Mending Lands

St Vincents Gallery presents Mending Lands, a solo exhibition by Amsterdam-based designer Marte Mei van Haaster, opening 14 May 2026 in Antwerp. Developed during a research residency in Zeeland, the new body of work responds to PFAS contamination linked to nearby chemical plants.

Rooted in Land-Allyship, Mei’s practice considers humans collaborators within ecological systems rather than extractors of resources. Working with scientists, ecologists, and local stakeholders, she explored phytoremediation, a process in which plants absorb pollutants from soil. Hemp can extract PFAS, the “forever chemicals” now found across ecosystems and human bodies.

Made from PFAS-free hemp stems, the collection includes modular tables, shelves, benches, mirrors, and tiles. In deep bordeaux and semi-translucent jewel tones, the works sit between functional design and sculptural object, proposing material regeneration through a closed-loop system.

By appointment or by chance

Photo: Alexander Popelier