“Black Earth Rising” Exhibition Explores the Intersection of Art, History, and the Environment
The exhibition “Black Earth Rising” at the Baltimore Museum of Art sheds light on the historical significance of terra preta, a fertile soil cultivated by Indigenous farmers in the Amazon Basin between 450 B.C.E. and 950 C.E. This soil, rich in nutrients and minerals, was created using a mix of broken pottery, compost, bones, manure, and charcoal, giving it its distinctive dark color.
Curated by journalist Ekow Eshun, the exhibition delves into the connections between the climate crisis, colonization, diasporas, and social and environmental justice. Through a diverse range of artworks by over 150 contemporary African diasporic, Latin American, and Native American artists, the show challenges viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world.
Accompanying the exhibition is an anthology titled “Black Earth Rising: Colonialism and Climate Change in Contemporary Art,” published by Thames & Hudson. The anthology features works that explore themes such as slavery, forced migration, the environmental impact of colonialism, and social injustices faced by marginalized communities.
One of the featured artists, Cannupa Hanska Luger, uses multimedia approaches to envision a post-capitalism, post-colonial future where humans reconnect with the earth and each other. Carrie Mae Weems’ photograph “A Distant View” from ‘The Louisiana Project’ offers a haunting perspective on the history of enslaved women in the South, juxtaposing idyllic landscapes with the harsh realities of plantation life.
Through painting, photography, sculpture, and installation, the exhibition prompts viewers to reflect on the legacy of history and its impact on the current climate crisis. By centering the voices of people of color, “Black Earth Rising” invites audiences to consider how we can build a future that prioritizes unity and a deeper connection with nature.
The exhibition runs through September 21 at the Baltimore Museum of Art. The accompanying anthology is available for purchase on Bookshop. Explore the powerful artworks featured in “Black Earth Rising” and engage with the complex narratives that challenge us to rethink our relationship with the environment and each other.
