Mardi Gras Krewes: George Hester 1993

Curator: What we have here is a gelatin silver print from 1993 by Nancy Andrews, titled "Mardi Gras Krewes: George Hester." Editor: Well, it’s… striking. The textures are immediately what get you; that contrast between smooth skin, the gritty glitter on his beard, and that velvety-looking hat. Curator: Andrews spent a good deal of time documenting the vibrant culture around Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Her lens captured not just the parades and revelry, but also the individuals who contribute to the spirit and spectacle. I wonder about this “krewe” and Hester's place within it. Editor: Yes, the image seems simple. There is great tonal range but compositionally everything draws your eye straight to the face. Those almost unnervingly steady eyes command attention despite the, admittedly fabulous, distractions. Curator: The very idea of krewes represents the democratization of Mardi Gras. These social organizations create their own parades and experiences, so photography like this acts as an accessible public record and memory of queer culture. Editor: It really locks into place when you understand that the context. Before that, I’m only considering the use of monochrome. Here, it lends gravity, and lets us, ironically, focus more sharply on what clearly pops as exuberance. Curator: And consider gelatin silver prints as objects! They are not disposable. There's intention, a will toward posterity in the material itself. Andrews, I think, uses that formality to elevate her subjects, to argue for their significance beyond the immediate event. Editor: Interesting point, yes! This material presence adds weight… speaking of which, there’s that slight asymmetry of the headwear mirrored by the off-center glint on the beard. It creates just enough tension to avoid blandness. It suggests action. Curator: Andrews gave agency to the image's subjects in a lot of ways, showing how they shaped not only their personal experiences but also helped influence the social and cultural atmosphere of New Orleans as a whole. Editor: I initially appreciated the composition as strong and dynamic, and that the aesthetic tension enlivens it further. Now seeing all of these layers and contexts really enriches the image’s cultural value, too. Curator: Exactly! By highlighting these aspects, one is forced to acknowledge how communal identity plays such a crucial role in creating expressive, joyful moments. Editor: Well said! Now when I look at Hester's unwavering stare, I also see layers of meaning; culture and commentary at the meeting point of celebration, self-expression and the history of its imagery.