Carrie Ann Baade, an oil painter, embarked on a personal journey that transformed her family history into art. Inspired by a fellow artist’s challenge and driven by her passion for art and genealogy, she began to unravel stories of her matrilineal ancestors. These women, largely forgotten by history, are now immortalized in Baade’s exhibition at LeMieux Galleries in New Orleans.
Baade’s studio is a vibrant testament to her creative process. The walls are adorned with paintings that tell stories of women from her family who lived between 1690 and 1740. These portraits, a fusion of oil paint and collage, aim to reconstruct the lives and attire of her forebears in a time before photography was a common means to capture images. Before photography became accessible, depictions of fashion and people were left to artists. Baade’s work tries to fill this historical gap.
The inspiration behind Baade’s project came from a simple yet profound desire: to look into the eyes of the women who preceded her. “All families have lore, mysteries, and traditions,” Baade explains. Her exploration was spurred by both curiosity and a challenge from another artist. Having traced her genealogy through a DNA test, Baade found herself connecting with over 9,000 ancestors, focusing on a slice of history from 1690 to 1740. This period, which predates the founding of New Orleans, captivated her interest.
As she delved into her genealogy, Baade uncovered details about her ancestors, including ‘fille du roi’, young French women sent to America by King Louis XIV to marry and aid in populating New France. Despite the lack of photographs, family lore and historical records allowed Baade to visualize these women’s stories.
Each ancestor’s folder, packed with 20 to 40 images of period attire and cultural references, guided Baade’s artistic process. She recounts moments of adjustment when historical accuracy demanded changes in her work, illustrating the meticulous research behind each painting.
Baade’s work is also enriched by technology. She uses AI to imagine what her ancestors might have looked like, integrating aspects of their ethnic and cultural backgrounds. This innovative blend of art and technology allows Baade to create composite images that are both imaginative and grounded in historical research.
The paintings, named after their subjects, are set against backgrounds of silver leaf and adorned with scenes and motifs relevant to each woman’s life. From traditional Ursuline robes to ‘murder toile’ for an ancestor with a violent history, each artwork narrates a story beyond mere appearance.
Baade’s exploration acknowledges the broader historical context of her ancestors’ era, touching on interactions with Indigenous peoples and the involvement of enslaved persons. Her paintings reflect a diversity of cultural influences, offering a nuanced view of her family’s past.
The exhibition not only illuminates Baade’s family history but also aims to connect others with the rich tapestry of Gulf Coast and New Orleans history. Baade hopes viewers will reflect on their own lineage and historical identity, pondering the stories behind their features.
Carrie Ann Baade’s ‘Birthplace’ exhibition is a tribute to forgotten women and a celebration of art as a narrative tool. Through vivid portraits and thoughtful exploration, she bridges the past with the present, opening a window into a bygone era and inviting us all to contemplate our roots.
Source: Forbes
