Kristin Fouquet attempts to convey a story with each photograph. New Orleans, with its rich culture, music, and architecture, always provides stories. Her instinct is black and white photography as it forces the mind to see the world differently. It sets a mood; it enhances texture, shadow, and depth not often seen in color.
The photo feature opens with Fog in Jackson Square, which we also have selected to open the top of this month’s story page. Each photo is accompanied by Kristin’s notes.
Fog in Jackson Square
Jackson Square with its iconic statue of Andrew Jackson is one of the most often photographed views in New Orleans, but it is usually taken from the front with St. Louis Cathedral behind it. I took this image from the back of the square, in front of the cathedral, but the statue is still central.
In the last couple of years, several confederate monuments and statues have been removed. For more, see NPR’s article With Lee Statue’s Removal, Another Battle Of New Orleans Comes To A Close.
The group, Take ‘Em Down NOLA, wants to remove at least five more statues in New Orleans – one of them is Andrew Jackson in Jackson Square. It is unclear if he will stay or go. For more, see The New Orleans Advocate’s, article WWL: Take ‘Em Down NOLA marches over weekend for removal of 5 more statues in New Orleans.
Brass Backs
This photo was taken during Satchmo Fest 2017. Many musicians in New Orleans get their first exposure playing on the streets. A few years ago, this tradition was in danger due to a proposed noise ordinance. Protesters stormed City Hall with signs and instruments. This protest affected the outcome for the city council election and eventually the decision of not enforcing the music curfew.
For more, see Going Dancing, a video I made of the protest, or The Times-Picayune article, New Orleans street music curfew won’t be enforced, Landrieu administration says.
Mimi’s on Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is a magical day in New Orleans. While tourists are invited to join our party, it’s really something New Orleanians celebrate for ourselves. Mimi’s in the Marigny is a popular location because the people on the second floor balcony and in the windows can see all the revelers on the street and vice versa.
See Mimi’s in the Marigny website.
Row of Tombs
In New Orleans, we bury our dead above ground. Years ago, I worked part-time as an internment coordinator for a few cemeteries. I constructed a photo essay to highlight this unique aspect of our culture.
Ingrid Lucia- Wanderlust
A version of this photograph is on display in the current exhibit, Women of Note, at The New Orleans Jazz Museum. Via Nola Vie featured a review of the exhibit, including the version they displayed.
Red Hot Trio
This photograph is on permanent display at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation Art Collection. Also, for Red Hot Trio, I thought it might be fun to add a link to the now grown up red-headed band leader Doyle Cooper and his current band, Red Hot Brass Band.
Kristin Fouquet is a native of New Orleans who photographs and writes from her lovely city. Her photography has been widely published in both online journals and in print: magazines, chapbook and book covers, and CDs. She enjoys constructing photo essays and short films. Her preferences are fine art photography, street photography, street portraits and the occasional traditional portrait. When not behind the camera, Kristin writes short literary fiction. She is the author of
Twenty Stories (Rank Stranger Press, 2009),
Rampart & Toulouse (Rank Stranger Press, 2011),
The Olive Stain (Le Salon Press, 2013) and
Surreptitiously Yours (Le Salon Press, 2016). You are invited to visit her humble virtual abode,
Le Salon.
