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Exquisite Corpse
Issue 8A Journal of Letters and Life

ISSUE 8 HOME || BROKEN NEWS || CRITIQUES || CYBER BAG || EC CHAIR || FICCIONES || THE FOREIGN DESK
GALLERY || LETTERS || POESY || REVIEWS || SERIALS || STAGE & SCREEN
The Mexican Bull Fight
by Rob Butler
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I have been photographing for over 20 years the last 10 on a professional level. I have traveled through 18 Countries and 29 states photographing. I shoot with 35mm 2 1/4 and 4x5 cameras, shooting mostly slide film for its great saturation of color and professional standards. I also do B&W work but am tending towards more computer work as of the past 3 years. My subject mater varies, shooting travel and location work I also shoot tattoos, grave yards, classic auto, pinup style and cheesecake photography with emphasis on digital manipulation. I am also a full time studio photographer, shooting advertising and catalog work for a large import company in the NW. I have shot for magazines, and worked for clients such as Nintendo and Microsoft. I have been showing my work in galleries and spaces since 1989, and have worked as a board member of a local gallery.

Steeped in centuries of tradition, the bull fight continues into the 21st century. It was my first time at a bull fight, and with press box seats I set up my cameras. What follows is my account at the "La Paloma" bull ring in Puerto Vallarta Jal. A small and tourist bull ring frequented by mostly white American tourist and featuring only young and amateur bull fighters, working their way up to the coliseum sized stadium bull ring, "Plaza De Toros" in Guadalajara. There were on "Ole's" from the crowd here, just Americans randomly yelling. These photos are all from La Paloma, the photos taken from the Plaza De Toros are of much higher artistic quality, but legal rights are being negotiated for usage of them now, so they can not be displayed at this time.

Click on each image for a larger view.



The grand emergence of the bull fighters. The bull almost getting revenge. Bloodied and agitated.


The dramatic motion and color seen during the fights. Once victorious, the matador receives the bulls severed ears. The 2nd amateur fighter emerges ready to battle.


The poses are like choreographed dance moves. Each pose initiates a different aspect of the fight. Near the end of the fight, the matador faces the bull dead on, sword drawn and ready to plunge deep into the back of the bull. After unsuccessful attempts he is able to drive the sword in to the hilt, whilst jumping aside to avoid being gored by the horns.


With cape strewn aside he approaches the bull. Feeling victorious he still taunts the animal. With ears in hand, the proud matador parades amongst the flowers thrown from the audience.

ISSUE 8 HOME || BROKEN NEWS || CRITIQUES || CYBER BAG || EC CHAIR || FICCIONES || THE FOREIGN DESK
GALLERY || LETTERS || POESY || REVIEWS || SERIALS || STAGE & SCREEN
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