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Lucha Libre: The Poorman's Theater Mexican Wrestling or be it "Lucha Libre" as is the About the Artist Born and raised in Rio Grande Valley, Xavier Garza grew up loving the legends of Lucha Libre. He decided to create "Las Super Luchas as a means of paying tribute to the heroes of his youth. He is also a writer whom has had his short stories published in the Milwaukee Spanish Journal, TABE, The Corpus Christi Caller Times, Mesquite Review and the San Antonio Current. His first book "Jesus Wore A Zoot Suit" is scheduled for release in the summer of 2001. "Super Luchas is his first one man art show in San Antonio since moving and making the city his new home this summer. For more information, contact Xavier Garza at xaviergarza@hotmail.com. |
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term used in Mexico is a poorman's theater, it comes complete with
Antagonists and protagonist cast in the leading roles. Heroes do
battle with their rulebreaking counterparts and unlike American
wrestling, the good guys usually prevail in the end. Mexican
wrestlers wear colorful costumes that put to shame any wardrobes
ever used by actors during a Shakespearean production. They are
mysterious, concealing their true identities with colorful and
outrageous masks; these men become ancient Aztec heroes come to life
or assume the role of saints and cultural icons that now live and
breath. To a child it would seem as if the heroes of their comic
books have sprung to life and now walk among them as men. That is
the appeal, the mystery and the innocence that has drawn thousands
of fans to the incredible make believe world of Lucha Libre over the
years. "Las Super Luchas", a body of work produced by new San
Antonio artist Xavier Garza pays tribute to the masked men and women
whom by donning disguises and in essence leading a double life
immortalized the sport of Lucha Libre. In all fifteen 30"X40"
portraits will be on display alongside various color illustrations
commemorating major events in Lucha Libre history. "Las Super
Luchas" also pays tribute to the various wrestling maneuvers
and specialty matches whose name have been immortalized because of
their deadliness, and at time their sheer silliness. "La de a
Caballo" (The rocking Horse), the Gory Special and "El Tope Atomico"
(Atomic Headbutt,hair vs. hair matches, and the deadliest match of all for a
masked Luchador, a mask vs. mask match.