Carolina Montejo’s “Nature Facts” is among the works in the new exhibition at Descanso Gardens. (photo courtesy of Descanso Gardens)

The Sturt Haaga Gallery at Descanso Gardens presents “Natura Naturata: Nature’s Action,” a new exhibition on view from Jan. 24 through May 31.

Featuring photography, installation and video by eight established and emerging artists, the exhibition examines humanity’s evolving relationship with the natural world through themes of migration, adaptation, fragility and human impact.

Curated by Claudia Pretelin, “Natura Naturata: Nature’s Action” draws inspiration from philosopher Baruch Spinoza’s concept of “natura naturata,” or “natured Nature,” which understands nature as an active system shaped by natural forces and human intervention. The exhibition reflects the idea through contemporary camera-based practices that explore the intersections of environment, urban development, memory and care.

The exhibition brings together a multigenerational group of artists from different cultural and geographic backgrounds, several of whom have relocated their practices from Latin America to California. Other participating artists reflect second-generation family experiences. The parallel processes of movement and resettlement mirror the ways plants, landscapes and ecosystems adapt, often under the influence of human decision-making.

The exhibition takes conceptual inspiration from “Naturata,” a photographic series by Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide, which documents cacti and plant species adapting to new environments within the botanical garden of Oaxaca, Mexico. The series serves as a conceptual anchor for the exhibition, linking botanical migration to human displacement and resilience.

“This exhibition feels especially resonant at Descanso Gardens,” Director of Education and Exhibitions Marina Erfle said. “Descanso is a cultivated landscape that is continually evolving through human stewardship while remaining deeply responsive to natural systems. ‘Natura Naturata: Nature’s Action’ reflects that balance and invites visitors to consider nature as something living, dynamic and shaped by our presence.”

An opening reception will be held on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 3-5 p.m. Curator-led tours of the exhibition will take place on Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. For information, call (818)949-4200, or visit descansogardens.org.