christy roberts berkowitz – Lauren Bon and Metabolic Studio – Gerald Clarke – Noé Montes – Samantha Morales Johnson – Stuart Palley – Lorene Sisquoc

February 15 – May 19, 2024

Guest curated by Debra Scacco, Conduit uncovers how the diversion of water has shaped the way we live through a critical examination of the tension between urban growth and the natural world. Cities world-wide are built around water sources, and the same is true of our own city. The rivers, lakes, wetlands and streams that sustained Indigenous peoples have undergone dramatic transformations, and have been dammed, piped and diverted beyond recognition. Some, like the Santa Ana River, are corseted in concrete to support urban expansion while stripping the river of her strength, and attempting to force the natural world to accommodate the human needs of growing communities. Through contemporary art works and archival materials, Conduit examines the ongoing impacts of colonial water diversion, and dares to speculate that a different future is possible. Artists featured include: christy roberts berkowitz, Lauren Bon and Metabolic Studio, Gerald Clarke, Noé Montes, Stuart Palley and Lorene Sisquoc.

Conduit is made possible, in part, by a grant from The Inland SoCal Creative Corps, a component fund at The Inland Empire Community Foundation.