Voodoo like to? Marie Laveau

text by Marcello Pisu

Marie Laveau is the Queen of New Orleans, and the embodiment of the transient essence of a city between life and death, mundane and otherworldly, good and bad, modern and antique. Born as a free woman from a white wealthy planter and a Creole woman of colour, she lived in that time that shaped Nola until today as a synthesis of French, Haitian, Christian, animist elements. She was the first “commercial” voodoo priestess, bringing the practice from the local subculture to the national mainstream and making it a business that still Nola benefits from.

What strikes me is how still controversial her figure is, being called a saint or a brothel manager, a benefactress or an enslaver, a sensitive listener or a manipulator. Her grave is still more visited than Elvis Presley’s one. I guess it’s the destiny of those rare people who cross worlds and open gates that were never even believed to exist. I spent my stay in Nola at Marie Laveau’s ex-apartment in the French Quarter. I couldn’t resist to wake up and fall asleep where she lived and died. I hope that some of her power filled my muscles. Thinking of Marie, I chose for my shot with Esra the symbol of Papa Legba because of its resemblance with the cross, but most of all because it is supposed to evoke the spirit of the Gatekeeper, the intermediary between the alive and the dead. But since the tomb of Marie Laveau was just completely painted in pink by some fervent fan, we decided to use the to-be mausoleum of the still alive Nicholas Cage, a pretentious but undoubtedly scenographic pyramid in the same cemetery of Madame Laveau. In New Orleans I realised why death is used in voodoo rituals, not only for its power to make us suffer for a whole lifetime, but most of all to open our existences to a whole new, unpredictable, course. What’s not to celebrate about it?

FAKE FAIRY TAIL

All characters are real, the story is based on my story and 

only makes sence if it melts up with yours

Introduction

I met Tom Stawe at Rampert St in New Orleans and we decided to share a cab.Tom came from South England to New Orleans to stay for 17 days, but he never left for over 40 years.
He fell in love with a girl and the city. He worked many years as a producer of music, with local artists. Excited like I was when he agreed to get portrayed by me at his home right away, I totally forgot where I was. New Orleans is in the top ten of Americas most dangerous and criminal cities. When I left his home (spooky enough) he sad:"Watch out, where I go and with whom I talk." From that moement on my andenture begun.

Tom Stawe

I met Wilma Ballsdrop when I made my way out to french market close by the Mississippi, where  he works in a Beignet shop.
About himself he says:"Im a sultry charismatic individual with a passion to give back. Coming from a super religious family i learned many things. I started volunteering with The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence as well as working in a service industry here in new orleans while being embraced by the warm cultures and good food i have fell in love with the city that has such potential to place you where ever you desire!"

CC aka Courtney Mcray is traveling with her dog Lady bird, back and forth from Texas  

Andrew Wiseman is musicain and knows the best spots in town. I meet him at the river in perfect light, dressed up elegantly. People that are passing by are greeting him, his phone does not stop to ring, while we take the photos. He lives since 13 years in Nola and plays percussion.

Yolanda Brown loves to drive the street car. she works already since 2010 as a driver, always the same short way from downtown New Orleans to french market.

 Ronald Carter walks in perfect symmetry under the bridge, when I want to cross .A beautiful picture, but also a little bit spooky. He walks fast to me and starts a conversation. He tells me his wife dies 2 years ago and he lives together with his daughter, that is sick and he would be on the way to the pharmacy. I overcome the moment of scariness and take some video and picture stuff and donate at the end a part of the costs for the medicine. I guess, New Orleans is full of people with similar tragedic life stories, that ask you for money. I heard around 10 of them. Not saying this one is not true:)

Ronald Carter

Valentina Addabbo is from Seattle but has italian roots. She is travelling together with her boyfriend Mark across the country. They met 3 years ago at a party and fell in love.

Mark Huffan from Wahington left Washington 6 years ago. Since then he is traveling around and is totally in love with  Valentina.

The Mississippi

Free campaign for New Orleans

I fell in love with NOLA.

I met so many friendly, beautiful people down here and I asked them about their statement for the city. I felt like doing it to give a little bit of the beauty back the city is offering me and to fight for the good and against the problems of New Orleans.