After fighting the pandemonium of downstream traffic, I found I urgently needed a restroom while haplessly seeking parking. All of which proved worthwhile plights and pistons in order to enjoy this unique, convivial day, particularly the opportunity to scope out Gallery Rue Royale, located at 541 Royal St in the heart of the French Quarter; A work of life as well as history and art. But that’s a topic for another day. My boyfriend and I, at last, found all day parking with spots available in a lot beside The New Orleans Country Club on N Rampart. I proclaimed, “I need a restroom and a drink!” As it so happened, we found both of these things on the 400 block of Rampart and only had to take a brief stroll from the bar before we reached the gallery, located in an enviable caddy cornered spot in a heavily trafficked window shopping stretch of Royal. While we finished our cocktails, in appreciation of men and woman in their styling Essence Fest best, I approached a few and obtained permission for some fashion photos.
After this small side project, we entered the gallery. They run a very tight ship at Galerie Rue Royale, to the point that the employees cannot answer one question without express permission from the owner. I can’t blame him for this policy. This brilliant, colorful, unique, and cutting edge gallery featuring three equally talented and delectably contrasting artists. Like most galleries, photography is limited within.
Walking throughout, I caught a wonderfully retro vibe in all of the art in the first particular artist’s impeccable style. I regarded pop art pieces of Sinatra, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe. In the background and other space surrounding each icon’s depiction, if one looks closely, they will see countless smaller, somewhat obscured images of Andy Warhol, and so many others.
In a different part of the gallery, there is a small but striking series of various kinds of boats atop varying bodies of water, creating a sense of apprehension in the viewer with strong, dramatic shades of red throughout the imagery.
I also found myself intrigued by several sets of impressionistic depictions of retro lounge and club scenes, some set in the 1920s, other more reminiscent of the Rat Pack days.
I can honestly say that every work of art on display, was SO my taste, which is why I’m pleased to have found myself in Gallery Rue Royale.
