Fourteen paintings have a specific moment in time captured. All of the moments are memories of the things that came out of Hurricane Katrina’s destructive path. Most of the paintings in the collection by Rolland Golden are social critiques of the neglect experienced in New Orleans. One piece titled, “Throw Me A Line Mister,” shows a helicopter that is passing over the outstretched hands of citizens who are very obviously struggling to survive after their homes and neighborhoods have been destroyed by high winds and flooding. The helicopter stands as a placeholder for the government agencies and relief programs that failed to provide timely help to communities that experienced high levels of poverty even before the natural disaster. 

Golden’s paintings can be found in the New Orleans Museum of art. They tell a visual story of tragedy and loss with several frames having foregrounds that depict flooded streets and homes. They stand as a reminder of the extent of the destruction Katrina caused and the lack of aid experienced by NOLA communities in the years following the disaster. 

Find information on the paintings in Golden’s Katrina collection through the Historic New Orleans Collection (Bonner, Judith. “In 14 paintings, Rolland Golden Captured the Anguish and Hope of Life After Katrina.” The Historic New Orleans Collection. 10 September 2020.) And at Golden’s website.