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Louisiana House Representative Garret Graves recently unveiled the official theme and poster for the 2022 Washington Mardi Gras. As event chairman, Graves selected New Orleans artist Joe Mustachia to create a painting for the theme “Louisiana: America’s Foreign Country.”
“The theme is ‘America’s Foreign Country’, but the implied tone is unity — especially after our collective experiences these past two years,” said Graves. “The Mardi Gras float exemplifies that archetype of Louisiana’s multicultural heritage. But the many hands, of many colors, reaching for that iconic necklace of beads, are not just lifted up in joy, but almost outstretched in praise. It’s kinda like they’re all saying, ‘Yeah, we need this.’ And the Louisiana in Joe’s painting is the only place on earth where they’ll get this salvation.”
Scheduled for January 27-29 at the Washington Hilton Hotel, Washington Mardi Gras has been an annual tradition for more than 60 years. Organized by the Mystick Krewe of Louisianians, the event is a celebration of Louisiana people and politics, attracting more than 2,000 revelers each year. After a break in 2021 due to the pandemic, Washington Mardi Gras is ready to roll for 2022.
Regarding his selection of Joe Mustachia to create this year’s poster, Graves noted that “Louisiana is blessed with many excellent artists — from music to food to writing to painting. Also, to experience Louisiana is to energize all five senses. Joe’s work — his perspective, his style, his colors, his presentation — captures Louisiana’s personality and invigorates these senses.”
Mustachia grew up in the greater New Orleans area and is known for his large, hand-slung/thrown pieces that showcase iconic Louisiana/New Orleans cultural treasures, from Canal Street streetcars to gas lanterns in the French Quarter. The movement evoked by his muscular, hand-slung style combines with bold colors and rich textures to amplify the vitality of his subjects.
“Mardi Gras is an iconic part of the Louisiana experience, inspiring and touching people from all walks of life,” said Mustachia about his painting. “I wanted to capture the vibrant color, positive energy and unique atmosphere that makes Mardi Gras and our state so special.”
Each krewe member will receive a numbered poster print signed by the artist, with additional copies available for purchase at the event. Mustachia’s painting will also be featured on the cover of the Saturday Night Ball event program and other promotional materials. Mustachia also designed the ducal lapel pin that will be worn by krewe members throughout the week of Washington Mardi Gras.
