For my 10 year anniversary exhibit this year,
I pulled out all the stops and joined forces with a team of professional luchadores, photographers, mask makers, costume creators, videographers, a writer, a sculpture artist, a DJ/Producer, a clothing company, a projection mapper, a toy maker, a web designer, a wrestling school and a sound/lighting/staging company to tranform a historic theatre in downtown Tampa into an immersive, underground Palehorse universe, filled with original luchadores, new artwork, psychedelic visuals, Mexican food, cocktails and over-the-top performances.
This show was the realization of a grand, creative vision that began in 2015 and it has been a lot of hard work, as well as an honor to collaborate with such a talented group of creatives to pull this off. I have always seen lucha libre as a fertile medium for artistic expression and watching these characters go from concept sketches to real-life, high-flying luchadores in the ring was a dream come true. Thanks to everyone who dedicated their time and skills to this project to make it a reality!
Oráculo: Character concept sent to an authentic, lucha libre mask maker in Mexico for production
Photo By Todd Bates Luchador played by: Lucha Maestro Story by: M0nster
Photos By Todd Bates
Serpentico: Character concept sent to an authentic, lucha libre mask maker in Mexico for production
Photo By Todd Bates Luchador Played by: J. Cruz Serpentico Headpiece by: Jon Stine Story by: M0nster
Photos by: Modern Myth
Renata Calavera: Character concept sent to an authentic, lucha libre mask maker in Mexico for production
Photo By Todd Bates x Damascus Apparel Luchador Played by: Lacey Lane Cloak by: Joanna Coblentz Story by: M0nster
Photos by: Modern Myth
Lechuza: Character concept sent to an authentic, lucha libre mask maker in Mexico for production
Photo By Greg Byron Luchadora Played By: Su Yung Story by: M0nster
Photos by: Modern Myth Stilt costumes by: Defenz Mechanizm / Performed with:Visceral Kristal Sound/Lighting/Staging by: Industrial Strength
MechaBalam: Character concept sent to an authentic, lucha libre mask maker in Mexico for production
Photo by Greg Byron Luchador Played by: Mr.450 Story by: M0nster
Figuras de Luchadores by: Daniel González
Photo By Todd Bates
Thanks for looking and click here to see more killer photos from the show.
Click here for the official website designed by Adam Kuhn.
Beware of the The Hidden Hand of Darkness. Serpentico has infiltrated the government, the news media outlets, schools and entertainment companies to spread his lies and distort our perceptions of reality. His aim is to keep us crippled with fear and under his fog of control. In this digital age, things are not always as they seem, but the true heroes are emerging to spread truth and awareness, so that humanity can join together and collectively awaken from his sinister trance. Remember, Serpentico and his minions are only a few. There are so many more of us and his power is only an illusion.
