing resilient crops capable of thriving under harsh conditions. Ultimately, the library serves as a microcosm illustrating interdependence among organisms and their surroundings.