Two renowned US women artists unite in exhibition of environmental enquiry, resilience and hope at Susan Swartz Studios

Lei Rodriguez (Miami) and Susan Swartz (Park City) debut first major duo-exhibition Residual Impressions, curated by Madeline Watterson and Claire Breukel.

PARK CITY, UT, UNITED STATES, September 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Celebrated artists Cristina Lei Rodriguez (Miami) and Susan Swartz (Park City) bring their work into conversation for a first major duo-exhibition. Titled Residual Impressions, the exhibition charts the artists shared explorations with impressions, abstraction and expression, emphasizing paintings, prints and sculptures made over the past two decades while honoring each artist’s individual practice. Echoing the artists’ unison, Susan Swartz Studios also tapped two women curators, Salt Lake City’s Madeline Watterson and US-South African Claire Breukel, to develop dialogue about the needs for greater environmental preservation as well as the plight of Great Salt Lake. Residual Impressions opens on December 11 with an opening reception by invitation, and will feature a talk program with Rodriguez, Swartz and the curators.

The art of Cristina Lei Rodriguez delves into the cross sections of technology and nature, using artificial materials, computer scanning, and more, to develop work depicting and assimilating flora and natural elements. She embeds and recreates coral, shells and other remnants from the ocean that are at climate risk in her hometown Miami, as seen in her beloved “Portholes, 2025” series. Her debut of a major public artwork during Art Basel Miami Beach this December is one of many grand translations of her sculptural work, and one of many public accolades.

Following a tenured international career of exhibiting artworks drawn from her own life-threatening struggles with environmentally borne diseases, Swartz has become increasingly focused on evocative mark making bringing viewers into connection with emotive responses to nature’s magnificence— seen in her current solo exhibition “The Infinite” on view at NIA gallery in Prague, Czech Republic. Swartz integrates natural materials, most evident in her significant new relief painting “Looking After The Lake, 2026” which is comprised of remnants found along the drying beds of Great Salt Lake.

Susan Swartz Studios Executive Director Robin Rankin shares, “we are so excited to bring the work of Cristina Lei Rodriguez and Susan Swartz in dialogue as they share a deep appreciation for nature that aligns with and transcends science. Through their distinct approaches, they both visually embrace the (often underestimated) vital role it plays in human health and our everyday lives.”

Curator Madeline Watterson furthers, “Residual Impressions is not of the past, showing archaeological finds from nature. Rather, it is an emotive elucidation of what exists, what surrounds us, and what we must protect. The intent is to prevent these pieces from becoming relics of coastlines, lakes, and flora by inspiring efforts to save and restore our ecosystems.”

Susan Swartz Studios aims to elevate contemporary art and inspire stewardship for the environment through diverse programming of events and exhibitions that feature exemplary international artists, with exhibition sales supporting causes focused on the environment and social justice. 20% of artworks sales from Residual Impressions will benefit the nonprofit Grow The Flow working to save and restore Great Salt Lake.

Robin Rankin
Susan Swartz Studios
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