A Bayou State of Mind

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

How do you translate the spirit of your environment?

The exhibition A Bayou State of Mind showcases the rich tapestry of Louisiana’s culture, traditions, history, land, and essence, as a diverse mix of artists respond to and envision the state’s unique character as translated through their personal experiences and histories. From the deep-rooted perspectives of natives such as Malaika Favorite, John T. Scott, and Shirley Rabé Masinter, to the evocative impressions of those captivated during brief encounters, like Nathalie Miebach and Richard Misrach, the objects relate intimate responses to a complex environment.

A highlight of the exhibition is The Bayou Collection, a series of forty paintings by George Rodrigue (1944-2013), originally created to accompany a compilation of ghost stories by author Chris Segura. Premiered at the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans, Rodrigue’s imaginative renderings are steeped in his signature Cajun style. This labor of love includes the first painting of Rodrigue’s iconic “Blue Dog”—his cherished spaniel-terrier, Tiffany. Watchdog depicts the loup-garou, a mythical werewolf dog who lurks in cemeteries and sugar cane fields. The artist envisioned the creature as small and blue, with piercing yellow eyes. Using old photographs of Tiffany as the model, the painting presents the viewer with a "beast” who appears more misunderstood and approachable, rather than scary. Tiffany’s premiere in The Bayou Collection was a pivot point for Rodrigue—as the dog became the primary focus of his work from this point forward.

A Bayou State of Mind represents a broad overview of contemporary presented in over 120 objects, including photography, new media, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. The artists embody an array of cultural heritages and backgrounds, mirroring the diverse nature of Louisiana. The full list of artists featured in the exhibition include: Ben Depp (photography), Johanna Warwick (photography), James Michalopoulos (painting), Nathalie Miebach (sculpture), Vitus Shell (painting), Jesse Allison (new media), Derick Ostrenko (new media), Ron Bechet (drawing and painting), John T. Scott (printmaking), Shirley Rabé Masinter (painting), Malaika Favorite (mixed media), Carl Joe Williams (painting), Eric Waters (photography), Gene Koss (glass), Hunt Slonem (paintings), Rolland Golden (painting), Tina Freeman (photography), Carrie Mae Weems (photography), Janice Sachse (printmaking), Elemore Morgan, Jr. (painting), Robert Warrens (printmaking), Letitia Huckaby (mixed media), Jonathan Bachman (photography), Richard Misrach (photography), Debbie Fleming Caffery (photography), Dawn DeDeaux (sculpture), David Freese (photography), Thomas Neff (photography), Michael Frederic Daugherty (mixed media), Sidney Garrett (sculpture), Steve Rucker (ceramics), Jamey Grimes (sculpture), and George Rodrigue (painting).

on view September 4, 2025–January 4, 2026

EXHIBITION SPONSORS

The museum would like to thank The Imo N. Brown Memorial Fund in memory of Heidel Brown and Mary Ann Brown; Hotel Indigo of Downtown Baton Rouge; and Gerri Hobdy / Pleroma LLC for supporting this exhibition. Confluence by Jamey Grimes is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Louisiana Division of the Arts. The Bayou Collection by George Rodrigue is sponsored by a generous private donation.

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HOTEL INDIGO DOWNTOWN PASSPORT

Start your downtown adventure by checking in at Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown (200 Convention Street) to receive your exclusive Downtown Passport—available only from September 4, 2025, through January 4, 2026. This passport grants access to special offers at participating downtown locations and free admission to view A Bayou State of Mind at the LSU Museum of Art.

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