The Firehouse Art Center's exhibition, Enmascarado: Luchadores in Cinema, is a vibrant celebration of Mexican cinema's cult star, El Santo. Co-curated by Narciso Argüelles and presented in collaboration with the Firehouse’s Latino Culture Committee, the exhibition immerses visitors into the dynamic world of luchadores, exploring their impact on Latino culture during the 1960s and 1970s.
Central to the exhibition are original masks created by Abraam Pacheco of Tijuana, Mexico, renowned for his craftsmanship at the Romero Mask Shop. These masks, meticulously handmade for professional wrestlers and luchadores, serve not only as symbols of identity but also as works of art reflecting the cultural significance of Mexican wrestling.
Accompanying the masks are a curated collection of cinema posters spanning El Santo's extensive 24-year career in film. These posters vividly depict El Santo's heroic exploits, showcasing his battles against mythical creatures like the Wolfman, martians, mummies, and even Dracula. Through these posters, our visitors will gain insight into the imaginative storytelling and visual aesthetics that defined Mexican cinema during this era.
The exhibition aims to educate and engage the community by exploring the artistry and narratives surrounding El Santo, a beloved figure deeply rooted in Mexican folklore and cinema history. As the exhibition coincides with the Halloween season and Day of the Dead celebrations, it offers a timely opportunity for visitors to delve into the intersection of cinematic fantasy, cultural traditions, and the enduring popularity of luchadores.
Co-Curator Narciso Argüelles, with his personal background growing up near the U.S.-Mexico border and his academic expertise as an Assistant Professor in the School of Visual Arts at East Central University, brings a unique perspective to the exhibition. His leadership ensures that the exhibition not only celebrates El Santo's legacy but also highlights the broader cultural contributions of Latin American communities, traditions, and artistic expressions.
Enmascarado: Luchadores in Cinema is a visually striking and culturally enriching experience, inviting our visitors to explore the art of mask making, cinema poster design, and the enduring appeal of El Santo as a symbol of Mexican cultural pride and cinematic heroism.
Stay tuned for additional exhibition programming and information. Our friends at Lazy Circles Brewing will be brewing us a special cerveza for this exhibition, and our Latino Cultural Committee will have additional events throughout the fall.
OPENING RECEPTION FOR Enmascarado
Thursday, September 12, from 5:30 - 8:30 PM
at the Firehouse Art Center
Mariachi band performance by Los Viajeros and refreshments from Lazy Circles Brewing.
Mask Making WORKSHOP WITH abraam pacheco
Sunday, September 15, from 3:00 - 5:00 PM
at the Firehouse Art Center
¡CELEBRACION! a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Friday, September 13, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM
In partnership with Pioneer Library System at Andrews Park
Poster information and Postcard Match Up!
