“Katrina: Catastrophe and Catharsis,” originally curated by Arthur Roger in the fall of 2006, was the first group exhibition dedicated to works by artists responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In early 2007, the exhibition traveled to the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center where it was favorably received. The 2008 exhibition of Katrina: Catastrophe and Catharsis at the Arthur Roger Gallery Project features additional storm-related works by artists that were not included in the original exhibition and also many artists not affiliated with the Arthur Roger Gallery.
Among the leading artists and photographers included in the exhibition are Luis Cruz Azaceta, David Bates, Ron Bechet, Willie Birch, Jacqueline Bishop, Kyan Bishop, Douglas Bourgeois, Debbie Fleming Caffery, Jeffery Cook, Keith Duncan, Dawn Dedeaux, Robin Durand, Lin Emery, Ersy, Mitchell Gaudet, Simon Gunning, Stewart Harvey, Michael Meads, Thomas Neff, Keith Perelli, Robert Polidori, Frank Relle, Terrence Sanders, Phil Sandusky, John Scott, Robert Warrens, and Michael Willmon.
Highlights from the exhibition include Douglas Bourgeois’ American Address, which was the basis for the enthusiastically received 2008 Jazz Fest Poster. American Address contains the references to Hurricane Katrina which were edited from the poster. Also featured is David Bates’ remarkable painting The Storm, a moving depiction of the plight and tragedy of New Orleanians following Hurricane Katrina and their feelings of loss and abandonment. Works from the late John Scott, which were completed before the storm, will also be included.
“Katrina: Catastrophe and Catharsis” will be on view for the duration of Prospect.1, the international biennial of contemporary art which will be held in New Orleans from November 1, 2008 to January 18th, 2009. The concept for Prospect.1 originated at a panel discussion, New Orleans Culture in a Post-Katrina Environment, sponsored by the New Orleans Arts District Association and held at the Arthur Roger Gallery in January of 2006. Dan Cameron, now the director of Prospect.1, was one of the three panelists. He first spoke that night of his hope to be able to undertake an extraordinary endeavor in New Orleans. “Katrina: Catastrophe and Catharsis” will provide those visiting New Orleans for Prospect.1 an opportunity to view a remarkable body of work spawned by a catastrophic storm and created by artists related to this community.
