Arts
Prospect 1
By Suzanne PfefferleThis fall, the culturally-rich Crescent City will transform into an international art show when Prospect 1. New Orleans Biennial International Art Show, the largest biennial of contemporary art ever organized in the country, opens on the first of November.
During the 11-week art show, the eye-catching creations of local, national, and international artists will be showcased in venues throughout the city. South African and self-proclaimed “revolutionary contemporary artist” Robin Rhode, Cao Fei from China, and New Orleanian Srdjan Loncar, are a few of the 81 artists participating in Prospect 1. New Orleans. Each talent will add a unique dimension to the display.
The anticipated event will take place in about 15 venues across the city. The show is so widescale that the exhibition plans for Prospect 1. New Orleans demand 100,000 square feet. Art galleries and museums are the places that most people would typically expect to see an exhibition. In Prospect 1. New Orleans, a church, a casino, and even an auto repair shop are some of the venues exposing the colorful artwork for everyone to see.
The citywide event is guaranteed to garner international attention. With satellite exhibitions and inquisitive members of the media, art lovers from across the world will be able to zoom in on the event. Planners of Prospect 1. New Orleans are hoping that the event will draw attention to the creative energy and economic activity taking place in the city since Katrina. The project aims to characterize New Orleans, in the minds of others, as a city rich with culture. The people behind Prospect 1. New Orleans are also hoping to create a new category of tourism for the city which would be based on art.
It is no coincidence that New Orleans was selected as the site for the event. At the turn of the 20th century, Claude Monet and other international artists would frequently visit the city. At the time, the Annual Exhibition of the Art Association of New Orleans was the most sophisticated showcase of international art. The Big Easy, with its beautiful architecture and bohemian atmosphere, has always been an attraction to artists from all over the world.
Prospect 1. New Orleans, which runs until January 18, 2009, is organized by Director and Curator Dan Cameron. Cameron was inspired to organize the exhibition in New Orleans after witnessing the devastation caused by Katrina. About a year ago, Cameron was appointed as the Visual Arts Director at the Contemporary Arts Center. Then, because of his passion for art and his love for this city, Prospect 1. New Orleans became possible.
Participating Venues
Common Ground Relief
1800 Deslonde St.
942-8856
Contemporary Arts Center
900 Camp St.
528-3805
The George & Leah McKenna Museum of African American Art
2003 Carondelet St.
586-7432
The Historic New Orleans Collection
533 Royal St.
523-4662
Long Vue House and Gardens
7 Bamboo Rd.
488-5488
Louisiana Artworks
725 Howard Ave.
571-7373
Loyola University
6363 St. Charles Ave.
865-3240
New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll Circle
658-4100
Universal Furniture
2372 St. Claude Ave.
945-4171
The U.S. Mint Louisiana State Museum
400 Esplanade Ave.
568-6968
Please visit ProspectNewOrleans.org for a complete listing