Mambo Machismo

found object assemblage 2016, 38 inches X 20.5 inches

     

I passed a yard sale and saw the dimestore matador art leaning against a tree.  I resisted the urge to stop, but returned the next day and was happy to find it was still there.  I began to consider the idea of machismo and during a google search came across a photo of Rudolf Valentino as a matador in the movie The Matador. In this piece I am exploring the thin lines between machismo and gay culture through Hollywood’s take on the matador.  The face is Rudolf Valentino in the role of the Matador and the love he dreams about is Douglas Fairbanks, Sr.  Who do you think the male flamenco dancer is looking at?  The Matador holds el toro close to his heart.  It is one of the things he loves most. Does his tender heart break each time he kills the bull? 

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Sin Pina, Sin Gloria.  No pain, no gain.

 

$500 +shipping 

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contact the artist directly at patrickdeanowen@gmail.com to inquire