San Juan-based Mariana Ramos Ortiz (Puerto Rico, b. 1997) and Phoenix-based Estephania González (United States, b. 1989) explore the interconnected themes of environmentalism, self-determination and impermanence in the Southwest and the Caribbean Archipelago. In their dynamic practice that employs innovative printmaking techniques, Ramos Ortiz explores the qualities of the earth as they relate to the realities of occupation, protection and temporality. Drawing inspiration from the societal and spiritual perspectives of the Mexica peoples of pre-conquest Mexico and Latinx hair practices, González’s work underscores the cultural significance of water across space, time and geographies.

“Muddy Terrains” presents a diverse collection of newly created works from the artists’ residencies with CALA Alliance in the Spring and Summer of 2024. The exhibition underscores some of the most critical themes pertinent to the region, including resource scarcity. Ramos Ortiz’s work of UV prints on sand, stenciled earth and soil-based ink screen-printing highlight the evanescence and ephemerality of the land, challenging our perceptions of stability and permanence. González, too, employs the terrain as part of her medium. Creating an installation of clay vessels with remnants of Arizonan waterbeds and a video that references ancient ritual practices surrounding water, González’s project highlights the vital resource and its importance in the Sonoran. This highly textured exhibition invites us to consider the intersection of environmentalism and political autonomy and how these connect to more significant social and cultural concerns.

“Muddy Terrains: Mariana Ramos Ortiz + Estephania González” is organized by ASU ArtMuseum Senior Curator Alana Hernandez, with ASU Art Museum Windgate Curatorial FellowSade Moore and made possible by generous funding from the Ford Foundation. The exhibition is presented in collaboration with a Community of Practice composed of Vania Guevara, Advocacy and Political Director, CHISPA AZ; Pita Juarez, Filmmaker, and Media and Communications Creative; and Elizabeth Z. Pineda, Photographer, MA/PhD Graduate Program Manager and Faculty Associate at Arizona State University.