‘This Bitter Earth’ exhibit at MW Gallery reflects on environment and belonging

FLINT, Michigan – MW Gallery is opening a new exhibition on Friday, Sept. 12, that invites viewers to reflect on the complex ways humans connect with the natural world and with one another.

Titled This Bitter Earth: Living in Harmony with Nature, the exhibition features works from the Mott-Warsh Collection that consider the environment, the four natural elements (earth, air, fire, and water), and questions of stewardship and access.

The show includes pieces by renowned artists such as Ron Adams, Bisa Butler, Nanette Carter, Nick Cave, Emilio Cruz, Maren Hassinger, Pope. L., Howardena Pindell, Angelbert Metoyer, and Bernard Williams.

A highlight of the exhibition is Zion (2018) by South African artist Mohau Modisakeng, presented in MW’s Black Box Gallery. The 28-minute video triptych examines the relationship between body and place, drawing attention to the struggles of migration, displacement, and the universal search for belonging.

The exhibit’s opening coincides with Flint ARTWALK on Sept. 12, with the gallery extending hours from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Regular hours are Thursdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.; and the second Friday of each month until 9 p.m. Admission is always free.

‘This Bitter Earth: Living in Harmony with Nature’ runs through Sept. 12, 2025, to Jan. 24, 2026, at MW Gallery, 815 S. Saginaw St. in downtown Flint. For more information, visit: m-wc.org.