Ariel photography exhibition explores the beauty and fragility of Louisiana’s vanishing coast

Written By Alicia Vial

Ben Depp’s “Edge of Tomorrow” on view at the Historic New Orleans Collection

NEW ORLEANS — Discover the beauty and fragility of Louisiana’s endangered wetlands through the lens of acclaimed artist and documentary photographer Ben Depp at the Historic New Orleans Collection’s (HNOC) newest exhibition, “Edge of Tomorrow”, opening March 7 in the French Quarter.

In this newly acquired series, Depp takes viewers on a soaring journey above the marshes and bayous, offering rare glimpses of the vibrant, imperiled ecosystems that lie just beyond Louisiana’s protective levees. Depp’s images provide breathtaking views of the marshes, bayou and waterways that define the region, while also serving as stark reminders of the urgent environmental challenges threatening these fragile ecosystems

“Edge of Tomorrow is an evocative photographic exhibition that showcases the beauty and vulnerability of the state’s rapidly disappearing wetlands,” says Daniel Hammer, HNOC president and CEO. “Depp uses a paraglider to take his photographs, and his images capture the drama of both the landscape and the artist’s method, while sharing the urgency of this ongoing environmental dilemma.”

Visitors will get a sense of what it might be like to soar above a salt marsh at sunrise, just as the angle of light deepens the contours of ancient alluvial ridges left centuries ago by a wandering Mississippi River. Viewers will get to consider undulating flocks of white pelicans from high above Scofield Bay and may occasionally catch brief glimpses of coastal Louisiana’s wetlands as the perspective flies into and out of Louis Armstrong International Airport.

“Ben Depp offers an unusual perspective on Louisiana’s changing coastline - moments of awareness and feeling that Depp is somehow able to capture with a camera,” says HNOC Chief Curator, Jason Wiese. “While he flies above the beautiful and stunning landscapes, he makes them feel both sweeping and intimate. I hope that his photographs will offer a meaningful bookend to the experience of seeing our ongoing exhibit on coastal Louisiana.”

“Edge of Tomorrow” is presented in conjunction with “A Vanishing Bounty”, HNOC’s permanent exhibition exploring Louisiana’s coastal crisis. Together, these exhibitions offer visitors a deeper understanding of the ongoing environmental transformations reshaping the state and the necessity of preservation efforts.

A panel discussion with Depp will take place in May, with details to be announced at a later date. “Edge of Tomorrow” will be on view at HNOC in the French Quarter starting March 7 through Oct. 19. Admission is free. For more information visit hnoc.org.

###

About the Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection is a nonprofit institution dedicated to preserving the distinctive history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Founded in 1966 through the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation, HNOC operates as a free museum, research center and publisher spanning more than 15 historic buildings in the heart of the French Quarter. For more information visit hnoc.org.

 

                                                               

 

Alicia Vial

Alicia Vial is a New Orleans native with more than a decade of experience elevating client stories and leading crisis response. As the senior director of strategy, Alicia acts as a leader within the Gambel Communications team ensuring each agency team member is positioned to deliver strategic public relations services that meet the highest standards of the industry. In addition to supporting the agency’s long-term business growth and development, she coordinates day-to-day account services and oversees strategic direction while staying abreast of best practices and industry trends to provide innovative solutions to meet client’s needs.

Before joining Gambel Communications, Alicia served as the communications director for the Louisiana SPCA, the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Louisiana that impacts more than 74,000 animals per year. During her nearly eight-year tenure, Alicia oversaw numerous crises, served on national communication taskforces, oversaw all aspects of internal and external relations and worked alongside the development department to raise critical funding. Prior to that, she worked in the fast-paced New Orleans hospitality industry focusing on digital public relations for multiple hotels.

Alicia is a member of the Public Relations Association of Louisiana (PRAL), Southern Public Relations Federation (SPRF), a board member of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) New Orleans Chapter and a member of the New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute. An accredited public relations practitioner (APR), Alicia is also certified in crisis communications, organizational leadership, content marketing and social media.

A well respected and trusted public relations practitioner, Alicia has been recognized by SPRF as a ‘Senior Practitioner of the Year’. Dubbed early on in her career as one to watch, she also received the ‘Rising Star’ award by PRAL and was profiled in St. Charles Avenue Magazine as part of their Young Bloods series. Most recently, she was recognized at PRSA’s annual Fleurish Awards and received four Awards of Excellence for her work along with the ‘Plate Spinner’ award for her efforts on the board of directors for the chapter.

An LSU graduate, Alicia received a bachelor's degree in mass communications with a concentration in public relations and minors in business administration and leadership development. She is a frequent speaker and presenter on public relations topics, most recently presenting at the Jefferson Economic Development Commission and SPRF annual conference.

When Alicia is not at work, you can find her at the ballpark with her three boys or cheering on the Tigers in Death Valley.

Previous

Louisiana Children’s Museum to host fourth annual Mud Fest April 5
Next

Celebrate Canal! announces "Windows on Canal" public art series