Gordo: Domingo Zapata
As part of the exhibition at the CR Gallery in New York entitled "A Bullfighter in New York" (2), Gordo shows a bullfighter doing an every day activity--walking the dog. The red background is reminiscent of the red capes used in the final performance. (1) The combination of cultural dress and contemporary activities and technology creates a juxtaposition between tradition and modernity. It questions the place of tradition and culture in modern society and how the viewer identifies with their heritage or choose to incorporate it into their everyday lives. It shows how out of place any one can feel in a new location or situation. Gordo shows how people want to keep their heritage and history while still moving forward with their lives, and the struggle to find the balance between moving forward and remembering the past.
"... I wanted to imagine what a bullfighter would do if he came to New York and had to do what New Yorkers do every day, like take the subway or go out to brunch. I wanted to make it funny and bring that part of my heritage here. It was like I was the bullfighter of New York...It was a little bit funny/serious." |
(1) http://www.artspace.com/domingo-zapata/gordo
(2) http://www.dzapata.com/artwork/exhibition
(3) http://www.latinpost.com/articles/34132/20150127/domingo-zapata-world-trade-center-american-flag-installation-freedom-tower-a-bullfighter-in-new-york-spanish-artist-spain.htm
(2) http://www.dzapata.com/artwork/exhibition
(3) http://www.latinpost.com/articles/34132/20150127/domingo-zapata-world-trade-center-american-flag-installation-freedom-tower-a-bullfighter-in-new-york-spanish-artist-spain.htm