A new art installation at the Leonardo in downtown Salt Lake City marries fine art photography with the hydrology of the Great Salt Lake. This exhibit explores the powerful relationship between humans and water, giving museum visitors a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Utah’s most important natural resource.
“Water: Nature’s Driving Force” features custom-designed interactive exhibits developed by Australian-based photographer Paul Blackmore and the Utah Water Research Institute at Utah State University. This exhibit focuses on the human connection to the lake and explores the complexities of water use and management that impact the sustainability of the Great Salt Lake.
“The goal is an exhibit that combines art and engineering,” said Leonardo exhibit developer Marissa Day. “Our curatorial philosophy in all our exhibitions is to integrate both the creative and scientific aspects of the subject matter.”
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a series of black and white images taken by Moore from around the world. His work spans 11 years and 14 countries and provides a global perspective on how water flows through the spiritual and physical lives of all peoples and cultures around the world.
The new gallery is particularly relevant to audiences in Utah, one of the driest states in the nation. The state’s growing population and expanding industrial sector are increasing demand on the region’s water resources. As climate change increases and water supplies shrink in the West, conversations about Utah’s water highlight the need for continued conservation and authoritative research.
David Tarbutton, director of the Utah Water Research Institute, which conducted the study, said, “The Great Salt Lake’s water levels are extremely low, and reduced inflow due to water use in the basin that feeds the lake has caused its existence to decline.” is under threat,” he said. About water issues in Utah, the nation, and the world. “We are pleased that our team has the opportunity to contribute to this exhibit that highlights the importance of addressing conservation and water use challenges to sustain the Great Salt Lake.”
Under the guidance of Professor Turboton and Bethany Nielson, the Water Lab collaborated with Cache Valley artist Eric Eliason to create a large topographical map depicting the three watersheds that supply most of the water to the lake. I did.
The interactive touchscreen tells the broader story of the Great Salt Lake Basin using digital content developed by the Utah Department of Water Resources with support from the Great Salt Lake Strike Team, including Tarbutton and Neilson. Hiram Tennant, a USU doctoral student and researcher at the Water Institute, led the development of an interactive map of the watershed that allows users to explore the rivers and streams of the Great Salt Lake Basin.
The exhibit is open to the public and will run until May 2025.
