Bror Anders Wikstrom arrived in New Orleans from Sweden by 1883 and is best remembered as a designer for elaborate Mardi Gras productions. Through the 1880s and 1890s, his fantastical designs elevated the extravaganza of Carnival. This exhibition includes watercolor sketches for parade floats and costumes, in a gallery near the Wikstrom-designed, mahogany cabinet from NOMA’s permanent collection.
Design for “A Trip to Wonderland” parade costume #72, Krewe of Proteus
1898
Bror Anders Wikström
Carnival Collection, Tulane University Special Collections
Design for “The Freaks of the Fable” parade costume, Krewe of Rex
1910
Bror Anders Wikström
Carnival Collection, Tulane University Special Collections.
Design for “The Devil’s Basket” float, Krewe of Proteus
1898
Bror Anders Wikström
Carnival Collection, Tulane University Special Collections
Design for “D – Dragon” float in “The Alphabet” parade, Krewe of Proteus
1904
Bror Anders Wikström
Carnival Collection, Tulane University Special Collections
Float #10 in Rex Parade, 1902
1902
Unknown photographer
Louisiana Image Collection, Louisiana Research Collection, Tulane University
Cabinet
c. 1900–1905
Bror Anders Wikström
Mahogany
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. G. R. Westfeldt
The Artistry of Carnival | Bror Anders Wikstrom: Bringing Fantasy to Carnival on view December 14, 2017 – April 1, 2018
Designer Bror Anders Wikstrom (1854–1909), a Swedish émigré, made a name for himself in New Orleans by engaging with the heart of the Crescent City’s culture: Mardi Gras. In celebration of Wikstrom’s artistry, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) presents Bror Anders Wikstrom: Bringing Fantasy to Carnival. Read More