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In her vibrant documentary series, Akasha Rabut explores the cultural tradition of New Orleans, capturing the a way of life she considers to be “found in no other American city.”
“I want to showcase their vibrant and empowered beauty, highlighted by the landscape of their hometown.”
Rabut, who moved to New Orleans in 2010, was fascinated by the city’s street-parading traditions that merge age groups, communities and neighborhoods. Intrigued by the cultural intersection that meets at Second Line parades in New Orleans, she began using her camera to explore the multi-cultural traditions of the city’s history. “Constantly in a battle against poverty, structural inequitites and ongoing threats of violence, New Orleanians vigorously and vibrantly seek opportunities to represent and preserve the cultural uniqueness that stands in contrast to the struggle,” Rabut says.
In 2013, the photographer also started to document the first all female African American motorcycle gang in New Orleans, known as ‘The Caramel Curves’. She adds: “By documenting them, I’m hoping to support their mission and create portraits of women who overcome obstacles, share a sisterhood of passionate interest and inspire younger women to join their ranks. Further, I want to showcase their vibrant and empowered beauty, highlighted by the landscape of their hometown.”
