Big Botany: Conversations with the Plant World

Exhibition

Exhibition Overview

Big Botany: Conversations with the Plant World
Big Botany: Conversations with the Plant World
Stephen Goddard, curator
Galleries 315, 316, 317, and 408 Spencer Museum of Art, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

Big Botany: Conversations with the Plant World will explore humankind’s deep connections and fascination with the plant kingdom through works from the Spencer’s collection, a number of significant loans, and commissions by living artists. The exhibition will be organized through several themes: artists' studies of plant forms; historic and contemporary plant lore; art dealing with ecological sustainability and biomechanical plant hybrids; plants in a post-human world; and works dealing with current scientific research on how plants sense the world and communicate.

An accompanying publication will document the project and include brief texts by artists and curators as well as biologists, ecologists, and philosophers. A range of educational programs will engage university students, youth and families, scholars, and citizen scientists with the exhibition's central themes and artists.

Exhibition images

Works of art

Antoine-Jean Weber (1797–1875); Louise Adéone Drölling (1797–1834), Une jeune personne calquant une Fleur (A Young Woman Tracing a Flower)
Antoine-Jean Weber (1797–1875); Louise Adéone Drölling (1797–1834), Une jeune personne calquant une Fleur (A Young Woman Tracing a Flower)
Antoine-Jean Weber , Louise Adéone Drölling
Une jeune personne calquant une Fleur (A Young Woman Tracing a Flower)
1820–1875
Sebald Beham (1500–1550), untitled (Maskeron)
Sebald Beham (1500–1550), untitled (Maskeron)
Sebald Beham
untitled (Maskeron)
1543
Orval Hixon (1884–1982), Sammy Baird
Orval Hixon (1884–1982), Sammy Baird
Orval Hixon
Sammy Baird
1925
Thomas Jeckyll (1827–1881), design for a bracket panel for a Japanese pavillion
Thomas Jeckyll (1827–1881), design for a bracket panel for a Japanese pavillion
Thomas Jeckyll
design for a bracket panel for a Japanese pavillion
1876
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (view of the form of the flower mentioned on the thirteenth page)
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (view of the form of the flower mentioned on the thirteenth page)
William Sharp , John Fisk Allen
untitled (view of the form of the flower mentioned on the thirteenth page)
1854
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Eryngium Bourgatii Mannetreau
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Eryngium Bourgatii Mannetreau
Karl Blossfeldt
Eryngium Bourgatii Mannetreau
circa 1926–1928
William Morris (1834–1896), Double Bough
William Morris (1834–1896), Double Bough
William Morris
Double Bough
1890
Anna Atkins (1799–1871), Robinia pseudo-acacia (America)
Anna Atkins (1799–1871), Robinia pseudo-acacia (America)
Anna Atkins
Robinia pseudo-acacia (America)
circa 1851–1854
untitled
untitled
untitled
1600s
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (under side of a leaf)
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (under side of a leaf)
William Sharp , John Fisk Allen
untitled (under side of a leaf)
1854
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (young plants, frontispiece)
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (young plants, frontispiece)
William Sharp , John Fisk Allen
untitled (young plants, frontispiece)
1854
Susan Davidoff (born 1953); Lawrence Lithography Workshop (active 2001–present), Regiones Botánicas de la Tierra: Antillas No. 1
Susan Davidoff (born 1953); Lawrence Lithography Workshop (active 2001–present), Regiones Botánicas de la Tierra: Antillas No. 1
Lawrence Lithography Workshop , Susan Davidoff
Regiones Botánicas de la Tierra: Antillas No. 1
2001
Susan Davidoff (born 1953); Lawrence Lithography Workshop (active 2001–present), Regiones Botánicas de la Tierra: Antillas No. 2
Susan Davidoff (born 1953); Lawrence Lithography Workshop (active 2001–present), Regiones Botánicas de la Tierra: Antillas No. 2
Lawrence Lithography Workshop , Susan Davidoff
Regiones Botánicas de la Tierra: Antillas No. 2
2002
Richard Alden Griffin (1944–1991), "Aoxomoxoa," The Grateful Dead, The Sons of Champlin, Initital Shock, January 24-25-26, Avalon Ballroom
Richard Alden Griffin (1944–1991), "Aoxomoxoa," The Grateful Dead, The Sons of Champlin, Initital Shock, January 24-25-26, Avalon Ballroom
Richard Alden Griffin
"Aoxomoxoa," The Grateful Dead, The Sons of Champlin, Initital Shock, January 24-25-26, Avalon Ballroom
1969
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt
untitled
circa 1926–1930
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Trollius Ledeboura, Troll-Dotter blume
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Trollius Ledeboura, Troll-Dotter blume
Karl Blossfeldt
Trollius Ledeboura, Troll-Dotter blume
circa 1926–1930
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Aspidium Filix Mas. Wurmfarn
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Aspidium Filix Mas. Wurmfarn
Karl Blossfeldt
Aspidium Filix Mas. Wurmfarn
circa 1926–1930
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt
untitled
circa 1926–1930
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt
untitled
circa 1926–1930
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Papaver Mohn
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Papaver Mohn
Karl Blossfeldt
Papaver Mohn
1932
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt
untitled
circa 1926–1930
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), untitled
Karl Blossfeldt
untitled
circa 1926–1930
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Körbchenblütler
Karl Blossfeldt (1865–1932), Körbchenblütler
Karl Blossfeldt
Körbchenblütler
circa 1926–1930
George Andrew Tice (1938–2025), Tree #12
George Andrew Tice (1938–2025), Tree #12
George Andrew Tice
Tree #12
circa 1964–1965
George Andrew Tice (1938–2025), Tree #19
George Andrew Tice (1938–2025), Tree #19
George Andrew Tice
Tree #19
circa 1964–1965
untitled
untitled
untitled
1600s
untitled
untitled
untitled
1600s
untitled
untitled
untitled
1600s
untitled
untitled
untitled
1600s
untitled
untitled
untitled
1600s
untitled
untitled
untitled
1600s
untitled
untitled
untitled
1600s
untitled (plate 9)
untitled (plate 9)
untitled (plate 9)
1600s
untitled (plate 10)
untitled (plate 10)
untitled (plate 10)
1600s
untitled (plate 11)
untitled (plate 11)
untitled (plate 11)
1600s
untitled (plate 12)
untitled (plate 12)
untitled (plate 12)
1600s
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (opening flower)
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (opening flower)
William Sharp , John Fisk Allen
untitled (opening flower)
1854
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (intermediate stages of bloom)
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (intermediate stages of bloom)
William Sharp , John Fisk Allen
untitled (intermediate stages of bloom)
1854
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (complete bloom)
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), untitled (complete bloom)
William Sharp , John Fisk Allen
untitled (complete bloom)
1854
Doug Starn (born 1961); Mike Starn (born 1961), Structure of Thought 15
Doug Starn (born 1961); Mike Starn (born 1961), Structure of Thought 15
Doug Starn , Mike Starn
Structure of Thought 15
2001–2005
Renée Stout (born 1958), Root Chart #1
Renée Stout (born 1958), Root Chart #1
Renée Stout
Root Chart #1
2006
Mark Kostabi (born 1960), Flaws are Opportunities
Mark Kostabi (born 1960), Flaws are Opportunities
Mark Kostabi
Flaws are Opportunities
1983
Carl Wilhelm Kolbe the elder (1759–1835), Die Kuh im Sumpf (The Cow in the Swamp)
Carl Wilhelm Kolbe the elder (1759–1835), Die Kuh im Sumpf (The Cow in the Swamp)
Carl Wilhelm Kolbe the elder
Die Kuh im Sumpf (The Cow in the Swamp)
circa 1800–1803
Rodolphe Bresdin (1822–1885), Le bon Samaritain (The good Samaritan)
Rodolphe Bresdin (1822–1885), Le bon Samaritain (The good Samaritan)
Rodolphe Bresdin
Le bon Samaritain (The good Samaritan)
1861
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Descendant
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Descendant
Isabella Kirkland , Trillium Graphics , Feature Inc.
Descendant
2007–2008
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Ascendant
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Ascendant
Isabella Kirkland , Trillium Graphics , Feature Inc.
Ascendant
2007–2008
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Trade
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Trade
Isabella Kirkland , Trillium Graphics , Feature Inc.
Trade
2007–2008
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Collection
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Collection
Isabella Kirkland , Trillium Graphics , Feature Inc.
Collection
2007–2008
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Back
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Back
Isabella Kirkland , Trillium Graphics , Feature Inc.
Back
2007–2008
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Gone
Isabella Kirkland (born 1954); Trillium Graphics (founded 1979); Feature Inc., Gone
Isabella Kirkland , Trillium Graphics , Feature Inc.
Gone
2007–2008
Terry Evans (born 1944), Field Museum, Helianthus, 1905
Terry Evans (born 1944), Field Museum, Helianthus, 1905
Terry Evans
Field Museum, Helianthus, 1905
2000
Rochester Lithographing and Printing Co. (active 1870–1900s), apple tree salesman's sample book
Rochester Lithographing and Printing Co. (active 1870–1900s), apple tree salesman's sample book
Rochester Lithographing and Printing Co.
apple tree salesman's sample book
early 1900s
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Edunia Seed Pack #1
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Edunia Seed Pack #1
Eduardo Kac
Edunia Seed Pack #1
2009
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Edunia Seed Pack #4
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Edunia Seed Pack #4
Eduardo Kac
Edunia Seed Pack #4
2009
Esaias van Hulsen (circa 1585–1624), Console of scrolling foliate forms with flowers and two birds, and a hunter shooting rabbits
Esaias van Hulsen (circa 1585–1624), Console of scrolling foliate forms with flowers and two birds, and a hunter shooting rabbits
Esaias van Hulsen
Console of scrolling foliate forms with flowers and two birds, and a hunter shooting rabbits
circa 1610s
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders
untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
1612–1614
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Plantimal I
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Plantimal I
Eduardo Kac
Plantimal I
2009
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Plantimal II
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Plantimal II
Eduardo Kac
Plantimal II
2009
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Plantimal IV
Eduardo Kac (born 1962), Plantimal IV
Eduardo Kac
Plantimal IV
2009
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders
untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
1612–1614
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders
untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
1612–1614
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders
untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
1612–1614
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders
untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
1612–1614
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders
untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
1612–1614
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders (1586–1672), untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
Michiel Snyders
untitled (bouquet of flowers in ornate vase, with insects)
1612–1614
Ryan Oakes (born 1982); Trevor Oakes (born 1982), Cauli-Cosmos
Ryan Oakes (born 1982); Trevor Oakes (born 1982), Cauli-Cosmos
Ryan Oakes , Trevor Oakes
Cauli-Cosmos
2014
Ryan Oakes (born 1982); Trevor Oakes (born 1982), Pine Cone Rhythm
Ryan Oakes (born 1982); Trevor Oakes (born 1982), Pine Cone Rhythm
Ryan Oakes , Trevor Oakes
Pine Cone Rhythm
2014
Richard Selesnick (born 1964); Nicholas Kahn (born 1964), King of Weeds
Richard Selesnick (born 1964); Nicholas Kahn (born 1964), King of Weeds
Richard Selesnick , Nicholas Kahn
King of Weeds
2013
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Title page (III. Terra. Hexaedron)
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Title page (III. Terra. Hexaedron)
Jost Amman , Wenzel Jamnitzer
Title page (III. Terra. Hexaedron)
1568
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Plate B6
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Plate B6
Jost Amman , Wenzel Jamnitzer
Plate B6
1568
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Plate C1
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Plate C1
Jost Amman , Wenzel Jamnitzer
Plate C1
1568
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Plate C2
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Plate C2
Jost Amman , Wenzel Jamnitzer
Plate C2
1568
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Plate C3
Jost Amman (1539–1591); Wenzel Jamnitzer (1507 or 1508–1585), Plate C3
Jost Amman , Wenzel Jamnitzer
Plate C3
1568
Dain L. Tasker (1872–1964), Fuschia [Fuchsia]
Dain L. Tasker (1872–1964), Fuschia [Fuchsia]
Dain L. Tasker
Fuschia [Fuchsia]
1938
Lori Nix (born 1969), Mall
Lori Nix (born 1969), Mall
Lori Nix
Mall
2010
Lori Nix (born 1969), Observatory
Lori Nix (born 1969), Observatory
Lori Nix
Observatory
2015
A. Mary Kay (born 1954), Number 47. Milkweed, Iris, Trumpet Vine Seedpods
A. Mary Kay (born 1954), Number 47. Milkweed, Iris, Trumpet Vine Seedpods
A. Mary Kay
Number 47. Milkweed, Iris, Trumpet Vine Seedpods
2004–2008
A. Mary Kay (born 1954), Number 11. Leaf Skeleton
A. Mary Kay (born 1954), Number 11. Leaf Skeleton
A. Mary Kay
Number 11. Leaf Skeleton
2004–2008
A. Mary Kay (born 1954), Number 28. Stem and Seeds
A. Mary Kay (born 1954), Number 28. Stem and Seeds
A. Mary Kay
Number 28. Stem and Seeds
2004–2008–2011
A. Mary Kay (born 1954), Number 20. Hosta Leaves
A. Mary Kay (born 1954), Number 20. Hosta Leaves
A. Mary Kay
Number 20. Hosta Leaves
2016
Katie Paterson (born 1981), Future Library (certificate)
Katie Paterson (born 1981), Future Library (certificate)
Katie Paterson
Future Library (certificate)
2014–2114
Jean-Émile Laboureur (1877–1943), L'Entomologiste (The Entomologist or The Insect Collector)
Jean-Émile Laboureur (1877–1943), L'Entomologiste (The Entomologist or The Insect Collector)
Jean-Émile Laboureur
L'Entomologiste (The Entomologist or The Insect Collector)
1932–1933
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), JANUARY: Reading Seed Catalogs
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), JANUARY: Reading Seed Catalogs
Andrew Raftery
JANUARY: Reading Seed Catalogs
2009–2016
Justin Amrhein (born 1979), Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Cypripedium Acaule aka Lady Slipper
Justin Amrhein (born 1979), Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Cypripedium Acaule aka Lady Slipper
Justin Amrhein
Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Cypripedium Acaule aka Lady Slipper
2014
Justin Amrhein (born 1979), Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Vanda Coerulea aka Blue Vanda
Justin Amrhein (born 1979), Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Vanda Coerulea aka Blue Vanda
Justin Amrhein
Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Vanda Coerulea aka Blue Vanda
2014
Justin Amrhein (born 1979), Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Psychopsis Papilio aka Butterfly Orchid
Justin Amrhein (born 1979), Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Psychopsis Papilio aka Butterfly Orchid
Justin Amrhein
Mechanical Orchid Triptych, Psychopsis Papilio aka Butterfly Orchid
2014
Mark Dion (born 1961), portfolio box
Mark Dion (born 1961), portfolio box
Mark Dion
portfolio box
2007–2011
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion
Marine Algae
2007–2011
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion
Marine Algae
2007–2011
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion
Marine Algae
2007–2011
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion
Marine Algae
2007–2011
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion
Marine Algae
2007–2011
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion
Marine Algae
2007–2011
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion (born 1961), Marine Algae
Mark Dion
Marine Algae
2007–2011
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Healing Plants for Hurt Landscapes
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Healing Plants for Hurt Landscapes
Laurence Aëgerter
Healing Plants for Hurt Landscapes
2015
Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919), Moss (Muscinae)
Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919), Moss (Muscinae)
Ernst Haeckel
Moss (Muscinae)
1904
Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919), Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae)
Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919), Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae)
Ernst Haeckel
Nepenthes (Nepenthaceae)
1904
Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919), Orchids (Orchidae)
Ernst Haeckel (1834–1919), Orchids (Orchidae)
Ernst Haeckel
Orchids (Orchidae)
1904
Justin Amrhein (born 1979), Mechanical Orchid Parts Catalogue
Justin Amrhein (born 1979), Mechanical Orchid Parts Catalogue
Justin Amrhein
Mechanical Orchid Parts Catalogue
2015
Peter Randall-Page (born 1954), Fibonacci Flip II
Peter Randall-Page (born 1954), Fibonacci Flip II
Peter Randall-Page
Fibonacci Flip II
2003
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño , Felix Harlan , Carol Weaver , Harlan & Weaver
untitled
2014–2015
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño , Felix Harlan , Carol Weaver , Harlan & Weaver
untitled
2014–2015
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño , Felix Harlan , Carol Weaver , Harlan & Weaver
untitled
2014–2015
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño , Felix Harlan , Carol Weaver , Harlan & Weaver
untitled
2014–2015
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño , Felix Harlan , Carol Weaver , Harlan & Weaver
untitled
2014–2015
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño (born 1955); Felix Harlan (born 1951); Carol Weaver (born 1955); Harlan & Weaver (founded 1984), untitled
José Antonio Suárez Londoño , Felix Harlan , Carol Weaver , Harlan & Weaver
untitled
2014–2015
unrecorded Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) or Mi'kmaq (Micmac) artist, small basket with lid
unrecorded Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) or Mi'kmaq (Micmac) artist, small basket with lid
unrecorded Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) or Mi'kmaq (Micmac) artist
small basket with lid
late 1800s–early 1900s
Israhel van Meckenem the younger (1440 or 1445–1503); Master of the Housebook (circa 1470–1500), The Lovers
Israhel van Meckenem the younger (1440 or 1445–1503); Master of the Housebook (circa 1470–1500), The Lovers
Israhel van Meckenem the younger , Master of the Housebook
The Lovers
late 1400s
Mark Dion (born 1961), The Seed Smuggler's Luggage
Mark Dion (born 1961), The Seed Smuggler's Luggage
Mark Dion
The Seed Smuggler's Luggage
2008
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Vault Interior, Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Spitsbergen Island, Norway
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Vault Interior, Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Spitsbergen Island, Norway
Dornith Doherty
Vault Interior, Svalbard Global Seed Vault, Spitsbergen Island, Norway
2010
Jim Richardson (born 1947), Kernza® (intermediate wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium
Jim Richardson (born 1947), Kernza® (intermediate wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium
Jim Richardson
Kernza® (intermediate wheatgrass), Thinopyrum intermedium
2009
Jim Richardson (born 1947), Compass Plant, Silphium laciniatum
Jim Richardson (born 1947), Compass Plant, Silphium laciniatum
Jim Richardson
Compass Plant, Silphium laciniatum
2009
Rohini Devasher (born 1978), Archetype - 1
Rohini Devasher (born 1978), Archetype - 1
Rohini Devasher
Archetype - 1
2007
Rohini Devasher (born 1978), Chimera - 2
Rohini Devasher (born 1978), Chimera - 2
Rohini Devasher
Chimera - 2
2008
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Taraxacum officinale i.a. - Gaza, Palestina
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Taraxacum officinale i.a. - Gaza, Palestina
Laurence Aëgerter
Taraxacum officinale i.a. - Gaza, Palestina
2015
Mathias Kessler (born 1968), After Nature (coding and re-coding nature)
Mathias Kessler (born 1968), After Nature (coding and re-coding nature)
Mathias Kessler
After Nature (coding and re-coding nature)
2018
Heather Ackroyd (born 1959); Dan Harvey (born 1959), The Satanic Formula (after Senanayake)
Heather Ackroyd (born 1959); Dan Harvey (born 1959), The Satanic Formula (after Senanayake)
Heather Ackroyd , Dan Harvey
The Satanic Formula (after Senanayake)
2018
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, white daisy, 1886
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, white daisy, 1886
Terry Evans
Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, white daisy, 1886
2000
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, blue wild indigo, 1886
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, blue wild indigo, 1886
Terry Evans
Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, blue wild indigo, 1886
2000
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, oenethera, 1886
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, oenethera, 1886
Terry Evans
Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, oenethera, 1886
2000
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, grass, 1886
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, grass, 1886
Terry Evans
Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, grass, 1886
2000
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, green milkweed, 1886
Terry Evans (born 1944), Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, green milkweed, 1886
Terry Evans
Flora of Kansas, Anton Olson, green milkweed, 1886
2000
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717), Plate XXVI Cacao
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717), Plate XXVI Cacao
Maria Sibylla Merian
Plate XXVI Cacao
1771
Albertus Seba (1665–1736), Volume 1, Plate I, Skeletons of Various Fruits
Albertus Seba (1665–1736), Volume 1, Plate I, Skeletons of Various Fruits
Albertus Seba
Volume 1, Plate I, Skeletons of Various Fruits
1734–1765
Nehemiah Grew (1641–1712), Plate 34, Sumach Branch Cut Transversly
Nehemiah Grew (1641–1712), Plate 34, Sumach Branch Cut Transversly
Nehemiah Grew
Plate 34, Sumach Branch Cut Transversly
1682
John Gerard (1545–1612), title page
John Gerard (1545–1612), title page
John Gerard
title page
1636
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Althaea officinalis – i.a. Al Ahmadi, Kuwait
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Althaea officinalis – i.a. Al Ahmadi, Kuwait
Laurence Aëgerter
Althaea officinalis – i.a. Al Ahmadi, Kuwait
2015
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Ruta graveolens i.a. - Barrington crater, Arizona, USA
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Ruta graveolens i.a. - Barrington crater, Arizona, USA
Laurence Aëgerter
Ruta graveolens i.a. - Barrington crater, Arizona, USA
2015
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Cannabis sativa i.a. - Coastal Japan
Laurence Aëgerter (born 1972), Cannabis sativa i.a. - Coastal Japan
Laurence Aëgerter
Cannabis sativa i.a. - Coastal Japan
2015
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), FEBRUARY: Planting Seeds
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), FEBRUARY: Planting Seeds
Andrew Raftery
FEBRUARY: Planting Seeds
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), MARCH: Watering the Cold Frame
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), MARCH: Watering the Cold Frame
Andrew Raftery
MARCH: Watering the Cold Frame
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), APRIL: Edging the Beds
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), APRIL: Edging the Beds
Andrew Raftery
APRIL: Edging the Beds
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), MAY: Cultivating Lettuce
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), MAY: Cultivating Lettuce
Andrew Raftery
MAY: Cultivating Lettuce
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), JUNE: Training a Passion Vine
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), JUNE: Training a Passion Vine
Andrew Raftery
JUNE: Training a Passion Vine
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), JULY: Fertilizing
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), JULY: Fertilizing
Andrew Raftery
JULY: Fertilizing
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), AUGUST: Deadheading
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), AUGUST: Deadheading
Andrew Raftery
AUGUST: Deadheading
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), SEPTEMBER: Mowing
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), SEPTEMBER: Mowing
Andrew Raftery
SEPTEMBER: Mowing
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), OCTOBER: Bringing in Chrysanthemums
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), OCTOBER: Bringing in Chrysanthemums
Andrew Raftery
OCTOBER: Bringing in Chrysanthemums
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), NOVEMBER: Digging Dahlia Tubers
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), NOVEMBER: Digging Dahlia Tubers
Andrew Raftery
NOVEMBER: Digging Dahlia Tubers
2009–2016
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), DECEMBER: Contemplating in the Snow
Andrew Raftery (born 1962), DECEMBER: Contemplating in the Snow
Andrew Raftery
DECEMBER: Contemplating in the Snow
2009–2016
Sandy Winters (born 1949), The Signal and the Noise
Sandy Winters (born 1949), The Signal and the Noise
Sandy Winters
The Signal and the Noise
2014–2018
Sandy Winters (born 1949), Long Night's Journey into Day
Sandy Winters (born 1949), Long Night's Journey into Day
Sandy Winters
Long Night's Journey into Day
2014–2018
Karl Kröner (1887–1972), Waldflechte (Forest Lichens)
Karl Kröner (1887–1972), Waldflechte (Forest Lichens)
Karl Kröner
Waldflechte (Forest Lichens)
1906
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), portfolio cover
William Sharp (1803–1875); John Fisk Allen (1785–1865), portfolio cover
William Sharp , John Fisk Allen
portfolio cover
1854
Mark Dion (born 1961), Field Guide to Dr. Fairchild's Kampong Laboratory with Notes on the Surrounding Garden and Flora
Mark Dion (born 1961), Field Guide to Dr. Fairchild's Kampong Laboratory with Notes on the Surrounding Garden and Flora
Mark Dion
Field Guide to Dr. Fairchild's Kampong Laboratory with Notes on the Surrounding Garden and Flora
2016
Mark Dion (born 1961), The Jenks Society presents A Brief Guide to THE LOST MUSEUM, Providence, R.I.
Mark Dion (born 1961), The Jenks Society presents A Brief Guide to THE LOST MUSEUM, Providence, R.I.
Mark Dion
The Jenks Society presents A Brief Guide to THE LOST MUSEUM, Providence, R.I.
2014
Mark Dion (born 1961); Printed Matter, Inc., A Field Guide and Handbook of Thoughts, Musings, Observations, Case Studies, and Histories (Alternative, Conventional & Otherwise) on on the Elevated Structure Formerly and Now Known as the HIGH...
Mark Dion (born 1961); Printed Matter, Inc., A Field Guide and Handbook of Thoughts, Musings, Observations, Case Studies, and Histories (Alternative, Conventional & Otherwise) on on the Elevated Structure Formerly and Now Known as the HIGH...
Mark Dion , Printed Matter, Inc.
A Field Guide and Handbook of Thoughts, Musings, Observations, Case Studies, and Histories (Alternative, Conventional & Otherwise) on on the Elevated Structure Formerly and Now Known as the HIGH...
2013
Mark Dion (born 1961), Field Guide – Buffalo Bayou Invasive Plant Eradication Unit
Mark Dion (born 1961), Field Guide – Buffalo Bayou Invasive Plant Eradication Unit
Mark Dion
Field Guide – Buffalo Bayou Invasive Plant Eradication Unit
after 2006
Mark Dion (born 1961), Field Guide to Ohio University Collections
Mark Dion (born 1961), Field Guide to Ohio University Collections
Mark Dion
Field Guide to Ohio University Collections
2009
Mark Dion (born 1961), Mobile Gull Appreciation Unit / Field Guide
Mark Dion (born 1961), Mobile Gull Appreciation Unit / Field Guide
Mark Dion
Mobile Gull Appreciation Unit / Field Guide
date unknown
Mark Dion (born 1961), Field Guide to the Wildlife of Mark Dion’s Seattle Vivarium, Olympic Sculpture Park
Mark Dion (born 1961), Field Guide to the Wildlife of Mark Dion’s Seattle Vivarium, Olympic Sculpture Park
Mark Dion
Field Guide to the Wildlife of Mark Dion’s Seattle Vivarium, Olympic Sculpture Park
after 2004
Mark Dion (born 1961), Mark Dion’s Urban Wildlife Observation Unit, Field Guide to the Wildlife of Madison Square Park, July 11–October 31, 2002, a Project of the Public Art Fund
Mark Dion (born 1961), Mark Dion’s Urban Wildlife Observation Unit, Field Guide to the Wildlife of Madison Square Park, July 11–October 31, 2002, a Project of the Public Art Fund
Mark Dion
Mark Dion’s Urban Wildlife Observation Unit, Field Guide to the Wildlife of Madison Square Park, July 11–October 31, 2002, a Project of the Public Art Fund
2002
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Nordic Genetic Resource Center Seed Vials, Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Nordic Genetic Resource Center Seed Vials, Svalbard Global Seed Vault
Dornith Doherty
Nordic Genetic Resource Center Seed Vials, Svalbard Global Seed Vault
2010
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Barley Collection, Vavilov Institute for Plant Industry, St. Petersburg, Russia
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Barley Collection, Vavilov Institute for Plant Industry, St. Petersburg, Russia
Dornith Doherty
Barley Collection, Vavilov Institute for Plant Industry, St. Petersburg, Russia
2012
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Seed Vault, Kuban Experimental Station of the VIR, Krasnodar Territory, Russia
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Seed Vault, Kuban Experimental Station of the VIR, Krasnodar Territory, Russia
Dornith Doherty
Seed Vault, Kuban Experimental Station of the VIR, Krasnodar Territory, Russia
2012
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Greenhouse, Millennium Seed Bank, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, West Sussex, England
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Greenhouse, Millennium Seed Bank, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, West Sussex, England
Dornith Doherty
Greenhouse, Millennium Seed Bank, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, West Sussex, England
2009
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Antique Seed Collection, Western Australia Threatened Seed Centre, Kensington, Western Australia
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Antique Seed Collection, Western Australia Threatened Seed Centre, Kensington, Western Australia
Dornith Doherty
Antique Seed Collection, Western Australia Threatened Seed Centre, Kensington, Western Australia
2013
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Acai Research, EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia, Brazil
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Acai Research, EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia, Brazil
Dornith Doherty
Acai Research, EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasilia, Brazil
2012
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Incubator USADA ARS, National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Dornith Doherty (born 1957), Incubator USADA ARS, National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Dornith Doherty
Incubator USADA ARS, National Center for Genetic Resources Preservation, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
2009
American Prairie Lepidella (Amanita prairiicola Peck) Collected by Elam Bartholomew in the open Kansas prairie, September 17, 1896
American Prairie Lepidella (Amanita prairiicola Peck) Collected by Elam Bartholomew in the open Kansas prairie, September 17, 1896
American Prairie Lepidella (Amanita prairiicola Peck) Collected by Elam Bartholomew in the open Kansas prairie, September 17, 1896
1896
Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue) Collected by Theodore L. Esslinger in Klickitat County, Washington, August 10, 1999
Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue) Collected by Theodore L. Esslinger in Klickitat County, Washington, August 10, 1999
Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina (L.) Hue) Collected by Theodore L. Esslinger in Klickitat County, Washington, August 10, 1999
1999
Mead's Milkweed (Asclepias meadii Torr) Collected by Ralph E. Brooks in Douglas County, Kansas, June 8, 1982
Mead's Milkweed (Asclepias meadii Torr) Collected by Ralph E. Brooks in Douglas County, Kansas, June 8, 1982
Mead's Milkweed (Asclepias meadii Torr) Collected by Ralph E. Brooks in Douglas County, Kansas, June 8, 1982
1982
Western Prairie fringed orchid (Habenaria leucophaea (Nutt.) A. Gray [now recognized as Platanthera praeclara Sheviak & M.L. Bowles]) Collected by Magrath in Jefferson County, Kansas, June 23, 1969
Western Prairie fringed orchid (Habenaria leucophaea (Nutt.) A. Gray [now recognized as Platanthera praeclara Sheviak & M.L. Bowles]) Collected by Magrath in Jefferson County, Kansas, June 23, 1969
Western Prairie fringed orchid (Habenaria leucophaea (Nutt.) A. Gray [now recognized as Platanthera praeclara Sheviak & M.L. Bowles]) Collected by Magrath in Jefferson County, Kansas, June 23, 1969
1969
Whitetinge sedge (Carex albicans Willd. ex Spreng. var albicans) Collected by Lewis David de Schweinitz, circa 1812–1821
Whitetinge sedge (Carex albicans Willd. ex Spreng. var albicans) Collected by Lewis David de Schweinitz, circa 1812–1821
Whitetinge sedge (Carex albicans Willd. ex Spreng. var albicans) Collected by Lewis David de Schweinitz, circa 1812–1821
circa 1812–1921
Canadian anemone (Renunculaceae/Anemone pennsylvanica [Anemone canadensis L.]) Collected by Lewis Lindsay Dyche in Lawrence, Kansas, circa 1878–1915
Canadian anemone (Renunculaceae/Anemone pennsylvanica [Anemone canadensis L.]) Collected by Lewis Lindsay Dyche in Lawrence, Kansas, circa 1878–1915
Canadian anemone (Renunculaceae/Anemone pennsylvanica [Anemone canadensis L.]) Collected by Lewis Lindsay Dyche in Lawrence, Kansas, circa 1878–1915
circa 1878–1915
Blacksamson echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia DC.) Collected by Ronald L. McGregor in Johnson County, Nebraska, December 5, 1960
Blacksamson echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia DC.) Collected by Ronald L. McGregor in Johnson County, Nebraska, December 5, 1960
Blacksamson echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia DC.) Collected by Ronald L. McGregor in Johnson County, Nebraska, December 5, 1960
1960
Sweetgrass (Savastana odorata (L.) Scribn. [now recognized as Hierochloe odorata (L.) P. Beauv.]) Collected by Frederick Funston on Khantaak Island, Alaska, June 20, 1892
Sweetgrass (Savastana odorata (L.) Scribn. [now recognized as Hierochloe odorata (L.) P. Beauv.]) Collected by Frederick Funston on Khantaak Island, Alaska, June 20, 1892
Sweetgrass (Savastana odorata (L.) Scribn. [now recognized as Hierochloe odorata (L.) P. Beauv.]) Collected by Frederick Funston on Khantaak Island, Alaska, June 20, 1892
1892
Heather Ackroyd (born 1959); Dan Harvey (born 1959), Andi | Standing Rock Dakota
Heather Ackroyd (born 1959); Dan Harvey (born 1959), Andi | Standing Rock Dakota
Heather Ackroyd , Dan Harvey
Andi | Standing Rock Dakota
2018
Heather Ackroyd (born 1959); Dan Harvey (born 1959), Lottie | Leith Hill No Drill
Heather Ackroyd (born 1959); Dan Harvey (born 1959), Lottie | Leith Hill No Drill
Heather Ackroyd , Dan Harvey
Lottie | Leith Hill No Drill
2018

Events

March 13–March 27, 2018
Engagement
Sandy Winters
Spencer Museum of Art
March 15–March 27, 2018
Engagement
Mathias Kessler
Spencer Museum of Art
March 15–March 27, 2018
Engagement
Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey
Spencer Museum of Art
March 27, 2018
Talk
What a Plant Knows
5:30–6:30PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Auditorium, 309
March 28, 2018
Conference
Big Botany: Conversations with the Plant World
10:00AM–5:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art
March 30, 2018
Performance
Goldenberg Duo
12:00–1:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Sam and Connie Perkins Central Court, 317
April 11, 2018
Talk
PLANT-CAPITAL: Objectification and Agency in a Consumerist World
5:30–6:30PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Auditorium, 309
April 13, 2018
Tour
SOC 519 Sociology of Global Food
9:00–10:50AM
Spencer Museum of Art, 315, 316, 317, 408
April 21, 2018
Activity
Gel Printing with Plants
1:00–4:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Sam and Connie Perkins Central Court, 317
April 21, 2018
Performance
Afternoon on a Hill
4:00–5:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Sam and Connie Perkins Central Court, 317
April 22, 2018
Talk
Up Close: Big Botany and a Look at Lichen
2:00–4:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Sam and Connie Perkins Central Court, 317, Spencer Museum of Art, Kemper Family Foundations Balcony, 408, Spencer Museum of Art, H.W. (Bill) and Marynell D. Reece Memorial Plaza
April 29, 2018
Activity
Day of Creativity: People. Plants. Play.
12:00–3:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art
May 2, 2018
Talk
Inside Big Botany
5:30–6:30PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Auditorium, 309
May 3, 2018–April 9, 2025
Talk
Humankind: Solidarity with Non-Humans
10:00–11:00AM
The Commons, Spooner Hall, 1340 Jayhawk Blvd
May 19, 2018
Activity
Nature vs Machine Drawings
1:00–4:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Sam and Connie Perkins Central Court, 317
May 24, 2018
Talk
Big Botany: Conversations with the Plant World
10:00–11:00AM
Spencer Museum of Art, Sam and Connie Perkins Central Court, 317
May 31, 2018
Screening
Leaning into the Wind: Andy Goldsworthy
6:00–7:30PM
Spencer Museum of Art
June 8, 2018
Talk
Six Degrees of Separation
1:00–2:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Jack and Lavon Brosseau Center for Learning, 318
June 14, 2018
Screening
Day of the Triffids
6:00–7:30PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Auditorium, 309
June 28, 2018
Screening
Annihilation
6:00–8:00PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Auditorium, 309
July 15, 2018
Screening
Little Shop of Horrors
2:00–3:30PM
Spencer Museum of Art, Auditorium, 309

Resources

Documents

Media Release
Object Label
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
Media Coverage
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Media Release
Media Release