RODRIGUE STUDIOS ANNOUNCES 2016 NEW ORLEANS EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
Exhibitions Explore George Rodrigue’s Unique Perspective on American Culture
NEW ORLEANS—Three lifelong passions of George Rodrigue are celebrated in new exhibitions that demonstrate how the artist’s personal interests were reflected as subjects in his art. The Family of artist George Rodrigue announces a special series highlighting his visual interpretations of Music, Sports, and Politics, on view during 2016 at Rodrigue Studio, 730 Royal Street in the New Orleans French Quarter.
“I’m excited to join George’s sons, André and Jacques, in sharing these outstanding original artworks, as well as the stories behind them,” shares Rodrigue’s widow, Wendy. “In the opening exhibition, ‘Celebrating Music,’ for example, the Steinway piano on view is one of George’s greatest career accomplishments. In a day and age when he could have hired assistants to paint his complex design or reproduce it digitally, he instead spent three months in his garage hand-painting a grand piano.”
Each installation includes original paintings from George Rodrigue’s archives, as well as rarely seen artworks borrowed from private collectors. The exhibitions are accompanied by quotes and anecdotes from George Rodrigue, as well as important works such as the large-scale Fais do-do, which hung for many years behind the bandstand at Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana; a rarely-seen 2012 portrait of Sylvester Stallone as Rocky; and the controversial No More Dukes (1996), Rodrigue’s painted response to former Ku Klux Klan Grand Wizard David Duke’s bid for the U.S. Senate.
“Celebrating Music”
February 24th – May 15th 2016
Opening Reception: Thursday, February 25th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
![CliftonChenier24x20[1]](https://georgerodrigue.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/CliftonChenier24x201-249x300.jpg)
Clifton Chenier, 1985, oil on canvas, 24×20 inches by George Rodrigue
Music is an integral part of Louisiana’s culture and was an important subject for George Rodrigue throughout his career, resulting in portraits of musical giants such as Clifton Chenier and Mahalia Jackson, Cajun favorites The Romero Brothers and the Rayne-bo Ramblers, and three wildly successful posters for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, featuring Louis Armstrong, Pete Fountain, and Al Hirt. Most exciting, this exhibition features a 100 year-old Steinway Grand Piano hand-painted by George Rodrigue in 2012 and signed by the talents who’ve played it, including Allen Toussaint, Billy Joel, and Randy Newman. LEARN MORE
“The Spirit of the Game”
May 18th – September 18th 2016
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 19th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
From Olympic heroes to football legends, Rodrigue Studios presents a collection of paintings honoring the spirit of the game. Artwork ranges from ballet to boxing, as well as portraits of Saints star Drew Brees and LSU mascot Mike the Tiger. In addition, the exhibition highlights the large-scale painting The Spirit of the Next Hero, which became the official poster for the 1985 National Sports Festival and includes portraits of past Olympic gold medalists Greg Louganis, Linda Fratianne, Evelyn Ashford, Bart Conner, Mike Eruzione and Mark Breland.
“Blue Dog for President”
September 21st 2016 – January 8th 2017
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 22nd, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In honor of the 2016 Presidential Election, Rodrigue Studio revisits “Blue Dog for President,” a hugely successful 1996 exhibition at Union Station in Washington, D.C. Artwork includes Rodrigue’s portraits of Presidents Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton, Louisiana Governors Huey Long, Earl Long, Edwin Edwards, and Kathleen Blanco, as well as the artist’s personal political commentary, presented in paintings and anecdotes both humorous and poignant. Novelty items include “Blue Dog for President” campaign buttons, hats, and bumper stickers.
Related Events
Rodrigue’s family, including Wendy Rodrigue and his sons André and Jacques, invite the artist’s friends, fans, and collectors to join them at the opening receptions, as well as exhibition tours and other events. Free and open to the public.