NEW ORLEANS (
WGNO
) —
Noted Louisiana artist George Rodrigue
was most renowned for his globally recognized “Blue Dog” artworks, and his personal journey is now being featured in a new documentary set to air on PBS.
The latest documentary titled “Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue” delves into the life of the Cajun artist, exploring his formative years as well as his renowned series of “Blue Dog” artworks.
“You know, his journey began several years back. In 2012, we conducted an interview with him, which turned out to be the final recorded conversation with him,” stated Jim Dotson, the documentary’s executive producer.
Dotson serves as the General Manager for both 6th Street Studios and WLAE-TV.
“The interview with Rodrigue was stored away, as it were, in the archives, and when we brought it into the open, we believed it could serve as an excellent foundation for an outstanding documentary,” Dotson stated.
He mentioned that their aim was for the world to witness previously unseen content and gain deeper insights into the musician hailing from Louisiana.
“There were numerous facets to George. Initially, when he began his career as a Cajun artist, he depicted exiled ancestors along with oak trees and the bayou,” Dotson explained.
He proceeded to share the story of “Blue Dog” coming into existence.
“He mentioned that one day they adopted a dog named Tiffany, which he proceeded to paint. However, he drew inspiration from a fearsome Cajun folkloric entity known as the Loup Garou. Eventually, these artworks evolved into what we now recognize as the Blue Dog,” he explained.
He thinks the “Blue Dog” paintings gained such widespread popularity because they evolved into a pop icon that resonated deeply with people.
The documentary includes insights from Rodrigue’s family along with appearances from notable figures such as Chef Emeril Lagasse, former NFL star Drew Brees, political strategist James Carville, ex-New Orleans mayor Marc Morial, and artist James Michalopoulos.
The film delves into how Rodrigue conquered polio during childhood and examines the numerous critiques he encountered when his artwork gained widespread popularity.
Not only does Rodrigue’s art persist and thrive on canvas, but it also extends into the realm of filmmaking.
Rodrigue passed away due to cancer in 2013.
The documentary will start streaming on Thursday, May 29, and it will be broadcast on
WLAE-TV
On June 1st at 7 PM. Additionally, the documentary will be broadcasted on multiple PBS channels throughout the nation.
Sean O’Malley from O’Malley Productions serves as both the director and producer for “Blue: The Life and Art of George Rodrigue.”
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