2026 Proclamation

The 2026 Rex proclamation, by New Orleans artist Saskia Ozols, is an oil painting that used the Rex theme "Rebirth and Renewal" for both symbolic and technical inspiration. The artist utilized oil painting and drawing techniques of the 14th through 19th centuries, specifically the Flemish Vanitas paintings of the 17th century, which were images for meditation on life, mortality, vanity, the intellect, and transformation. Each object in the proclamation painting is a piece of history in and of itself, with rich symbolism steeped in meaning to the Rex Organization. Borrowed from private museums and collections, they range from antique Rex memorabilia to Newcomb pottery and contemporary vessels created by local artists.