Ever wondered if art can grow on trees… or rather, from seeds? The Minneapolis Institute of Art is turning heads with its groundbreaking crop art exhibition! Discover how Minnesota State Fair artists transform humble seeds into breathtaking masterpieces, blending tradition with contemporary flair. Which piece will be your favorite?
The Minneapolis Institute of Art is breaking new ground with its inaugural “Cream of the Crop” exhibition, showcasing the unexpected artistry of crop art. This groundbreaking display brings the vibrant, intricate world of seed art from the Minnesota State Fair directly into the esteemed museum, marking a significant moment for both the institution and this unique regional artistic tradition.
Opening on September 6, the exhibition features the works of ten distinguished crop artists, carefully selected by Mia director and president Katie Luber, alongside associate curators Galina Olmsted and Leslie Ureña. The selections were made across two categories: best interpretation of an artwork at Mia and best interpretation of a Minnesota landmark, story, or figure, highlighting the diverse inspirations behind these captivating seed art creations.
Curator Galina Olmsted emphasized the profound artistic heritage embedded in crop art, noting its connection to a “rich tradition of mosaic and beadwork and embroidery that exists in all cultures.” She further elaborated that while it draws from these deep artistic roots, crop art simultaneously stands as a distinctly “hyperlocal Minnesota form,” celebrating the state’s cultural identity through an unconventional medium.
Among the standout pieces is Jeanne Morales’ “My Chagall Dream,” which earned recognition in the best interpretation of an artwork at Mia category. Morales skillfully referenced the iconic flying woman motif found in Marc Chagall’s whimsical paintings, reimagining it soaring over the Minneapolis skyline in a truly creative and beautifully executed seed art interpretation. Her deep dive into art history is evident in this impressive work.
Another celebrated entry, “The Treachery of a Pronto Pup” by the father-daughter duo Amy and Steve Saupe, took home the award for best interpretation of an artwork at Mia. This clever piece, which blends art history with specific Minnesota State Fair humor, references a René Magritte painting and a local culinary staple. Olmsted praised its “art history in joke” quality and the exceptional craftsmanship evident in its detailed composition and background build-up.
The exhibition also honors several other innovative artists, including Jill Osiecki for her “Vincent Van Grow Olive Trees,” Jill Moe’s “All the Eternal Love I Have for the Crop Art” (a homage to Yayoi Kusama), Amanda Cashman’s “Under the Wave off Kanagawa,” and Ursula Murray Husted’s “Crop Art study of Alice Neel’s ‘Christy White, 1958′.” These works brilliantly reimagine classical and modern art through the intricate textures and natural colors of seeds.
Juventino Meza’s “Broken Pinky, Unbroken Justice” received an honorable mention for its powerful tribute to former Minnesota State Supreme Court Justice Alan Page. Meza, who was a recipient of a Page Education Foundation Scholarship, utilized crop art as a deeply personal medium to connect his own journey with broader themes of justice, underscoring the art form’s capacity for profound storytelling and social commentary.
This pioneering Minneapolis Institute of Art exhibition not only celebrates the ingenuity of Minnesota artists but also elevates crop art beyond its traditional fairground setting, positioning it within the broader discourse of contemporary art. It invites visitors to appreciate the meticulous detail, cultural significance, and boundless creativity inherent in this cherished Minnesota tradition, offering a fresh perspective on what constitutes fine art.
