NASHVILLE, TN.- Metro Parks’ Parthenon and Centennial Park Conservancy announced today Christy Lee Rogers - The Muses, a visually stunning underwater contemporary photography exhibition, will be on display in the East Gallery of the Parthenon from December 13, 2024, to June 1, 2025. A free opening reception will take place on December 12 at the Parthenon from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.



Christy Lee Rogers’ photographs have graced the walls of galleries and museums across the globe but this is the first museum exhibit in the South for the artist, who is based in the Nashville area. Her work has earned praise for its emotional depth and otherworldly beauty. While the ancient Parthenon was a temple dedicated to Athena, the word museum originates from the Greek term for a temple for the Muses. Noticing Rogers’ mythologically influenced collections, the Nashville Parthenon sought a collaboration related to the nine Greek Muses.



“The Muses embody the essence of artistic creation," says Rogers. "By drawing from various collections, I hope to show how their influence transcends time and discipline, remaining as relevant to artists today as they were in ancient Greece."

Since antiquity, the nine Greek Muses have been called upon by artists to aid in the writing of poetry and heart-wrenching dramas, to guide the feet of dancers, to inspire laughter, or to provoke deep contemplation of history and the stars. While there is no Greek Muse for visual art, Rogers’ photographs touch upon inspiration in all its forms. Her images, like the Parthenon, are a testament to the enduring power of art to elevate the human experience, connecting us to something greater than ourselves.



In The Muses, visitors will be introduced to Rogers’ dazzlingly original process and what inspires her. Rogers orchestrates submerged models, fabrics, and lights to satisfy her ineffable visions. Working with water in this way, her pieces take on painterly qualities uncommon in photography. Rogers' works often evoke comparisons to Baroque masters like Caravaggio and Rubens, with striking lighting contrasts and active compositions.


“By drawing from human creativity across centuries, I believe Christy's photography will inspire some of our visitors to create something new once they leave the exhibit,” says Jennifer Richardson, curator of the Nashville Parthenon. “The urge to create is at the core of what makes us human. It is mysterious and unpredictable. The pieces selected for this exhibit are overwhelmingly beautiful and make the impossible feel within reach. Museums should be the home of the Muses, a place where we feel connected, transported, and transformed.”

Rogers was most recently commissioned by filmmaker James Cameron for an Avatar-inspired photo collection, a piece from which will be included in the Parthenon exhibition. Her work resonates with other creatives, leading to many significant collaborations and awards. She was commissioned by Apple for the Shot on iPhone campaign the same year Sony named her 2019’s Open Photographer of the Year. Her artwork was also selected for Personal Structures–Open Borders, a group exhibition at the 57th Venice Art Biennale.



To enhance The Muses impact on the local community, the museum will host a series of hands-on workshops and events connected with each of the nine Greek muses. Through partnerships with creatives and beloved Nashville institutions, several of the workshops will be held on-site at the Parthenon while others will take place at Dyer Observatory, Parnassus Books, and online. Inspired by the Greek muses and their unique areas of influence, the workshops will include modern dance instruction, comedy improv, writing seminars, and more. Complete details will be available on NashvilleParthenon.com.



A free opening reception will be held on Dec. 12 at the Parthenon from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests can RSVP here.

For more information on the exhibit, please visit nashvilleparthenon.com/events/christy-lee-rogers.

Based in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, Christy Lee Rogers is an internationally renowned underwater photographer known for her ethereal creations combining water, models, fabric, and light. Her work has been featured globally in exhibitions and prestigious projects, including commissions for James Cameron’s Avatar franchise, Disney, and the Nature Conservancy. She has also been recognized for her contributions to major campaigns like Apple’s iPhone launch and the Lavazza New Humanity calendar. Rogers' artistic achievements include the Sony World Photography Award for Open Photographer of the Year and her iconic piece “Reckless Unbound,” currently housed at Longleat House in the UK. Her artwork was also selected for Personal Structures–Open Borders, a group exhibition at the 57th Venice Art Biennale. Learn more at christyleerogers.com.