Dan Cameron

The beacon of the art scene in New Orleans, a 51 year old curator who believes in the transformative power of art. He has dedicated his time, post hurricane to rebuilding the art scene and connecting it to the rest of the untouched growing art world. He worked at the New Museum in New York from 1995 until 2005, He has curated both the Istanbul and Taipei Biennials. After katrina hit over 50 percent of artists living in the big easy lost their homes and archives of life works. He is working now to rebuild not only artist communities, but draw attention from outside investors and collectors to help draw money and resources. He considered the idea of an Art Fair, however concluded that he is a biennial curator and if any city deserves one, it is New Orleans. One of the most culturally rich cities in the country, thriving once again after being almost completely wiped off the map. Now feeling the spirit of their history and willingness to persevere, Dan Cameron is digging in deep and calling on many of his well connected friends. He is calling the festival Prospect1. It will feature local artists and many others; William Kentridge and Fred Tomaselli to name a few. Cameron pointed out that while New Orleans may be best known for its cuisine, music, and nightlife, it was a sensual city that appreciated all forms of pleasure, remarking that, “creative expression is central to New Orleans’ identity.” He added that New Orleans sustains its culture through architecture, cuisine and the arts, and Prospect.1 is working to ensure that visual art plays a crucial role in that evolving identity. Curious as to how the local artists would mesh with visiting artists Cameron anticipated the opening of Prospect1 and was more then pleasantly suprised with the results; Navin Rawanchaikul and Tyler Russell’s project was a perfect example of what art could achieve on a local scale. As the result of a typo in an obituary, the multicultural Thai artist learned of the death of local jazz great Narvin Kimball. For their contribution to Prospect.1, Rawanchaikul and Russell organized a traditional New Orleans jazz funeral complete with banners painted in a style reminiscent of Bollywood posters. The funerary march took place during Prospect.1’s opening weekend and the result, according to Cameron, was warmly welcomed by the community, which included jazz musicians, family, friends and fans, all of whom seemed to appreciate Rawanchaikul and Russell’s fresh and sincere approach. Making a beautiful connection between Funerary Rites and Rituals and the fine art world.