Amargosa
This series documents a river that cannot be seen via the human and natural landscapes it created and supports on the surface above.
The Amargosa River flows under the Mojave Desert from Nevada into Death Valley in California. It is an underground river for most of its course. Visible above it are optimistic preparations to channel and direct its flow the moment it shows itself. The quality of these waters is low (Amargosa means bitter in Spanish), but it is enough to allow life to subsist around it.
Beyond the scattered clues on the surface, it is almost an act of faith to believe that a significant river truly flows below the desert here. Although the name of the river is what first intrigued me, I learned while researching the area that it may be in danger of being diverted and its water used to supply Las Vegas. Such a move put an end to the delicate natural ecosystems that depend on the Amargosa. It would also spell the end for the close, small knit communities that have managed to carve a niche for themselves here as well.