Disney World adds New Orleans art to Tiana's Bayou Adventure ride
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Varion Laurent painted the ride's climax, a lively jazz party celebrating Mardi Gras. Photo: Jeff Weiner/Axios
For New Orleans painter Varion Laurent, "serendipity" came how he least expected it, in the form of a chance invite to meet with Disney Imagineers.
Why it matters: Laurent is one of several local artists whose work features prominently in Disney World's new ride, Tiana's Bayou Adventure.
Catch up quick: Tiana's Bayou Adventure replaces Splash Mountain this year at Disney's U.S. parks.
- The ride opens June 28 at Disney World in Florida and later this fall at Disneyland in California.
- It's based on the 2009 movie "The Princess and the Frog."
The big picture: As Imagineers brought the film to life, they were guided by New Orleans culture bearers.
- The incorporation of local art is a key element in Disney's quest to ensure the attraction's authenticity.
- That includes the ride's most prominent artwork, a colorful mural by Louisiana artist Malaika Favorite at the entrance.
Flashback: Laurent lost his entire portfolio when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans nearly 20 years ago.
- "I lost all my work... my complete body of work," Laurent told reporters. "... So I had zero identity as an artist."
- Unable to replace his lost art and struggling to begin again, he returned to his alma mater, Xavier University, and became director of student media.
When Disney came to New Orleans to research the city, Laurent was asked to contribute, which led to him being commissioned for a painting.
- The work depicts the new ride's climax, with Tiana and Prince Naveen celebrating Mardi Gras with their friends, human and critter alike.
What they're saying: "It's like a full circle moment for me," Laurent said. "... I couldn't have asked for this dream to come true in the manner that it did."
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