Artist Talk: Alexandra McNichols-Torroledo | Herron Visiting Artist Series

The Herron School of Art + Design welcomed Alexandra McNichols-Torroledo for a Visiting Artist Talk hosted by M Pofahl in the Herron Galleries. During the lecture, she shared long term photographic projects developed in collaboration with Indigenous communities in North and South America. She discussed her time at Standing Rock documenting the Lakota Water Protectors during the Dakota Access Pipeline protests and referenced the Lakota phrase “Mni Wiconi.” She also presented work from Colombia, including collaboration with members of the Nasa community. She described working with the sacred coca plant, learning from Tegualas, and producing handmade coca fiber paper used to print photographs featured in the exhibition. A distinctive part of the evening included live phone calls woven into the presentation. She greeted Eduardo, speaking to him directly in Spanish and acknowledging his connection to the work. She also called Juliana of the Nasa community, identified as assistant to a Teguala. Juliana spoke about the community workshops and the making of coca paper used in the photographic process. The exchange, shared in Spanish and translated for the audience, emphasized that the projects continue through active collaboration and dialogue. The talk coincided with the exhibition The Last Tree: Expanded Photography, on view February 4 through April 4, 2026 in the Basile Gallery at the Herron School of Art + Design. Reception and Artist Talk was held on: February 26, 5:30 to 8:00 pm Location: Basile Gallery, Herron School of Art + Design, Indianapolis IN, USA