Octavia E. Butler’s groundbreaking science fiction novel Parable of the Sower from the Earthseed trilogy (1993) opens in the year 2024. In light of this pivotal moment, Müge Yılmaz and Anna Hoetjes initiate Taking Root Among the Stars . Building on the legacy of Butler’s work, this exhibition commemorates a year in which the future became the present, and then the past.

The exhibition brings together artists and writers who use science fiction not only as a theme, but also as a speculative means of worldbuilding to pose critical questions about our society. Taking Root Among the Stars explores different social realities, alternative futures and shared relationships with nature. Through an interdisciplinary approach to feminist, trans, queer and decolonial science fiction literature, the artists in this exhibition write themselves into the future(s) they want to see. 

As a platform for exchange at the intersection of art, literature, ecology, science and activism, this exhibition calls upon speculation and its feminist possibilities. Through works that are themselves vehicles for exchange, it creates a space for worldbuilding . Through dialogue, reflection and interaction, the exhibition invites the audience to imagine a radically different future – one that we look forward to, not fear.

With a community program consisting of workshops, reading groups, listening sessions and gatherings, we want to make visible the connections with speculative literature that go beyond imagination and theory. Practical workshops on survival – both within the current political climate and in our immediate surroundings – focus on building, connecting and strengthening communities. By reading together, writing, developing new skills, listening and simply being together, the context program reinforces that the speculative is rooted in acquiring tools for the future.

Featuring works by: AiRich, Black Quantum Futurism, Maartje Folkeringa, Anna Hoetjes, Adriana Knouf, Brittany Nelson, Ada M. Patterson, Sondi, Müge Yilmaz and Fei Yining.

The exhibition was preceded by Gathering Earthseed , a day-long gathering on feminist science fiction and the legacy of Octavia E. Butler on July 20 with a panel discussion, workshops, a ritual and a shared dinner.