Wrestling (lucha libre) is an integral part of Mexican culture, a tragicomic theatre where ancient archetypes battle for supremacy. Sometimes, the luchadores commission an artist to paint an ex voto to commemorate their win, and to thank the Virgin for their victory. This example was created by Manuel Bauman, an "outsider" folk artist who has been selling his work at the tanguis (flea markets) in Mexico City for decades. Bauman uses the traditional technique of "reverse painting," in which paint is applied to the underside of a piece of glass, creating an image meant to be viewed from the opposite side. Multimedia pieces such as this may also incorporate metallic foil, and other materials. Although it is difficult to make out in this photograph, the artist has included the wrestler's request to the virgin Mary:
A leja de mi la vanidad y dame lo humilidad ("Take away vanity from me, and give me humility").
An excellent piece to hang next to your bathroom mirror! 9" x 11", including frame.
Wrestling (lucha libre) is an integral part of Mexican culture, a tragicomic theatre where ancient archetypes battle for supremacy. Sometimes, the luchadores commission an artist to paint an ex voto to commemorate their win, and to thank the Virgin for their victory. This example was created by Manuel Bauman, an "outsider" folk artist who has been selling his work at the tanguis (flea markets) in Mexico City for decades. Bauman uses the traditional technique of "reverse painting," in which paint is applied to the underside of a piece of glass, creating an image meant to be viewed from the opposite side. Multimedia pieces such as this may also incorporate metallic foil, and other materials. Although it is difficult to make out in this photograph, the artist has included the wrestler's request to the virgin Mary:
A leja de mi la vanidad y dame lo humilidad ("Take away vanity from me, and give me humility").
An excellent piece to hang next to your bathroom mirror! 9" x 11", including frame.
