Seitu K. Jones explores soil, culture and African American history in solo show

Collard greens appear throughout the new Seitu K. Jones solo exhibition at the Minnesota Museum of American Art, “The Smell of Earth: Seitu K. Jones Working in the Elements.” The plant emerges in charcoal drawings, paintings and a sculptural form contained inside a hand-carved box made from Minnesota basswood. The hearty green acts as a connecting cord in the exhibition.

“I keep coming back to collard greens as a way of accessing Southern cuisine,” Jones said. “And then exploring these African American culinary traditions — this line that connects us all to Africa.”

The greens invite an exploration of Jones’ relationship with the soil, culture and history. Along with portraiture and an exploration of West African cultural motifs, the exhibition — running Oct. 22 through July 25, with an opening reception on Oct. 29 — offers a chance to see Jones’ technical range. 

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