DEPTH and HORIZONS
Three Artists Explore the Gulf of California
Heather Green, Alejandra Platt-Torres & Samantha Schwann
March 1 – April 20, 2025
Opening Reception
Friday, February 28, 2025
Ironwood Gallery
DEPTH and HORIZONS is an exhibition of works by three artists uniquely exploring the intricate relationships between the natural and human worlds of the Gulf of California, emphasizing the delicate balance essential for our planet's future. Heather Green's immersive installations explore the natural and cultural history in the northern end of the Gulf, inviting viewers to engage with the nuanced beauty and fragility of coastal ecosystems. Alejandra Platt-Torres' The Five Elements project juxtaposes the four natural elements with the fifth—love—through powerful black-and-white photography, highlighting the urgent need for harmony amidst climate change. Samantha Schwann's groundbreaking underwater multimedia project, Threshold, created in collaboration with a small team of Cabo San Lucas-based conservationists, delves into the rarely seen depths of the Gulf, showcasing the vibrant marine life and the critical importance of ocean conservation. Together, these artists weave a compelling narrative, urging us to contemplate our impact on the environment and the profound interconnectedness of all life forms.
Heather Green is an interdisciplinary artist and professor at Arizona State University. Her work explores ecological narratives of loss and abundance along the Gulf of California's shoreline. Through collaborations with scientists, fishermen, and interactive installations, she engages viewers in multi-sensory experiences—inviting participation through elements like hand-printed cards and moving images. Green’s practice encourages deeper reflection on the subtle, interconnected rhythms of the natural world.
Alejandra Platt-Torres, born in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, is a conservation photographer exploring the interplay between nature and humanity. Her ongoing project, The Five Elements, examines fire, earth, water, air, and love, with the photographer herself as the bridge between the natural and human realms. Previous works include A World Separated by Borders (2009-2013), addressing immigration and environmental impacts, and In the Name of God (1993-2000), documenting Indigenous communities in Mexico. https://www.instagram.com/alejandraplatt/
Samantha Schwann is an underwater photographic artist exploring ecologically unique ocean habitats to promote marine conservation. Her work spans from aerial views to deep-sea imagery, with immersive VR installations that capture habitats like Cabo San Lucas Bay’s submarine canyon. A diver since 1994 and a 2022 Member National of The Explorer’s Club, Schwann’s photography embraces minimal aesthetics and themes of transience, inviting viewers to engage deeply with the fleeting beauty of the ocean.