Colorado Springs residents can now explore a striking visual tribute to humanity’s botanical safety net at the ENT Center for the Arts. Artist Dornith Doherty has brought a portion of her “Archiving Eden” project to the museum, presenting large‑scale, lenticular prints that capture X‑ray photographs of seedlings stored in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, the world’s last‑resort repository for plant diversity.
From the Arctic Circle to Colorado Springs
Doherty traveled to the remote Norwegian archipelago within the Arctic Circle to document the vault’s interior, where thousands of seed samples lie frozen in permafrost. Using X‑ray technology, she revealed the delicate structures of the seedlings, then transformed those images into oversized lenticular panels. The prints shift in color and brightness as viewers move, giving the impression that the seeds are alive and responding to their surroundings.
Part of the “Simulacra” Exhibition
The exhibit is one of three pieces in the museum’s “Simulacra” show, which explores how art can simulate and reinterpret reality. Joining Doherty’s work are two notable installations:
- Bill Viola’s “Moving Stillness” (1979) – a digital projection of Mt. Rainier reflected in a pool of water that ripples and distorts when the water is disturbed, inviting contemplation of nature’s fragility.
- Etsuko Ichikawa’s “Broken Poems of Fireflies” – a series of blown‑glass orbs filled with uranium‑glass material, referencing the Fukushima nuclear disaster and the lingering impact of that tragedy.
Visiting Information
The exhibition runs Thursday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours aligned with Theatreworks performances. Visitors may also schedule private appointments outside regular hours. Admission is free, making it an accessible cultural experience for families, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of art, science, and environmental stewardship.
Why It Matters to the Community
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Doherty’s work underscores the importance of preserving biodiversity—a concern that resonates with Colorado’s own agricultural heritage and the region’s commitment to responsible land stewardship. By bringing a visual narrative of the Global Seed Vault to a local audience, the exhibit encourages residents to consider the broader implications of ecological resilience and the role of faith‑based stewardship in caring for God‑given creation.
Further Engagement
For those who want a deeper dive, KRDO13’s Bradley Davis will host a live interview with Doherty on the morning show “Good Morning Colorado,” where the artist will discuss her Arctic journey, the technical process behind the X‑ray images, and the message she hopes viewers take away.
Whether you are an art enthusiast, a science lover, or simply looking for a meaningful family outing, the ENT Center’s “Simulacra” exhibition offers a thought‑provoking experience that connects local culture with global environmental concerns.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
