American artist Christy Lee Rogers, known for her unconventional underwater photography that mimics the grandiosity of 15th-century paintings, recently undertook a monumental project in collaboration with James Cameron and Disney. Her task? To photograph the stars of “Avatar: The Way of Water” — Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet — in an underwater setting that not only showcases her signature aesthetic but also supports a noble cause: ocean conservation.
Rogers, whose work defies traditional photography by shooting from above the water to create a painterly effect, was approached by Cameron after he became enamored with her “Muses” series. Cameron, a fervent advocate for environmental conservation and deep-sea exploration, saw a perfect alignment between Rogers’ art and his commitment to protecting the world’s oceans. Their collaboration was designed to raise funds for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to aid in their mission to cleanse the oceans, echoing the themes of respect and protection of natural resources found in “Avatar.”
The production of the photo shoot was a marvel of logistical and creative planning, funded by Disney and facilitated by multiple producers across the globe. Christy and her agent, Fraser Scott, flew to England and Los Angeles to capture the iconic actresses in settings that resonated with their roles in “Avatar.” The Biltmore Hotel in LA, a location steeped in cinematic history, served as one of the shoot locations, adding a layer of Hollywood legacy to the endeavor.
Rogers spent months preparing for the shoot, from designing costumes to planning the intricate lighting and choreography of the underwater ballet. The actresses, already trained for underwater scenes in “Avatar: The Way of Water,” were guided by Rogers through her unique method that involved complex underwater choreography set to thematic music. The result was a series of ethereal images that perfectly encapsulated the grace and mystery of underwater movement.
Post-production took several more months, during which time Scott engaged with TNC and Disney executives to finalize the campaign. The images, titled “The Muses of Avatar,” were released as limited edition artworks, with all proceeds directed towards TNC’s ambitious project to conserve 10% of the world’s oceans by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader effort to protect vital marine species and their habitats, showcasing a direct link between the art of filmmaking and tangible environmental action.
James Cameron expressed his admiration for Rogers’ work and its alignment with the environmental themes of “Avatar.” Jon Landau, the Oscar-winning producer of “Titanic” and “Avatar,” also highlighted the synergy between the art pieces and the ongoing conservation efforts. Rogers herself reflected on the importance of water as a life-sustaining and healing element, emphasizing the critical need to protect our oceans.
The artworks debuted on International Women’s Day, a nod to the powerful female leads of “Avatar” and the transformative nature of their performances, both on-screen and in Rogers’ underwater settings. The campaign was not just a fusion of art and film but a powerful statement on the role of creativity in fostering environmental stewardship.
Melissa Garvey, Global Director of Ocean Protection at The Nature Conservancy, summed up the impact of the collaboration: “Healthy oceans are vital to the health of the planet and all living things. Through the work of Christy Lee Rogers and the support of Disney and ‘Avatar,’ we can shape a brighter future where people and nature thrive together.”
This partnership between Christy Lee Rogers, James Cameron, and Disney exemplifies how art can transcend aesthetic value, becoming a pivotal tool for environmental advocacy and change, bringing the beauty of the oceans closer to people while highlighting the urgent need to protect them.
