Artist: George Rodrigue
Title: Blue Label
Medium: Screenprint in Colors
Image Size: 32" x 20.875"
Sheet Size: 33.875" x 23"
Edition: 43/50
Year: 1995
Inscription: Signed and numbered on front lower edge
Documentation: Includes gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact
George Rodrigue's "Blue Label" (1995) exemplifies the artist's enduring fascination with his iconic Blue Dog motif, a character that has become synonymous with his legacy and a hallmark of contemporary American art. First introduced in the early 1980s, the Blue Dog evolved from Rodrigue's portraits of Cajun ancestors and his interest in Louisiana's rich folklore, drawing inspiration from the haunting imagery of the loup-garou—a werewolf-like figure in Cajun legend. Over time, the Blue Dog became a vivid and approachable symbol, bridging cultural storytelling with modern pop sensibilities.
In this composition, Rodrigue places the enigmatic Blue Dog against a striking yellow background, creating a visually arresting contrast that emphasizes the figure's signature cobalt hue. The dog's expressive eyes and poised stance invite viewers into a space that is simultaneously playful, mysterious, and iconic. The work's crisp, vibrant color palette is heightened by the screenprint medium, which allows for precise layering and intensity, reinforcing Rodrigue's mastery of form and color.
"Blue Label" is part of a limited edition of 50, numbered 43/50, and is signed by the artist on the front lower edge. Its rarity and the inclusion of a gallery certificate of authenticity from Modern Artifact further underscore its significance within Rodrigue's oeuvre. This work not only captures the enduring charm of the Blue Dog but also reflects Rodrigue's broader exploration of identity, memory, and cultural heritage through the lens of pop art.
About George Rodrigue
George Rodrigue was an American painter best known for his iconic Blue Dog series, which became one of the most recognizable motifs in late twentieth- and early twenty-first-century American art. Born in 1944 in New Iberia, Louisiana, Rodrigue's artistic practice was deeply shaped by the culture, traditions, and landscapes of the Cajun community in which he was raised. After early studies at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, he attended the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles, where he was exposed to the broader movements of modern art. Despite this, Rodrigue returned to Louisiana, dedicating his career to interpreting the myths, customs, and identity of his native region.
Rodrigue's early paintings focused on Cajun folklore, history, and family life, often presenting scenes set beneath the live oaks of southern Louisiana. These works, typically rendered in a flat, graphic style with bold color contrasts, sought to preserve and celebrate a cultural heritage that Rodrigue feared was disappearing amid modernization. By blending a personal aesthetic with documentary intent, Rodrigue established himself as a regional painter with national ambitions.
His career reached a turning point in the 1990s with the introduction of the Blue Dog, an image derived from Cajun legend. Rodrigue adapted the mythical loup-garou, a werewolf figure, into the form of a distinctive blue canine with yellow eyes. Initially created as an illustration for a book of Cajun ghost stories, the figure quickly took on a life of its own. Over time, the Blue Dog became a recurring subject, appearing in countless variations and contexts. For Rodrigue, the image functioned as both a personal symbol—often connected to memories of his late pet, Tiffany—and as a flexible vehicle for exploring themes of mortality, memory, and contemporary culture.
The popularity of the Blue Dog propelled Rodrigue to widespread recognition. While critics were divided over the commercial ubiquity of the image, it is undeniable that the motif became a cultural phenomenon, bridging the worlds of fine art and popular culture. Rodrigue embraced this duality, often situating the Blue Dog in dialogue with art historical references or national symbols, thereby blurring the boundaries between regional storytelling and broader cultural commentary.
Beyond his studio practice, Rodrigue was committed to philanthropy and arts education. He established the George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts in 2009, providing scholarships and resources to support young artists and promote arts-integrated education. His contributions extended his legacy beyond his paintings, reinforcing his role as both cultural custodian and advocate for the next generation.
George Rodrigue passed away in 2013, leaving behind a body of work that is at once rooted in the Cajun traditions of Louisiana and emblematic of the crossover between regional identity and global cultural imagery. His art remains celebrated for its ability to capture the essence of place while engaging with universal themes of myth, memory, and mortality.
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