SECOND CHANCE: THE OWENS LAKE PROJECT
High & Dry is fascinated by Robin Black’s photographic study of Owens Lake and its ecosystems. The lake is located just south of Lone Pine, CA. The photographer hiked the 45-mile perimeter of this now, mostly-dry lake exploring its history, surrounding environment and threatened status.
Owens Lake was once serviced by steam ferries, but since the opening of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913, much of its water has been diverted to quench the needs of 38 million people living in the Los Angeles area. As we mention in The Hundred Names of Desert Wind, Owens Lake is the largest single source of particulate pollution in the United States.
The lakebed is already the site of a court-mandated dust mitigation project by the L.A. Department of Water & Power. Black has focused her attention on finding solutions to the complex problems exacerbated by the current drought. “If we don’t commit to working with LADWP and do so now, all we have left is the same stalemate we’ve had for years. And that would undoubtedly mean more decades of litigation with no real progress."
Her thought-provoking work is on exhibit through July 27.
Second Chance: The Owens Lake Project
G2 Gallery 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-7, Sun 10-6
Black’s work can also be explored on her website robinblackphotography.com and The Owens Lake Project.
Robin Black: California Gull Feeding on Brine Flies - image courtesy of the photographer - All Rights Reserved
