A vibrant, crowded scene depicting a diverse group of people gathered in a lively setting. The backdrop features arches and draped curtains. The individuals are dressed in various colorful, eclectic styles, with expressions suggesting a festive atmosphere.

Burning Orchid Nightclub

This large-scale oil painting celebrates New Orleans nightlife in a bar scene teeming with 100 local notables.

1984; oil on linen

by Douglas Bourgeois

gift of Dr. Jerah Johnson, 2012.0299

This large-scale oil painting by Louisiana artist Douglas Bourgeois depicts a diverse collection of nearly 100 people on two levels of a graffiti-covered club interior in rich detail. Bourgeois, who is from St. Amant, Louisiana, represents people from every walk of life in this 1984 work. There are so many fine points about each individual that a viewer could easily make up a life story for each one.

Burning Orchid Nightclub, 1983, oil painting by Douglas Bourgeois. HNOC, gift of Dr. Jerah Johnson, 2012.0299

Bourgeois’s paintings fall into the realm of magical realism and fantasy, often portraying musicians and other pop culture figures in fanciful scenarios and always chock full of exciting and interesting detail. Bourgeois is represented by Arthur Roger Gallery in New Orleans and was a participating artist in the Prospect 3 biennial exhibition. He also designed the 2008 Irma Thomas Jazz Fest poster. Burning Orchid Nightclub was a gift to the Collection by UNO Professor Emeritus Jerah Johnson, a frequent donor of important African Americana.