STAR SEEEDS : The Stories Our Ancestors Leave Behind
is not just an art installation but a transformative journey that will captivate and inspire you. Drawing from the traditional teachings of the Arapaho, Dakota, and Anishinabe cultures, it explores the intricate life cycles of plants, the profound ancestral knowledge of star wisdom, the enigmatic processes of life and death, and the intriguing concept of DNA memory.
Star Seeds is a series of four distinct videos depicting the changes each season brings - Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. During each season, viewers explore the life cycle of a native plant, a celestial constellation, a natural element, and a land formation, all linked to sacred sites in Min Sota Makoce (Minnesota).
Missy's Star Seeds project seeks to transform our understanding of Indigenous culture, age-old tales, and ancestral celestial wisdom through a captivating, multi-sensory media experience. This innovative installation combines 2D video, 360-degree video, 3D animation, and healing sound frequencies harmonized with poetic storytelling.
About the Artist & Producer
Missy Whiteman (Northern Arapaho and Kickapoo) is an Emmy-nominated writer, director, producer, interdisciplinary publiX* artist, and curator. Missy Whiteman sees her work as a way to honor her ancestors and their stories. Her art is heavily influenced by her late father, Ernest Whiteman, who instilled in her a deep artistic vision and the practice of art as a form of ceremony. While rooted in Indigenous traditions, her work also delves into themes of historical trauma, cultural loss, and the impacts of colonization, seeking healing through the creative process. Whiteman aims to connect life, death, the spirit world, and the process of rebirth by activating spirit, DNA memory, language, and cultural revitalization.
Her innovative approach to storytelling and its positive effects on Indigenous communities have gained Missy recognition. Her films and projects showcase her artistic talent and serve as powerful tools for cultural preservation and education. As a result, she has received numerous accolades and has had the opportunity to collaborate with influential organizations and institutions.
Meet the Team
Darren Alexander Cole
as a co-producer on this project Cole brings his visual form to the screen through the use of mixed media, may it be ready-made or captured on celluloid he finds his flow mixing everything from extended realities to analog synthesis.
Mike Wilson/Tiree & Hutch
Michael Wilson (Anishinabe) Adone'an waabanong. Madwewejiig. Nagamojiig.
Futurist Field Recordists. Dj Producer
ImagineNative 2017 Best Audio Work Winner
Wilson’s productions change narrative, honor, and give new meaning to contemporary Indigenous electronic music, sampling ancient and traditional works, and other surprising elements to their soundscape.
Michael works beyond the frame and has been an integral part of The Coyote Way Trilogy and IIFM’s film/video production as the music producer for works.