Discover the captivating history of Louisiana through a lens in John Lawrence's new book. From the elegant autochrome process to the timeless allure of Mardi Gras, these photographs transport you to a bygone era. Now, after four decades of curating historic New Orleans photographs, he unveils Louisiana Lens, a captivating book that takes you on an immersive journey through time.
In this episode of Final Cuts, host Mark Bologna sits down with John Lawrence, the former curator of the Historic New Orleans Collection's photography holdings. Lawrence recently released a book called Louisiana Lens, which showcases a hundred photographs from the collection.
Lawrence's passion for photography led him to become the curator of photographs, shaping the growth of the collection over the years. The goal of his book was to select 100 photographs that represent the development of photographic technology and offer individual interpretations to each viewer.
Through images accompanied by narratives, the book allows readers to explore the multilayered nature of each photograph, weaving together the immutable characteristics of the image, its historical context, and the personal interpretation of the viewer.
Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply interested in the history of Louisiana, this episode provides a deeper understanding of the state's rich history through the lens of photography. So grab your favorite beverage, sit back, and dive into the captivating world of Louisiana's history through the camera lens.
"A photograph needs to be appreciated for what it was then at that moment, but also through the lens of today." - John Lawrence
Have you ever heard the myths surrounding absinthe?
Myth #1: Absinthe can make you hallucinate.
Myth #2: It was banned for being a dangerous drug.
Myth #3: The Green Fairy was a mystical presence associated with absinthe.
In this episode, our guest Marielle Songy will reveal the truth behind these intriguing tales and unravel the fascinating history and culture of absinthe.
Step into the captivating world of absinthe, where the threads of history intertwine with the allure of a mysterious elixir. Join Marielle Songy as she uncovers the secrets behind the enigmatic Absinthe Frappé, a cocktail that holds the key to New Orleans' vibrant past. With every page turned, immerse yourself in the tales of bartenders and bans, controversies and creativity.
Marielle Songy, a food and culture writer from the New Orleans area, found herself captivated by the rich history and cultural significance of absinthe. When approached by LSU Press to write a book for their iconic New Orleans cocktail series, she was drawn to the Absinthe Frappé, a unique cocktail that originated in New Orleans.
With a love for absinthe and a desire to delve into its intriguing past, Marielle embarked on a journey to uncover the origins and stories behind this enigmatic spirit. From the invention of the Frappé to the controversies and bans surrounding absinthe, Marielle's research allowed her to explore the deep connections between absinthe, art, and literature. Through her writing, she brings to life the vibrant history and cultural significance of absinthe, inviting readers on a journey of discovery into the world of this beloved and misunderstood spirit.
Absinthe has touched so much throughout history, in art and writing and things like that. It has a connection to New Orleans because of its French connections. - Marielle Songy
In this episode, you will be able to: