Melissa here! I was recently in New Orleans, and had the unique opportunity to do an installation for Molly Crabapple. We wanted to find local spaces that would be interested in allowing us to wheat paste art onto their buildings, with her focus on illustrating local performers. The whole project would be a celebration of New Orleans culture. She received permission from Nicky da B and Katey Red, two legendary rappers in NOLA, to use their likenesses.

We ended up wheat pasting onto the Allways Lounge, located on St. Claude and Marigny Sts at the Bywater/Marigny border. The Allways Lounge is a gorgeous, cabaret-style venue that features amazing burlesque acts, live bands and has been a strong supporter of the weird and wonderful performers in NOLA. We were thrilled to work with them!

On one windy evening just after Mardi Gras, friend and talented local artist Reina, and I went and put up a number of prints. The following were taken by the wonderful photographer Melisa Cardona: 

We had the images printed up at a local copy shop, then proceeded to cut out each image by hand, keeping the outlines fairly loose to match Molly’s style.

All done! The whole process took us only a few hours. Come morning, Melisa came back around & took photos of the whole building in the light.    

 

And the original images:

Rapper, Nicky Da B

Rapper, Katey Red

Inspired by New Orleans Baby Doll Ladies

Bounce Dancer