A World Beneath: Water and the Rio Grande focuses on the dynamic role of sediment in river systems, offering an interactive experience that lets viewers "look inside" the Rio Grande. This perspective demonstrates how sediment—from fine clay to larger sands—moves downstream, shaping river morphology and influencing river health. Viewers will follow the journey of sediment, emphasizing how it is transported, deposited, and interacts with the riverbed, highlighting its pivotal role in the river’s life cycle. 

By walking in the shoes of sediment particles, viewers gain a tangible understanding of the sediment cycle, from suspension in the water column to movement with the current. This process shapes landscapes and has lasting implications for river health. 

Using projection onto fabric dyed with natural pigments and elements from the Rio Grande, we offer viewers a perspective from below the river, shifting the traditional view of looking down from above. This change in perspective allows one to see what the river might see and through this insight, our hope is that viewers can think more deeply about communal resources like the Rio Grande and how we can begin the vital work of preserving and protecting them. Resilience, we believe, often starts by shifting our awareness. 

By deepening our collective knowledge of hydraulic and sediment dynamics and seeing the river's perspective, we can call on each other to better manage water resources, protect ecosystems and enhance their resilience, and advocate for sustainable river management. 

Strengthening our connection to the Rio Grande can inspire similar care for other ecosystems and cultivate resilience in the face of human impact. We offer viewers the opportunity to contribute to this work by shifting their attention toward preserving shared natural resources moving forward both individually and collectively.