home
A trench is a type of excavation or depression in the ground that is generally deeper than it is wide (as opposed to a swale or a bar ditch), and narrow compared with its length (as opposed to a simple hole or pit).
In geology, trenches result from erosion by rivers or by geological movement of tectonic plates.
In civil engineering, trenches are often created to install underground utilities such as gas, water, power and communication lines.
In construction, trenches are dug for foundations of buildings, retaining walls and dams, and for cut-and-cover construction of tunnels.
In archaeology, the "trench method" is used for searching and excavating ancient ruins or to dig into strata of sedimented material.
In geotechnical engineering, trench investigations locate faults and investigate deep soil properties.
In trench warfare, soldiers occupy trenches to protect them against weapons fire and artillery.
First trench August 2025
waste and ghosts with Liam Murray
trench is an offering of one on one service for artists, writers, researchers, scholars, any curious person to examine together with me sites in the US southwest (California, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico) that related to land exploitation of the US colonial expansion. Especially sites related to military operation, weapon manufacturing, mineral extraction, industrial production, infrastructure construction, and subsequent pollution.
The examination takes the form of a personalized research trip that begins and ends in the greater LA region where I am currently based. The trip will take in between 2 to 5 days, can be longer with special arrangements. During the trip we will drive to visit a set of sites curated related to your research interest.
Ideally we will be in contact a week or two before the trip begin so we will have time to be in conversation to understand your interest and need that allow me to research and propose several routes including sites that might excite you. You do not need a furnished project before reaching out to me, it can be as simple as an idea like “I’m curious about waste” or a desire “I want to experience heat” or a specfic request “I’m interested in photographing the lithium mine in Nevada”
Reach out at lorenw2@uci.edu
I intend to offer trench as often as once a month. I do not take money in exchange of the service. All I ask is to credit trench and keep me in loop of your following processes.
Below are the practical notes
1. You need to be physically in the LA region during the trip. Unless you are based outside of the US and have difficulties or concerns crossing the border, we will figure out an arrangement to do it virtually.
3. You do not need to bring your own car. You do not need to know how to drive.
4. Currently we will split the cost of gas, food, accommodations(if needed) during the trip, until I find a source to fund us.
5. If you are coming from far away, I’m happy to host you in my place before and after the trip.
Below are the equipments I offer
Camping gears, backpack, camera, tripod, sound recorder, scanner, first aid kit
Water, coffee, tea, snacks, homemade food