NEW ORLEANS – On May 19, the Consul General of France in Louisiana Mr. Vincent Sciama will bestow the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres to awarded New Orleans photographer David Spielman, with the rank of chevalier.
As a longtime francophile, David Spielman has always kept an intimate relationship with France, a country that he has visited many times, pacing the streets of Paris, capturing the vivid life of the French capital.
A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Spielman moved to New Orleans upon finishing college, having spent his final year studying art, art history and photography in Europe. With projects around the world, his work has taken him to France, England, Ireland, Russia, Egypt, Pakistan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Central America and other locations. From world leaders, corporate reports and personal projects, his traveling has been constant and extensive.
His images have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers, including The Times, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, Forbes, and Architectural Digest.
Like a Doisneau or a Cartier-Bresson, his images are telling a story, the story of New Orleans and its unique culture.
The Consul General of France Mr. Vincent Sciama declared: « Awarding this prestigious distinction to David Spielman is not only recognizing his extraordinary talent as a photographer, but also his love for and connection to France alongside his role as a vibrant member of the artistic life of New Orleans ».
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Order of Arts and Letters) was established on May 2nd, 1957 by the French Ministry of Culture. Its supplementary status to the Ordre national du Mérite was confirmed by President Charles de Gaulle in 1963. Its purpose is the recognition of significant contributions to the arts, literature, or the propagation of these fields in France and throughout the world.
Famous photographer such as André Kertész, Jacques-Henri Lartigue, Robert Doisneau and Henri-Cartier Bresson were presented with the award.
Wednesday, May 19, 5:30 p.m.
Résidence de France
2406 Prytania Street, LA 70130, New Orleans
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