Camargue Bullfight | "Where Is Everyone? Cowards!"

7.9 x 7.9 inches
gouache on paper
2023

My first brush with a Camargue Bullfight was as much a linguistic challenge as it was a cultural revelation. With my limited grasp of French Provençal and the rules of this intriguing „game,“ one thing was crystal clear: this isn’t a fight; it’s an art form where the bull is the undisputed hero.

The experience was nothing short of breathtaking. The bull enters the arena with an air of fiery pride, stirring the sand and sizing up the razeteurs, as if anticipating their every move. It reminded me of Ferdinand the bull - only this time, the bull is not just a lover of flowers, but a vibrant participant in a dynamic dance.

In the Camargue, it’s about skill and mutual respect. The bullfight here honors the bull’s name, emblazoning it on posters above even that of the razeteur. The fame of the farm, or ‚manade‘, is also proudly displayed. Here, the bull is a celebrity; its prowess can ensure an adrenaline-filled spectacle.

The razeteurs, while skilled, play a supporting role to these bovine stars. Their acclaim is intertwined with the bulls they face. But unlike the corridas, the Camargue bullfight is bloodless; the bulls are not there to kill. On the rare occasion when a bull does kill, its name is tragically struck from all records.

This dance of danger and dignity inspired my latest series of gouache paintings - where every stroke and color pays homage to the true stars of the show.

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