KRISTIN MOORE - Through The Bayou, Into The Garden

FERRARA SHOWMAN GALLERY is proud to present Through the Bayou, Into the Garden, the second solo exhibition of Dallas-based artist Kristin Moore. Her most expansive gallery exhibition to-date, this latest series marks a shift in subject matter for the artist. Previous paintings were inspired by areas which Moore had lived - California and Texas - and her travels between the two. Since establishing her relationship with the gallery in 2019 and the subsequent, frequent trips to Louisiana, in 2022 Moore embarked on research for a new body of work which would capture her new home away from home – New Orleans. The exhibition unveils seventeen new paintings which depict the essence of place: the historic New Orleans-cityscape, the winding Mississippi River, and flourishing bayou landscape. Moore’s unadulterated scenes take inspiration from Impressionist paintings, void of human activity or interference aside from the existing built environment, allowing the viewer to be the sole inhabitant of the spaces she creates.

Such a celebration of the region could not take place at a better time, as the artist reception for the exhibition takes place amidst the pinnacle of the music festival season during the second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The exhibition will be on view from 10 April through 25 May 2024 with an opening reception on Saturday 4 May coinciding with the Arts District of New Orleans’ (ADNO) monthly First Saturday Gallery Openings from 5 – 9 PM.

Moore discusses the inspiration for the new paintings . . . 

“Through the Bayou, Into the Garden” pays homage to New Orleans, a city steeped in history, lore, and romance. This new body of work serves as a love letter to a place where the past oscillates with the present. Viewers are transported on a journey across the landscapes in and around the city, experiencing its timeless atmosphere and captivating aura.

As a Texan, I’ve taken many trips through the lush bayous of Louisiana and into the vibrant heart of New Orleans. The title of this exhibition reflects these travels, symbolizing the connection forged between myself and the city over the last few years. Each trip from Houston or Dallas, traversing bayous and wetlands and into the historic cityscape, serves as inspiration for the diverse landscapes and rich plant life depicted in my work.

This exhibition celebrates the architectural diversity and botanical richness that define New Orleans and the surrounding region. From the iconic Spanish architecture of the French Quarter to the majestic Live Oak trees of the Garden District, each painting offers a glimpse into the city’s multifaceted identity. Historical cemeteries, sprawling wetlands, and hidden mansions all find their place within the intricate fabric of these paintings, showcasing the city’s romantic, complex, and inherently impactful essence.

Through this body of work, I explore the sensory experience of wandering through the streets of New Orleans as sole observer. Whether it’s the intimate allure of the Garden District, or the ethereal beauty of moss-draped trees in Metairie Cemetery, each piece invites viewers to immerse themselves in the magic of the city. I hope that these paintings serve as a testament to the city’s enduring allure and timeless appeal, inviting viewers to embark on their own personal visceral journey."