"Death of Lake Cahuilla" is an immersive exhibition that delves deep into the historical and ecological transformation of Lake Cahuilla, now known as the Salton Sea in the Imperial Valley of California. Through a captivating array of artworks and installations, I shed light on the profound impact of colonization and environmental degradation on the land and its Indigenous communities.

This exhibition is a poignant exploration of the interconnectedness between history, culture, and the environment. My pieces invite viewers to reflect on the fading memories and stories connected to the lake and the surrounding area, evoking a sense of loss and contemplation. Through various mediums, including painting, digital artwork, sculpture, and multimedia installations, I strive to capture the emotional weight attached to the transformation of Lake Cahuilla.

In these collages, I combine various traditional and digital techniques to create layered compositions that reflect the themes and concepts explored in the exhibition. The process begins with gathering source materials, including vintage periodicals, archival documents, maps, and other relevant imagery. Using a combination of analog and digital methods, I manipulate and transform these source materials, merging them together to create new juxtapositions and symbolic connections. Through digital alterations, such as blending, layering, and applying filters or textures, I manipulate the images to evoke a sense of history, memory, and transformation.

I incorporate additional elements, such as paint, ink, found objects, or handcrafted textures. These tangible materials add a tactile quality, further blurring the boundaries between the physical and digital realms. The resulting collages serve as visual meditations on the themes of the exhibition, capturing the complex interplay between past and present, natural and man-made, and the fragility of cultural and ecological landscapes. They invite viewers to contemplate the layers of history, the impact of human intervention, and the potential for renewal and regeneration.

Central to the exhibition is the theme of resilience. I showcase the ongoing efforts of the Indigenous community to reclaim their cultural heritage and restore the delicate balance of the land. My artworks act as powerful symbols of hope and renewal, inviting viewers to consider the importance of cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.

"Death of Lake Cahuilla" not only aims to raise awareness but also to foster meaningful dialogue about the preservation of Indigenous cultures and the urgent need for sustainable practices. I hope to spark empathy and inspire viewers to actively engage with these pressing issues, igniting a desire for positive change.

These works are a deeply personal and immersive exploration of history, ecology, and cultural resilience. I invite viewers on a transformative journey, encouraging them to reflect, connect, and take action towards a more sustainable and inclusive future.