Riffs: Christopher Smith, painter – On his favorite piece of art

“My favorite piece of art would have to be a screen print by Lorenzo Bergen called Olympia 76. It’s a picture of a New Orleans second-line. It shows The Olympia Brass Band walking toward the viewer, some playing instruments, some carrying the umbrellas. Off to the side is a little boy watching the second-line pass by. It’s a rather obscure print, but I’ve always felt quite attached to it. It was one of the first pieces of art that I was able to view in person as a little kid. The second-line is one of the most unique and special events that take place in New Orleans. Playing jazz music and dancing during a funeral procession represents a different view and philosophy towards death—something you’ll never find in the rest of this country.”