Santos’ primary concerns are the social-ecological communities that have developed over time around freshwater rivers and coastal zones, and the close collaboration with local people, other artists, scientists and environmental groups working in the same realm nationally and internationally. While in New Orleans, he documented the widespread inaccessibility to the river in film and video and created an installation of his images in a downtown storefront.

“Here, as an artist in residence with a strong interest in water issues, I could explore environmental, social, and economic tensions, and the efforts of the many who think that a paradigmatic shift in people’s relationship with the Great River is needed and possible. A Studio in the Woods gave me inspiration to develop a work in tune with the struggles ahead here.” – Rafael Santos