Bror Anders Wikstrom: Bringing Fantasy to Carnival

Bror Anders Wikstrom, a Swedish émigré, made a name for himself in New Orleans by engaging with the heart of the Crescent City’s culture: Mardi Gras. At the turn of the century, Wikstrom elevated the extravaganza of carnival through his fantastical designs for early Mardi Gras krewes, serving as the chief designer behind twenty floats and hundreds of costumes with Rex, and then with Proteus. A new exhibition showcases highlights from Wikstrom’s Mardi Gras float and costume designs, including a full set of twenty float plates from the Krewe of Proteus 1904 “The Alphabet” parade and the only known bound set of float designs for the Krewe of Rex 1910 "The Freaks of Fable" parade. Come see this unique glimpse into what carnival used to be... and maybe get some inspiration for this year's costume. noma.org.