Big Al & Little Al: The Taplet Twins

February 22 - March 16,2024

From Koelsch Gallery: "koelsch gallery is honored to announce our latest exhibition The Taplet Twins, a showcase dedicated to the life and legacy of twin brothers Alfred "Big Al" and Alvin "Little Al" Taplet. Known for their infectious spirit and uncanny ability to find delight in the simple things, their journey tells a story of unconditional love throughout hardship, hurricanes, and even death. Join us for an evening of life and laughter as we celebrate two shoe-shiner turned folk artists. We will be recreating their folk art gallery & shoe shine business that was once located in New Orleans. Bring a pair of dirty shoes as our friend Brother C. will be shining! Twin brothers Alfred "Big Al" and Alvin "Little Al" Taplet were born in 1934 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The two resided in the sixth ward for most of their lives and as adults stationed themselves in Jackson Square of the French Quarter, a historical landmark located in the heart of the city. One day, Big Al picked up scraps of roofing slate from a nearby construction site, thinking it'd be a good idea to advertise his and Little Al's local shoe-shining business. With bright acrylics, he painted bold and colorful signs with humourous sayings and child-like imagery. The signs were then hung up along the fence line and in neighboring trees, surrounding the shoe-shine stand. Quickly, passersby and strangers alike migrated to the brothers and their shoe-shine stand, captivated by the vibrant visuals. The playful signs never fail to capture the essence and spirit of New Orleans. "People bought their work for the experience. The work itself serves as a souvenir or memory vessel of one's time with the twins in Jackson Square. There you are, getting your shoes shined by two whimsical characters, surrounded by funny, colorful sayings as the two men pass jokes back and forth to each other", says long-time friend Melissa Hall. With their increase in funds, the brothers purchased a workshop and folk gallery known as "Big Al's Place" in the sixth ward, which became a must-see stop for travelers passing through New Orleans. Through time, the Taplets became a staple of Jackson Square and the local folk art scene. While one brother would man their two-in-one home and shop, the other would work the shoeshine stand in Jackson Square. Together, they shined shoes and sold art."

koelsch gallery 1020 Peden Street
Houston, TX 77006
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