Inspired Frenzy: Enmascarados, An Homage to Lucha Libre opens at Pump Project [Art Preview]

Two hundred pesos is all it took to purchase our very own Lucha Libre mask at an open air market in Mexico last summer. In a pinch the Mexican wrestling mask makes a great costume, or at least a good party photo. But we are not the only ones who are inspired, enthralled and entertained by those burly men (and yes, a few women) in masks who have wrestled their ways into our hearts and imaginations.

A group of artists from Texas, Mexico, and beyond have collaborated to create their own tributes to Lucha Libre – the ultimate good guy versus bad guy drama played out in Mexican wrestling rings. Enmascarados: An Homage to Lucha Libre opens Thursday at Pump Project and features paintings, drawings and photographs depicting the mystique, strength and showmanship of Mexican wrestling performers, known as "luchadores".

“It is a show about secrets and spectacles, internal/external struggles, with a nod towards the impact of Mexican/Latino culture,” said show curator Angel Quesada, an Austin artist who grew up along the Texas/Mexico border. “The Luchador is the shaman, luring the audience into liminal states of inspired frenzy.”

To aid with the inspired frenzy at Thursday’s opening reception from 5:30 to 9:30pm, there will be samples of Pulque La Lucha -- a fermented agave beverage that’s described as older than tequila and stronger than beer. Wrestling may or may not ensue after consumption.

Enmascarados: An Homage to Lucha Libre will be on display from 1 to 5 p.m. through Saturday, September 27.