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Homage to Plaza La Santamaria Size: 20" x 16"
Medium: Oil on canvas
Date: 2014
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Davila-Valencia Collection, Bogota, Colombia
This painting was included in ARTslant's 5th Annual Showcase list of winners in the category of Painting (August, 2014).
Homage to La Santamaria (oil on canvas) is inspired by Bogota's infamous bullfighting ring, "Plaza de Toros La Santamaria". In this painting, I present an abstracted facade of this arena, and at entrance stands a representation of the sculpture of the great Colombian matador, Cesar Rincon.
La Santamaria dates back to the year 1931 and is one of the architectural icons of Bogota, influenced by Spanish and Moorish architecture of elaborate brick construction. Space can fill up to 14,000 spectators. The bullring is currently administered by Bogota's Taurine Corporation which continues to rent to other organizations for the realization of events such as artistic performances, sporting events, and musical concerts. Annually held in this square the bullfighting season of Bogotá, traditionally during the months of January and February, season in which were recognized figures of the bullfighting world, bullfighters such as César Rincón, Pepe Casares, Julián López "El Juli", Enrique Ponce, Manolete, "El Cordobés", these figures bullfight mainly from countries such as Spain, Portugal, Mexico and of course the Colombian bullfighters. Despite criticism and protests against, bullfighting has a strong presence in Colombia.
In recent years, La Santamaria has been at the center of intense disputes of the Colombian public for being one of the symbols of bullfighting in the country. Activity has generated controversy in various discussions of whether it is artistic practice and a sample of the culture and tradition or if on the contrary, is not more than a barbaric practice and animal abuse. In 2012, the greater Bogota Mayor's Office forbade the shows with animals, including bullfighting at the Plaza of Santamaria. It is currently closed and undergoing renovation. However, beyond controversy, my intent with this piece is to pay tribute to one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Bogota.
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