Erin Jane Nelson at Carnegie Museum of Art

Erin Jane Nelson is part of "Widening the Lens: Photography, Ecology, and the Contemporary Landscape", which opens on May 11th at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

Organized by Dan Leers, curator of photography this groundbreaking exhibition examines environmental history and degradation, particularly in the American landscape, as well as urgent concerns about climate change, through the camera lens.

Featuring nearly 100 works by 19 different artists with multiple museum premieres and new commissions, this exhibition invites you to reconsider your relationship to the environment and understand how photography helps envision alternative paths forward.

Erin Jane Nelson's artistic practice is a captivating fusion of photography, found materials, and diverse mediums like ceramics and textiles. Her work spans various conceptual realms, from exploring societal unease surrounding climate change to contemplating the consciousness of octopuses, or even envisioning the speculative fiction of our contemporary world.

Nelson approaches her projects in a serial manner, diving into new conceptual frameworks with each endeavor. By merging photographic elements onto unexpected surfaces and incorporating techniques like natural dyeing, she imbues her works with rich layers of meaning and aesthetic depth. These techniques not only capture the essence of her subjects but also engage with broader themes of anxiety, conflict, and humor in the context of both the present and the foreseeable future.

Her art represents a cohort of emerging artists located outside the traditional art hubs like New York City. These artists are increasingly exploring the intersections of art, craft, climate, and belief, contributing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to contemporary artistic discourse. Nelson's practice serves as a compelling example of how artists can address pressing societal issues while pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic mediums and techniques.