The Ogden Museum of Southern Art currently houses solo shows for two important Southern artists — one newly opened and one soon closing.
The new show, which opened Jan. 29, is Herman Leonard’s “Images of Jazz” presented by The Helis Foundation.
“Images of Jazz” features 30 photographs, first self-published by Leonard in 1998. These photographs span his life’s work photographing jazz icons.
Leonard has deep ties to the Ogden, which makes this exhibition especially meaningful. In August 2005, while the artist was working with the museum on a major retrospective and publication, Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. The museum stored Leonard’s extensive negative archive, ultimately protecting it from the storm and the flooding that followed the levee failures.
These black-and-white images feature musicians creating and performing. Some are close portraits that appear more staged, and others seem taken from the sidelines of shows. A notable throughline through the collection is the dramatic lighting in many photographs, emphasized by the smokey atmosphere.
The intensity of these photographs, along with the lighting and compositional choices is striking, often placing the focus of the images intensely on the artists. Leonard reflects the passion of the musical artists in his photography, capturing iconic artists playing their signature instruments.
Raven Halfmoon’s “Flags of Our Mothers” has been on display since Sept. 13 and will be closing soon on March 8. “Flags of Our Mothers” is a must-see collection of Halfmoon’s work from the past five years, including her largest piece to date — “Flagbearer,” found in the entrance of the museum. This ceramic sculpture stands over 12 feet tall, with three sections stacked on one another.
Halfmoon’s other work — which are primarily portraits — are found on the 5th floor. The works honors the artist’s indigenous Caddo ancestors and traditions, particularly the matriarchs in her life and elders who taught her ceramic techniques as a teenager. Sitting spread around the room, each piece features different markings inspired by the tattoos common in Caddo culture.
Halfmoon’s work features larger coil ceramic sculptures with deep finger impressions and thick poured glaze in white, red and black colors. Halfmoon’s said her goal is for viewers to feel entranced by the work, much like the state of awe one feels in nature.
Halfmoon’s art creates astonishment and a feeling of serenity. Every piece feels distinct despite the repeated motifs, each striking me with the connection to the artist’s ancestry. Her work is also featured in the Poydras Corridor, among a collection of sculptures on the neutral ground of Poydras Street in the Central Business District.
Whether it’s the new exhibit or the old, the collections on display at the Ogden are incredible. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art offers O First Friday where there is free admission for college students from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and entry is free to Louisiana residents on Thursdays, Courtesy of The Helis Foundation for the same hours.