A bit about Kristin:
Kristin Fouquet, a New Orleans native and anachronism, is a fine art photographer and writer. From early childhood, she instinctively knew that she lived in a very special place. New Orleans is architecturally beautiful and historically mysterious, holding many secrets, but, it is her people that give her life.
“I am happy to display my photographs of Mardi Gras 2005; I am happy because these are happy photos. You can feel the joie de vivre emanating from these people.
I heard a visitor once ask if people in New Orleans costume on Mardi Gras for the tourists. Nothing could be further from the truth. We dress up for ourselves. Everyone is invited to come but, this is our party. New Orleans throws this party for herself.
As a child, kids would ask ‘Who you gonna be for Mardi Gras?’ not what are you going to dress up as. Many tourists come for Mardi Gras and never leave because you can be whoever you want to be here.
These photographs were taken in 2005, before Hurricane Katrina. I used film back then so I scanned them. I backed up all of my files before evacuating, which was fortunate because all of my negatives washed away. At the time, I thought these pictures were alright, not exceptional but, documented the holiday nicely. Only recently had I given them another look. I became rather emotional because there was such an air of innocence about them. It seemed reminiscent of the 1920s prior to the stock market crash.
A lot has changed in this city and this country since 2005. Mardi Gras in New Orleans has once again risen to that level of joy seen in these past photographs. Despite all of her problems and challenges, the people of New Orleans love and embrace this city. It is a passionate culture, one never to be taken for granted.”
More about Kristin can be found at Le Salon.
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