Alfred
“Big Al”
Taplet
Born in New Orleans in 1934, Alfred "Big Al" Taplet began his lifelong vocation of shining shoes as a young boy. A beloved fixture in the French Quarter’s Jackson Square, he became famous for his infectious spirit and his signature catchphrase, "Shines with a smile."
Looking for a way to advertise the local shoe-shining business he ran with his twin brother, "Little Al," Taplet began salvaging scrap roofing slate from nearby construction sites and painting them with bold, colourful slogans.
What began as simple, witty street signage quickly caught the attention of folk and outsider art collectors around the world. Big Al’s work is characterized by its raw authenticity, utilizing weather-beaten slate and straightforward, vibrant lettering to convey the humor, resilience, and unique charm of New Orleans street culture. A survivor of Hurricane Katrina, Big Al’s art stands as a testament to finding joy and wisdom in the commonplace.
Don’t Step on my Blue Suede Shoes, 2002, Al “Big Al” Taplet
Available works
Don’t Step on My Blue Suede Shoes (2002)
Medium: Paint on roofing slate
Size: 12" x 16"
Description: Infused with classic Southern charm and a nod to rock-and-roll history, this piece highlights Big Al’s knack for incorporating musical colloquialisms into his vibrant sign-making. Painted with bold lettering, the artwork perfectly captures the pride and humour of an artist whose life’s work revolved around the care, respect, and shine of a good pair of shoes.
Jesus Says (ca. 2000)
Medium: Paint on slate
Size: 30" x 30.5"
Description: Taplet’s deep roots in the community and his characteristic wit take center stage in this artwork. Frequently expanding on religious or moral themes with a tongue-in-cheek twist (often advising viewers that "Jesus Says Buy More Folk Art"), this piece utilizes a highly graphic, straightforward style. The heavy, natural texture and chipped edges of the slate provide a beautiful, grounding contrast to the unpretentious and immediate brushstrokes of the text.
Been There, But Now I Can’t Remember If I’ve Done That (2001)
Medium: Paint on slate
Size: 12” x 16”
Description: A wonderful example of Taplet’s self-deprecating wisdom and sharp comedic timing. This piece uses his trademark scrap-slate format to deliver a highly relatable, folksy observation on aging and life experience. The raw, unrefined edges of the slate and the bright, weather-resistant paint emphasize the "street-level" authenticity of Big Al’s work, offering collectors a tangible piece of true New Orleans outsider art history.
