Wrestling masks from the Oscar Carranza Mask Collection, art, and five-star wrestling fortell an evening like no other at Casa Daphne at 1420 Washington Street from 7 to 11 p.m.
The authentic iconic masks in the Oscar Carranza Collection celebrate the history and tradition of lucha libre, the style of professional wrestling that originated in Mexico in the early 20th century.
The masks and the work of artists Alexander Barron, Juan de Dios Mora, Oscar Gomez, René Gutierrez, TAMIU film instructor Marcela Moran, and Jesse Shaw comprise the exhibit.
The squared circle (wrestling ring) in the side yard of Casa Daphne comes to life at 8 p.m. with live Five Star Wrestling and George Washington Jr.’s final huzzah.
George Washington Jr
About the Carranza Máscara Collection
Oscar Carranza began as a young aficionado obsessed with luchador masks in Nuevo Laredo where he felt a profound sense of belonging and attended multiple matches at a place he considered “home” as a child, the Arena 4 Caminos, famous for hosting wrestling and boxing matches. Carranza has been collecting antique masks for over eight years, including photographs and supporting documents. His work as a collector includes extensive research about the artisans who made them and the molds and materials to make them.
The masks in the Carranza collection tell the story of lucha libre and the true identities of the luchadores who wore them. Masks in this context are deeply meaningful and are often considered “sacred” objects. Losing their masks in Luchas de Apuestas (wager matches), is a devastating, permanent loss of identity for the luchadores who wear them.
Máscara: Símbolo de la Cultura features rare and antique masks. Each tells a story about its fabricator, the spaces where they were created, and the luchadores who wore them and brought to life their characters and legacies.
The exhibit closes March 20.
The exhibit and wrestling event are sponsored by Daphne Art Foundation, Cigarroa Clinic, and L & F Distributors.
