Seeing the Big River: Mississippi River Bound #180

There are many ways to experience the big river. In this regular feature well "See the Big River" through the eyes of FMRs Artist-in-Residence, Peter L. Johnson. Peter works alongside FMRs staff and volunteers as we strive to protect and improve this cherished community asset.

Mississippi River Bound #171

Photo: Peter L. Johnson

Artists statement

You would think I would know better by now. I found this old Cenex container in the flood plain of the Minnesota River while working with CURE out near Montevideo. I decided to take a whiff of the liquid remaining in the open metal can. Big Mistake. I got a nose and lung full of petrochemicals. Our disregard for the health of the Big Rivers ecosystem and ourselves staggered me as I was frantically coughing out toxins. The offending 'Specimen' will be part of the exhibit 'Sediments' at the Lake Pepin Art and Design Center from July 29th thru Labor Day in Pepin, Wisconsin."

For an overview of Minnesotas water quality issues, from Clean Water Act basics to how polluted bodies of water are classified and dealt with, see FMRs Impaired Waters 101.

About the artist

Peter L. Johnson draws upon his varied background as a documentary photographer, solo street performance artist, painter and social activist to create the overall tenet of his artistic practice, Seeing the Big River. His lyrical photographs, collected "specimens" and gasoline-infested Mississippi Mud paintings discover beauty amongst the damage we do to our environment. Learn more at peterljohnson.com.