Tess Riehlmann

Tess Riehlmann is a New Orleans based artist whose work is inspired by the unique and whimsical architecture of the city. Most days the artist rides around on her bike collecting ideas for her pieces. Through these rides her appreciation and awe of the city continues to grow as well as influence her. With a background in interior decorative painting and restoration, usually in residential spaces, the artist is able to observe the historical significance of these structures as well as the effect the outside world has on them every day. Beyond the tinkering and reconfiguring that humanity has inflicted on many of these buildings over the years, the impact the environment has had is inseparable. The ever engulfing flora and the rising waterlines are a constant reminder that no matter how large and beautiful our homes may be, nature will always be bigger and more beautiful. Riehlmann attempts to portray this in her works by playing with size and scale demonstrating our minuteness with massive botanicals and shrunken landmarks. 

In this particular piece, the two famous steamboat houses built by river pilots, Milton and Mary Doullut in the early 1900s have been lifted up and sent down a rather aggressive Mississippi river. Growing from the river are two types of lilies, Flame and Madonna, acting as obstacles for the houses turned boats. Through a somewhat storybook style, the artist comments on the everyday beauty that surrounds us, whether that be manmade or natural.