Barry’s Instant Gumbo by Jeromy L Young. 48×36 oil on linen

“The initial idea came from brainstorming for the Cur Non exhibit at the AcA. I was thinking of something audacious that might happen in the next 200 years in Lafayette that is also relatable to people today. Then the image kind of flashed in my mind: Barry Ancelet is an icon. Wouldn’t it be kind of funny if the McIlhenny developed some sort of proprietary technology, based on holography, where matter can be manifested out of thin air? What if a hologram of Barry would come out of a Tabasco lamp like a genie and hand you a bowl of gumbo? When I pitched the idea to Barry, he said, “cur non” (why not?).” Jeromy L Young