Christopher Charles 'Porché' West

Place: California

Born: 1958

Death: 2023

Biography:

Christopher Porché West was an award-winning photographer and artist who documented the people and culture of New Orleans for over forty years. Born in California, he first came to New Orleans in the 1980s and fell in love with the city's unique culture and traditions. He became particularly interested in the Mardi Gras Indians, a group of African American men who create elaborate costumes and parade through the streets during Mardi Gras. West's photograph 'Mardi Gras Indian' was taken in 1980 and is a striking image of a Mardi Gras Indian in full costume. West's work has been exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the United States and he has received numerous awards for his photography and art. He passed away in 2023.