Art exhibit brings drama of bullfight to life

85 works highlight conflict between man and beast

By Patricia Oropeza, On-line Forty-Niner

April 14,1998

For centuries, bullfighting has fascinated, as well as repelled many.

 

While some people are quick to describe the battle between the forces of nature and the strength of man as an elaborate art form, others view the Fiesta Brava as a cruel, bloody sport.

 

The 85 works in "Pinturerias: The Art of the Bullfight," on display through June 14 at the Museum of Latin American Art, exemplify the various sides of the bullfighting theme, from the drama and tragedy it contains, to the repugnance and fascination it evokes.

 

Spectacles utilizing bulls have been common since the Bronze Age.

 

The Moors introduced bullfighting to Spain in the 11th century.

 

The Spaniards in turn brought the Fiesta Brava to the New World four centuries ago, and it has remained deeply rooted in Latin American cultures to this day.

 

According to Susan Golden, public relations manager at MoLAA, the exhibition not only showcases contemporary views of the bullfighting theme, it also serves as an educational tool for those who may not know or understand much about the Fiesta Brava.

 

"We're documenting an important ritual in Hispanic culture. It's not something most Americans are attuned to," Golden said. "Most Americans seem to have negative [feelings about bullfighting]. What we're showing is simply art."

 

The exhibition began with a competition organized by the Fundacion Cultural Artencion in Mexico.

 

Artists were asked to use the traditional bullfight poster as a means of inspiration for contemporary views of the Fiesta Brava.

 

Although the competition did not impose limitations on style or technique, artists were required to create works within an 18- by 24-inch format.

 

While the works vary in style, one thing is evident in all of them: The bull and the matador are important icons for the people of Latin America.

 

"Saliendo al Ruedo" by Mexican artist Manuel Rojo depicts the Fiesta Brava through the eyes of the bull.

pool of blood between the two. The shiny, gold background in the piece accentuates the crimson splotch, leaving one guessing as to who met his end.

 

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"We're documenting an important ritual in Hispanic culture.

It's not something most Americans are attuned to."

 

-Susan Golden, public relations manager, MoLAA

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As the black beast is about to be released from his pen into the arena, the only things he sees are the people who are about to witness his death and the huge, red arena in which the bloody spectacle is going to take place.

 

The bull seems almost hesitant to leave his holding area. It's as if he knows something is about to occur.

 

Mexican artist Juan Martinez Gallardo's "Los Tlaxcaltecos" also places the bull in the spotlight, albeit in a much different way.

 

Gallardo's piece resembles an ancient cave painting with its muted sandy browns and tans. The various bull heads seem as if they are carved onto a grainy cave wall.

 

The piece alludes to similar cave paintings in Spain and France.

 

Rosario Guerrero's "Sin Titulo" brings one back to the bloody reality of the bullfight.

 

The Mexican artist's piece contains a pair of black horns, a matador's hat and a dark red pool of blood between the two.

 

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Rosario Guerrero's "Sin Titulo" brings one back

to the bloody reality of the bullfight.

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The shiny, gold background in the piece accentuates the crimson splotch, leaving one guessing as to who met his end.

At first glance, Ericka Martinez Lopez's "Tauromaquioca" strongly resembles a board game.

 

The Mexican artist's piece contains 63 numbered scenes beginning with the bull's entrance into the arena and ending with the matador's triumphant victory over the bull, who is lying dead and defeated in the background.

 

The strong reds, blues and blacks in the piece help one realize what a battle of strength bullfighting truly is.

 

The Fiesta Brava is indeed a game.

 

However, it is a game of life and death, one in which either man or beast may emerge victorious.

 

The museum is at 628 Alamitos Ave. in Long Beach. Admission is $2 for students with identification.

 

For more information, one may call (562) 437-1689.