La Madama Bazarre (US)

"I have always found solace from what is considered dark, such as the occult and the art that it inspires. New Orleans celebrates death unlike any other city in America and the macabre never leaves this place." - Jennifer Kirtlan of La Madama Bazarre Gallery

Time and time again, Circus Living has featured artists whose works exhibit macabre or morbid characteristics but what about the art galleries who work hard to promote these artists? What about the gallery owners and representatives who place a lot of effort into planning exhibitions, staging these artists' artworks, and ensuring their works are seen by interested art collectors?

I thought it was about time the art galleries who promote the artists who fit this type of niche - macabre and morbid art - are also featured. For this art gallery feature, Jennifer Kirtlan of La Madama Bazarre Gallery located in New Orleans is featured.

For art collectors interested in La Madama Bazarre Gallery located in New Orleans, Jennifer Kirtlan provides a glimpse of what to expect when you visit the gallery.

For visitors to New Orleans catching one of La Madama Bazarre Gallery's exhibits looking for other attractions to visit, Jennifer suggests several unique places and events.

For artists looking to exhibit their macabre artworks at La Madama Bazarre Gallery, Call for Artists info is also provided in this page to help you get started.

Hi, my name is Jennifer Kirtlan. I am the proprietor, curator and art dealer for La Madama Bazarre.

I have been a collector of dark art in New Orleans for as long as I can remember as many friends of mine were constantly creating. Years ago I was often told that I should have a gallery when guests would visit my shotgun house in New Orleans. It was my own hidden roadside fortune teller attraction! After being a personal assistant to an artist and then later becoming a gallery director/ property manager for a refurbished factory catering to artists within a live and work environment, I decided to focus on curation and starting my own gallery.

Shows within La Madama Bazarre tend to reflect a feminine mystic with dark narrative twists. Our permanent artist’s mediums vary from sculpture to photography to paintings, all with this common thread. I have always found solace from what is considered dark, such as the occult and the art that it inspires. New Orleans celebrates death unlike any other city in America and the macabre never leaves this place. While having our second location in the French Quarter, I was asked many questions about these fascinations. When one guest asked “What’s the fascination with skulls anyway?” My answer was “Well, we all have one!” Seriously, though, there’s a beauty in the realm of dark arts just like there is danger in nature’s beauty. And it’s all connected.

We are now focusing on pop ups outside of New Orleans. After being on Royal Street in the French Quarter, we have clients from all over the world. Although that location is no longer, a good bit of interest has come from San Francisco patrons so we will be planning a show in the Bay Area in the future. Much of our artist’s work is easily available through our online gallery and we ship world wide.

Yes, there is an overwhelming amount of dark and delightful places in New Orleans! The entire French Quarter is haunted. I love a cocktail at The Columns Hotel on St. Charles, uptown, where they filmed “Pretty Baby”. It’s gorgeous. Although controversial, a visit to a plantation is always fascinating. One of my favorites is Houmas House, outside of Baton Rouge. The film “Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte” starring Bette Davis was filmed there. It is one of the loveliest places to visit. Laurel Valley, outside of Thibodaux, Louisiana is a pretty spooky former slave plantation a little over an hour south of New Orleans. The film “Angel Heart” had scenes filmed there. For a fun road side attraction, Abita Mystery House in Abita Springs is a must go to! About an hour away from New Orleans. I could go on and on...

At this point in time, I focus on my main roster of artists whom I am so fortunate to work with. They are featured often on our social media sites and we can be expected to make announcements there. Our mailing list provides information and announcements as they come along.

Artists are welcome to reach out at lamadamabazarre@gmail.com.