Art is, at its core, grounded in the extraction of nature. Artworks are made of and made through the transformation of earth, air, light, animals, and plants. This focus exhibition foregrounds the natural-ness of all artworks and tells a history of artmaking’s relationship to the natural world from historic sustainability to exploitative practice and sustainable futures.

The exhibition features approximately 20 objects from cultures around the world spanning the 14th through 21st centuries. This includes works produced through a communal relationship with nature as well as artworks created by the extraction of materials for industry, leisure, and even explicit domination over nature.

Presented as part of the Turn Again to the Earth environmental initiative.

Co-curated by Brittany Luberda, BMA Anne Stone Associate Curator of Decorative Arts, and Kevin Tervala, BMA Eddie C. and C. Sylvia Brown Chief Curator.