By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–The New Children’s Museum of San Diego will premiere Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures, the first-ever exhibit for youth and multi-generational audiences focused on the life and work of American science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler (1947-2006) on March 9.
Visitors will explore a large-scale installation inspired by Butler’s childhood influences and experiences growing up in Southern California, and feature murals by collaborating artist Mithsuca Berry. This installation imaginatively embodies the early creative influences of Butler’s early life. Visitors will be inspired to imagine their ways of thriving in the community, and how to positively shape and be shaped by the future. The exhibit will be presented at the museum through late 2025.
Octavia E. Butler, author of visionary works such as the bestselling present-future novel “Parable of the Sower,” which has been adapted into an opera by Toshi Reagon and Berenice Johnson Reagon, and graphic novel, “Kindred,” adapted for the small screen by FX and winning an Eisner award for the bestselling adaptation of “Kindred” graphic novel by Dr. Damian Duffy and John Jennings. Most notably, Butler was the first Black woman writer to win widespread recognition in the genre of science fiction, earned the genre’s top honors, and later a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship (1995). She is revered not only for her beautifully simple prose, and timely stories, but also for her vision of futures where Black, indigenous, and people of color are change agents, thriving in community. Her work continues to inspire generations of people from all walks of life, including authors which her career paved the way for including triple-Hugo award winner N.K. Jemisin (Broken Earth Trilogy), Pulitzer Prize winner Junot Diaz (The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao), Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone), and others.
“The exhibition taps into what Butler would have called her ‘positive obsession’ planted in the fertile ground of the museum,” said Dr. Ayana Jamieson, founder of the Octavia E. Butler Legacy Network and advising curator of Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures. “We are thrilled and excited to share the beauty and ingenuity of Butler’s life and legacy with more audiences. Butler is a compelling, imaginative young person urging you to ‘write yourself in’ to the future with no closed doors.”
Over the next two years, inspired by Butler’s life and writings, the museum will explore science fiction through large-scale installations, artist projects, community partnerships, and events that showcase how science fiction and speculative fiction offer ways for us to imagine better futures, together. Upcoming installations to accompany Seeding Futures will include works by New Mexico-based multi-disciplinary artist Cannupa Hanska Luger and New York-based artist Saya Woolfalk.
“We are privileged to have the support of our artists, partners, and the very legacy of Octavia E. Butler herself in bringing Seeding Futures to life,” said Elizabeth Yang-Hellewell, executive director and CEO at The New Children’s Museum. “It is this support and their collective visions that makes it possible for The New Children’s Museum to serve not just as a beloved space for young visitors in the heart of downtown San Diego but as a leading home for contemporary art.”
As part of the opening weekend, guests are invited to a free panel on March 9, from 2 to 3 p.m. Moderated by Dr. Ayana Jamieson and including Pasadena-born visual artist American Artist, and journalist Lynell George, the conversation will explore the life and legacy of Butler and her far-reaching impact on thought leaders, and creatives across disciplines. The event, free and open to the public, will be held at UC San Diego Park and Market. Those interested in attending must RSVP in advance
“Our hope is that Octavia E. Butler: Seeding Futures will not only inspire more programming but also be a space where youth of all backgrounds and identities see themselves reflected and are inspired to create their own stories,” said Gabrielle Wyrick, chief curator and director of Audience Engagement at The New Children’s Museum.
The New Children’s Museum has received important planning and programming support for Octavia E. Butler: Seeding the Futures from partners including the Getty Foundation, the Prebys Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, California Humanities, and the city of San Diego.
