Muddy Terrains: Mariana Ramos Ortiz + Estephania González

“Muddy Terrains” presents a diverse collection of newly created works from two artists’ residencies with CALA Alliance in the Spring and Summer of 2024. 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. The exhibition underscores some of the most critical themes pertinent to the region, including resource scarcity. 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.

How does water access and water scarcity affect you and your community? How does land ownership and sovereignty shift your perspective on place?

“Muddy Terrains: Mariana Ramos Ortiz + Estephania González” is organized by ASUAM Senior Curator Alana Hernandez, with ASUAM Windgate Curatorial Fellow Sade 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 Pineda, Photographer and Faculty Associate at Arizona State University.