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Robert Freeman, former artist-in-residence at Nobles for 27 years, will contribute 12 paintings to the upcoming Adelson Galleries exhibition Mardi Gras Indians. The joint exhibition, also featuring photography by Max Stern, celebrates Mardi Gras Indians parading through the streets of New Orleans on “Super Sunday,” the third Sunday in March.
Stern, “eminent trial lawyer by profession and distinguished photographer by avocation,” has displayed his photography at the Copley Society, the Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse, and the Featherstone Center for the Arts on Martha’s Vineyard, among others. Freeman’s paintings are featured in the permanent collections of many museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts.
Mardi Gras Indians captures what Freeman calls “the unique convergence of Native American and African cultures that comes to life in New Orleans on Super Sunday.” Indian chiefs, wearing full masks and elaborate suits, lead the annual parade through the streets, chanting, drumming and dancing to beats reminiscent of cultures of Africa and tribes of America.
For this exhibit, Freeman’s paintings will debut a more liberal application of gold leaf and the incorporation of real ostrich feathers.
The exhibition will be open at the Adelson Galleries from March 2 through April 29. It will then move to The Museum of the National Center of Afro-American Artists in Roxbury, where it will be on display from May 6 to July 15.