Into the Weeds

Weeds are plants that grow in places other than where humans determine they should be. Weeds are the bane of existence across North Dakota, now an intensively planted, agricultural paradise. An adjacent industry has arisen just to kill weeds. Legal wars ensue between environmentalists and agribusinesses. Weeds, these undesirable or troublesome plants, adapt and continue to flourish. They quickly occupy empty spaces, abandoned spaces, condemned spaces. Vacant lots fill with weeds.

Artists, however, relish weeds. They represent exuberance, vigor, abundance, a cornucopia bursting with life. Weeds project the power to take over the world. Even farmers, growers, and gardeners will chuckle at their nemesis, those unwanted and abhorred WEEDS.

Artists include: Francisco Alvarado, Paterson Clark, Matt Collishaw, Joan Linder, Vivienne Morgan, Judy Onofrio, Eggert Pétursson, and Margaret Wall-Romana.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website