Author Howard Philips Smith writes to keep the past ever-present. For the acclaimed novelist and photographer, an understanding of the past is crucial to moving forward in the present.

In his new release, George Valentine Dureau: Life and Art in New Orleans, Smith explores the life and work of artist George Dureau, whose moving photography, striking charcoal sketches and vibrant paintings explore the human condition.

Studying at both Louisiana State University and Tulane University, Dureau credited his New Orleans upbringing for shaping his art and romantic outlook on life. Finding beauty in the most unconventional of places, his work focuses on giving reverence to subjects “touched by the disgraces or misfortunes of life.” The subjects of his bold and often provocative images included amputees, people with dwarfism and those deemed “others” by society at large. Black and queer culture in the 20th century heavily influenced the Louisiana native’s work, as he believed the most important art originated from unhappy realities.

In Smith’s attempt to reassemble the jigsaw puzzle of Dureau’s life, a variety of artists known for bending societal norms are featured, such as Andrew Bascle, Charles Blank, Sandra Russell Clark and more. Curiosity and willingness to experiment with his surroundings were the cornerstone of Dureau’s work, as well as that of his contemporaries.

Smith’s composition of the artist’s life through his latest book shares a tale of compassion and boldness throughout history while showcasing many of Dureau’s projects, some of which have not been previously published. Despite the mysteries that surround Dureau, Smith concludes that his work serves as a testament to a life lived to its fullest and without regret, which is perhaps Dureau’s most important artistic expression of all.