MSU Broad showcases yearlong video series that highlights the environment

Over the next year the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University, or MSU Broad, will showcase a yearlong video series titled, “When the Land Speaks.” The video series will highlight artwork created by artists that is related to land use, sustainability, environmentalism and the right to clean, safe water resources.

“These are very important and topical issues not only here in Michigan, but all over the world,” said Steven Bridges, an associate curator at the MSU Broad. “Acknowledging this reality, we felt it important to include artists of different ethnicities, cultures and generations, from all over the world, to reveal different perspectives and approaches to these subjects.”

One of the artists that will be featured is MSU faculty member Dylan Miner, an associate professor in the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities. Miner’s series titled, “Michif-Michin” will be showcased from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2.

“Dylan plays an important role in the program, both as an artist of great integrity and quality, but also a link to more local concerns and conversations around issues pertaining to land use and water rights — two of the main ideas that guided our curatorial selections,” said Carla Acevedo-Yates, who is also an associate curator at the MSU Broad. 

An underutilized space in the lower level of the museum lead to the creation of the projection gallery space, where “When the Land Speaks,” will be featured on screen. It is a newer part of the MSU Broad and a way to highlight the work of artists working in video. 

“At the core, there is a common belief in the power of creativity to make a difference, to offer new and nuanced perspectives that further contribute to broader discussions,” Bridges said. “Today, there is an ever-growing need for new forms of experimentation and interdisciplinary thinking, and that is exactly what artists do.” 

Program Schedule:

• “The Voice Adrift,” until July 1 by Donna Conlon and Jonathan Harker.
• “Brasília Teimosa,” from July 3 to July 29 by Clarissa Tossin.
• “O Peixe,” from July 31 to Sept. 2 by Jonathas de Andrade.
• “The value of water,” from Sept. 4 to Sept. 30 by Deborah Jack.
• “Land of Friends,” from Oct. 2 to Nov. 4 by Carolina Caycedo.
• “Michif-Michin,” from Nov. 6 to Dec. 2 by Dylan Miner.
• “Many People, One Lake,” from Dec. 4 to Dec. 30 by Nicolás Gulotta.
• “Subatlantic,” from Jan. 1 to Feb. 3 by Ursula Biemann.
• “Well of Ancient Mysteries,” from Feb. 5 to March 3 by Dara Friedman.
• “Wild Relatives,” from March 5 to March 31 by Jumana Manna.
• “Post-Military Cinema,” from April 2 to April 28 by Beatriz Santiago Muñoz.