One of the first things that comes to my mind when I think of New Orleans is Mardi Gras. I think of the purple, gold, and green that are shown everywhere. I think of the food and the parades. Mardi … Continue reading →

Different cultures have various means to honor the dead and lay their bodies to rest. In Bali, dead bodies are disposed of through fire burials; in Egypt, bodies are disposed of in tombs; and in many Western cultures, the deceased … Continue reading →

This is one of my favorite Degas paintings — a portrait of his brother Achille’s wife René, who was nearly blind, that Degas painted while visiting New Orleans. The work hangs in the National Gallery of Art. “Posture, gesture, accessories, and … Continue reading →

Edgar Degas is known for his dancers. His stark imagery of young ballerinas in motion and at rest made him famous. Because he was a native Frenchman, one might think that he would have no connection to the American city of … Continue reading →

Go to Spotify to listen to the Art & Identity in New Orleans Playlist.