Galleria Mar Doré - Art Exhibits

St. Joseph Mardi Gras Indians 2010

photos by Mar Doré

The first four photographs were shot on St Joseph's Day of 2010 in New Orleans. The others were shot at night of the same day uptown on Washington Avenue. I began the shoot in the lower night ward at Ronald Lewis' House of Dance and Feathers. Ronald Lewis is a skilled cultural educator who graciously allows interested spectators watch as the Comanche Hunters Mardis Gras Indians prepare and suit up at his House for the night's activities. In the late afternoon when they're completely suited up the Mardi Gras Indians make their way to Washington Avenue where the evening activities rise to a crescendo.

Police on horseback secure the crowd as musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, all their community support teams and excited spectators fill the streets, blocking traffic as they move toward the evening procession. This night's settin is the climatic and most spectacular show of the Mardis Gras Indians. The intricately beaded and magnificently feathered suits are a unique, living manifestation of culture and art. The streets are dazzling kaleidoscopes of color and spontaneous chants and songs thrill the air as brightly as the glowing feathers themselves.

It is a mystic, unparalleled experience to witness this vivid collection of extraordinary art in motion.The world of Mardi Gras Indians is exciting, mysterious and beautiful. It is a national cultural treasure. The sacrifice, talent and effort required to produce this work is phenomenal. It comes from the deepest places of the heart. Mardi Gras Indians represent the luminous soul of a community of people that are a tremendously creative ancestral famil of artists who live, breathe dance, sing, play, create and wear their tradition, their culture, their history, their music and their art.

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Mardi Gras Indians 2010

Mardi Gras 2010

Photos by Mar Doré Featured on BoingBoing

Mardi Gras Indians 2010

Photos by Mar Doré Featured on BoingBoing