CAMPBELL, Nell
Description
Geisha Girls, Mardi Gras Day, New Orleans, LA
1982, reprinted 2017
1982, reprinted 2017
Archival pigment print
12" x 18"
Traveling to Louisiana, Nell Campbell is a documentary photographer who photographed Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans from 1980 through 1990. Her Street Photos series captures the LGBT community wearing masks and costumes to represent Louisiana culture during these festivities, also known as Fat Tuesday. Coming on the eve of Ash Wednesday, Fat Tuesday is celebrated by eating favorite foods and snacks before giving them up for Lent. Begun in 1781 by Lousianas first governor, Marquis de Vaudriel, Madri Gras began as a societal ball but eventually evolved into a more expansive celebration. Attendees moved into more decorative dress wearing costumes and masks of fairies, animals and mythical creatures while horseback riders decked out in Medieval attire paraded through the streets of New Orleans. Campbells images were acquired in 2017 by the museum and are digital photos printed on photo base papers.
Date
1982, reprinted 2017
Creator
Campbell, Nell
American, b. 1946
Source
Museum purchase & gift of the artist
Identifier
2017.009.012
Collection
Citation
Campbell, Nell and American, b. 1946, “CAMPBELL, Nell,” UCSB ADA Museum Omeka, accessed November 26, 2024, http://art-collections.museum.ucsb.edu/items/show/9018.