Run

Every year, as Ash Wednesday approaches, rural communities in Southwest Louisiana is abuzz with Mardi Gras “coureurs” – lively races where costumed party-goers embark on a captivating journey and incredible. David Simpson, through his lens, captures the enchantment of Mardi Gras in a photographic narrative, as they go from house to house, singing, dancing and begging for ingredients to create a communal feast of “ gumbo”. The rich symbolism behind the costumes, from conical hats pointed parodying noble hairstyles to handmade masks that conceal identities behind exaggerated facial features, constitutes here a passionate portrayal of roles that ridicule authority, a tradition deeply rooted in Cajun and Creole heritage in a archival work compiled by David Simpson spanning over thirty years. At the heart of this festive quest, perhaps fueled by a little alcohol, the Mardi Gras participants find freedom from life's constraints daily, creating a colorful fair that is both tumultuous and joyful, based on rural traditions dating back to the Middle Ages. This work photographic presents itself as a tribute to their centuries-old tradition.