Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, and Kate Winslet, renowned stars of the highly acclaimed 2022 film “Avatar: The Way of Water” from 20th Century Studios, recently collaborated with celebrated underwater photographer Christy Lee Rogers to capture a series of stunning images celebrating the beauty of our oceans.
This collaboration aimed to raise funds supporting The Nature Conservancy (TNC), an organization dedicated to “advancing effective, lasting conservation” in over 70 countries and territories.
James Cameron, the film’s producer, director, and writer, has long been a passionate advocate for ocean conservation. Recognizing Rogers’ unique talent for capturing subjects underwater in a painterly manner, Cameron suggested a special photo shoot with the film’s cast.
The resulting artwork, unveiled on March 8, 2024, showcases Rogers’ distinctive style, utilizing the interplay of light and water to create intriguing and ethereal photos. These limited edition photographs, signed by Rogers, are now available for purchase, with proceeds benefiting TNC’s conservation efforts.
In a press release, producer Jon Landau expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the alignment between the art sale and the film’s “Keep Our Oceans Amazing” campaign, which was launched in partnership with Disney. This global initiative seeks to raise awareness of ocean conservation challenges and support TNC’s work to protect marine habitats.
Christy Lee Rogers, meanwhile, spoke of the healing power of water and the urgent need for ocean conservation, stating, “Our oceans need our care more than ever right now.” She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to Cameron and Landau’s vision of a cleaner, more protected ocean environment.
Melissa Garvey, Global Director of Ocean Protection at The Nature Conservancy, emphasized the critical role of healthy oceans in sustaining life on Earth, noting that they comprise “90% of the habitable planet and are home to more than half of all life on Earth.” She also explained that through partnerships with artists like Rogers and the support of Disney and Avatar, TNC aims to create a brighter future for both people and nature.
“Avatar: The Way of Water” was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It continues James Cameron’s cinematic exploration of the Pandora universe. Set years after the events of the first film, the sequel follows the Sully family’s struggles and triumphs amidst a changing landscape.
Aside from her collaboration with “Avatar,” Christy Lee Rogers is a distinguished visual artist known for her innovative approach to underwater photography. Her work has garnered international acclaim, drawing comparisons to Baroque painting masters. It has also graced numerous album covers, such as “Orchesography” for the 80s band Wang Chung.
As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, initiatives such as the “Avatar” art sale serve as poignant reminders of the critical importance of protecting our oceans. By supporting organizations like The Nature Conservancy, individuals can actively contribute to the preservation of Earth’s most vital ecosystems.
For those interested in learning more about The Nature Conservancy, further information can be found at www.nature.org or by following @nature_press on Twitter. To view or purchase images from the photo shoot, please visit Christy Lee Rogers’ website.