The Sights and Sounds of My New Orleans (2000)
This solo exhibition by William Pajaud captured the lively atmosphere of his native New Orleans through a series of watercolor paintings depicting jazz funerals, street parades, and vibrant community scenes, inviting viewers into the rhythms of his cultural heritage
Title: The Sights and Sounds of My New Orleans
Venue: California African American Museum (CAAM), Los Angeles, California
Dates: August 5, 1999 – February 27, 2000
Type: Solo exhibition showcasing watercolor paintings inspired by New Orleans jazz and street life
Exhibition Description
Pajaud’s deeply personal reflections of New Orleans come alive in this collection, rooted in the artist’s own upbringing in the Crescent City. His father, a professional jazz musician, and the rich cultural tapestry of his childhood served as enduring inspirations for this body of work. Through vibrant watercolors, Pajaud captured the rhythm and soul of New Orleans—the joyous energy of street parades, the solemn dignity of jazz funerals, and the everyday moments that define a community. Each piece reverberates with music, movement, and emotion, portraying the city not only as a physical space but as a living, breathing cultural experience. His works transcend nostalgia, offering a tribute to resilience, heritage, and the enduring power of Black cultural expression. The exhibition invited viewers to step into scenes that celebrate both the beauty and complexity of African American life in New Orleans, uniting personal memory with collective identity.
Gallery
