For a long time, we looked at the world like we looked at a prodigious seed: wide-eyed in anticipation of multiple blooms, fulfilled promises and abundant fruit. We were enchanted by life. We guessed that the pretty green and blue Earth spinning in the cosmos would bring back cycles and seasons, and we knew that the coconut seed was just waiting for the right moment to bring forth its precious contents. Yes, there was a time, now long past, when we didn't think abundance would come to an end.

Marie-Laure Viebel has reversed the germination process of this seed, magnified by art and gold, with a peaceful, smiling mouth running through it: instead of unfolding into a beautiful tree, it will welcome our thoughts and dreams. We'll slip our words between its wise lips and, as a speaking seed, it will express our desire to escape disaster and live in friendship with nature. For this seed of beauty and sensuality proposes a different relationship with the world, where caress replaces predation and joy replaces consumption.

It speaks of an urgency: that of preserving this sumptuous planet so that we can long savor the wonder of being its inhabitants.