12th Night the start of Carnival on January 6, 2024 in New Orleans. Photo by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee
The New Orleans Jazz Museum, located at the Old US Mint, proudly presents the outdoor photo exhibit “Carnival From the Ground Up” by photographer Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee. The exhibit, on display from January 6 to February 13, 2024, pays homage to the individuals who handcraft and bring New Orleans’ vibrant carnival to life. From the Baby Dolls and Black Masking Indians to the independent marching krewes, Hodgson-Rigsbee’s 70 photographs celebrate the creativity, community, and hard work that define Mardi Gras.
The exhibit captures the spirit of those who take to the streets on foot, showcasing the intricate costumes and the joyful expressions of the maskers. Hodgson-Rigsbee’s skillful use of light and color vividly depicts the textures of carnival deeply rooted in everyday life. The photos, accompanied by captions and quotes from the subjects, form a lively parade along the Jazz Museum’s fence.
To delve deeper into the exhibit, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is hosting a panel discussion titled “Carnival From the Ground Up” on
Tuesday, January 30, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The event will feature Monogram Hunters Big Chief Tyrone “Pie” Stevenson, Chewbacchus Overlord Aryanna Gamble, Society of Sainte Anne member Stuart Auld, photographer Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee, and anthropologist Martha Radice. Gianna Chachere of The New Quorum will moderate the discussion.
The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old US Mint hosts Carnival From the Ground Up, a photo exhibit by Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee
The festivities continue with an opening event on Sunday, February 4, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., offering an opportunity for attendees to meet the minds behind “Carnival From the Ground Up.” Photographer Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee and anthropologist Martha Radice will be present at the exhibit on Decatur Street, providing insights into the making of the collection. Refreshments will be provided, and all are welcome.
Ryan Hodgson-Rigsbee has been documenting New Orleans for over a decade, with his work published in renowned outlets like the New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, New Orleans Advocate, and Bitter Southerner. He collaborates with local nonprofits and artists, striving to share culturally responsible photography.
Martha Radice is a social anthropologist and associate professor at Dalhousie University. Her research, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and a New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Archive Fellowship, explores the community, creativity, and politics of carnival in New Orleans.
Event Details:
Panel Discussion:
- Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
- Time: 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
- Venue: New Orleans Jazz Museum
Opening Event:
- Date: Sunday, February 4, 2024
- Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Venue: Decatur Street side, 1300 block, New Orleans Jazz Museum
Exhibit Dates:
- January 6 to February 13, 2024
- Location: New Orleans Jazz Museum (Old US Mint), 400 Esplanade Avenue, Decatur Street side, 1300 block.
