Brand New Orleans Art Gallery proudly presents a solo exhibition of paintings by Herb Roe. All That I Wanted is an exploration of the mythic qualities of festival traditions and its modern continuation. Through his work, Herb Roe brings to life the magic that is Courir de Mardi Gras, also known as Cajun Mardi Gras.
Unlike the parades and floats in New Orleans proper, folks in the Acadiana area celebrate Fat Tuesday by donning traditional costumes and participating in the role play that is custom to their town. Present here is the ability for the subject to display their inner selves and spend a day removed from societal inhibitions. As you can see, fun is had by all.
All That I Wanted is an exploration of the psychological implications of the holiday from an outsider perspective. In these works we see an analytical understanding of Louisiana culture and an interpretation of how Mardi Gras traditions adapt to modernization. Roe implements a well developed technique based in western classical realist traditions. He contrasts brightly colored costumes against a dream like setting of spreading moss draped oaks. Drama and focus is added with layering of light and color, built up through multiple layers of impasto and oil glazes.
Drawing upon his 15 years of experience as a large scale muralist, Roe compounds oil on top of detailed graphite drawings and value studies. The final effect is a focused finished product, that achieves an emotional understanding of the history and culture of the artists’ adopted home in South Louisiana.
All That I Wanted opens June 2nd and will be on view through July 7th, 2018. The opening reception is Saturday June 2nd, 6-9PM at 646 Tchoupitoulas St in conjunction with Arts District New Orleans First Saturdays.
Contact: Regina Parkinson Gallery Director regina@nolabrandgallery.com (504) 509-6598
