Baton Rouge artist profile: Armand “Mando” Broussard
Armand “Mando” Broussard was born in Baton Rouge in 1965. He is celebrated for his vivid and often humorous portrayals of life in Louisiana, skillfully blending traditional Southern motifs with a whimsical and imaginative flair. His signature masterpiece, “Swamp Serenade,” showcases a lively scene of musical frogs and dancing egrets under a canopy of starlit cypress trees. Mando’s studio, a quirky and inviting space in the heart of Baton Rouge, is adorned with a collection of vintage Creole artifacts, colorful feather boas, and walls filled with sketches of iconic Louisiana landmarks and folklore characters. Known for his beret and a perpetually paint-splattered apron, Mando is a beloved figure in the local community, often seen engaging with locals and visitors alike, sharing tales of Cajun folklore, or spontaneously creating chalk murals on local restaurants. His art, full of heart and humor, captures the essence and vibrancy of Baton Rouge and its rich cultural tapestry.
Here are five of my favorite Broussard art works.
“Capitol Gumbo” 1985
In “Capitol Gumbo,” The Louisiana State Capitol building is the setting for a giant, steaming pot of gumbo. Around it, a festive gathering of historical Louisiana politicians and famous figures, all wearing chef hats and aprons, are joyously cooking and adding ingredients. In the foreground, Huey P. Long is holding a spoon large enough to paddle a boat, tasting the gumbo, while jazz musicians play in the background, their instruments emitting colorful musical notes that blend into the steam.
Mardi Gras on the Mississippi – 1989
Imagine a scene where the Mississippi River is filled with parade floats instead of water, each float themed around different aspects of Baton Rouge’s culture and history. Spectators on the riverbanks are dressed in elaborate Mardi Gras costumes, throwing beads to the floats. In the sky, a flock of pelicans are also participating, wearing tiny Mardi Gras masks and beads, as fireworks shaped like famous Baton Rouge landmarks explode in vibrant colors overhead.
Jazz Jamboree at the Old State Capitol – 1993
Visualize the Old State Capitol building in Baton Rouge hosting a surreal jazz festival. The Gothic castle-like structure is lit up with neon lights, and each turret features a different jazz band playing lively tunes. The lawn is filled with dancing historical figures and local legends, some even floating in the air, all grooving to the music. In the sky above, musical notes and instruments are morphing into birds and flying around the moon, which is wearing sunglasses.
Bayou Stargazers – 2000
This is a whimsical night scene in a Baton Rouge bayou where alligators and turtles are equipped with telescopes, gazing at the stars. The stars in the sky are arranged to depict various Baton Rouge icons, like the USS Kidd and the Bluebonnet Swamp. Fireflies are illuminating the scene, and in the background, a group of frogs are sitting on lily pads, playing cards and sipping on mint juleps.
Crawfish Carnival at LSU -2009
“Crawfish Carnival” is an image of Louisiana State University where the campus is overtaken by a giant crawfish festival. The crawfish are oversized and participating in typical campus activities: attending classes, playing football in Tiger Stadium (wearing tiny helmets), and conducting experiments in laboratories. Students and faculty are interacting with them as if this is normal, some even riding the larger crawfish like horses, while Mike the Tiger is playfully chasing a group of them near the Memorial Tower.
