Black-and-white portrait of David Bowie looking intensely off camera, with styled hair, a white shirt, and a patterned jacket against a blurred urban background.
Black-and-white side-profile portrait of a Preservation Hall jazz musician playing a saxophone, with dramatic lighting highlighting the texture of his face against a black background.
Dramatic black-and-white close-up portrait of John Goodman staring directly at the camera, his face partly shadowed and deeply lined, against a dark background.
High-contrast concert photograph of Freddie Mercury singing into a microphone onstage, shirtless and mid-performance, against a dark background.

Less is More: The Photography of Steve Rapport

New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint
Tue, April 21, 2026

On April 21, 2026, the New Orleans Jazz Museum will open the exhibition, Less is More: The Photography of Steve Rapport. In March 2022, Rapport planned a four-day trip to New Orleans from his home in California, where he had spent the last few decades teaching martial arts. Seven weeks later, the short trip became a permanent move after the city inspired Rapport to return to his true calling and pick up the camera again. Rapport cites New Orleans, particularly Preservation Hall, which he refers to as his spiritual home, as a fuel to his work as a documentarian in the birthplace of Black American Music. Less is More embodies Rapport's artistic philosophy of simplicity and minimalism. 

The exhibition features work from his notable earlier rock 'n' roll career alongside stark, emotional new portraits made since arriving in New Orleans—the first time both bodies of work will be shown together. To bring this vision to life and properly honor New Orleans, the show requires funding for printing, framing, installation, and programming. The exhibition marks his return home.

The opening will feature music by Josh Starkman and Friends, as well as bites from Lil Dizzy’s Restaurant. 

This exhibition was made possible with support from Steve Rapport and Catherine Whitney. 

Learn more at nolajazzmuseum.org/lessismore

 

Black-and-white exhibition poster featuring a close-up portrait of a woman wearing artsy square glasses, layered bracelets, rings, and a patterned outfit, resting her chin on her hands. Large text reads “Less Is More: The Photography of Steve Rapport.” Vertical text along the side reads “New Orleans Jazz Museum.” The poster also includes details for an opening reception on April 21, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., featuring Joshua Starkman and friends.

 

 

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