Dancing with Bulls

The artist of this exhibition surprises us. We never imagined an artist from the East would come to Madrid to interpret the allure of bullfighting through her art. This young woman, who does not speak Spanish, transcends language and cultural barriers, bringing bullfighting

to her homeland and infusing it with broader cultural significance through her unique perspective. It is profoundly meaningful that our cherished profession— bullfighting—has become a bridge connecting the world.

Ruoheng Li is an internationally renowned contemporary artist who has held exhibitions in countries including China, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Colombia. In 2023, while pursuing a Master’s in Contemporary Art at the Royal College of Art in the UK,

she visited Spain to see Gaudí’s architecture. A single experience attending a bullfight sparked an uncontainable passion. Driven by intense curiosity, she not only watched numerous bullfights but also visited bullfighting museums, galleries, and read extensively on the subject. With deep enthusiasm, she explored the culture and history behind bullfighting. Ultimately, she presents this unique bullfighting-themed art exhibition through a vibrant artistic language and a fresh cultural perspective.

The first thing that captivates viewers is her use of rare and luxurious materials—gold, silver, gemstones, and mother-of-pearl—combined with techniques like enamel painting and three-dimensional carving. These exquisite techniques vividly capture the intricate details

of bullfighting costumes while documenting the glory and splendor of the bullring.

Her works draw inspiration from the rich culture of bullfighting, documenting venues like the Madrid Bullring and the Nîmes Arena in France. She depicts bullfighting props and classic maneuvers, such as the muleta (red cape), capote (cape), and banderillas (decorated darts), as well as elegant movements like the Verónica (Verónica pass) and Natural (natural pass). She portrays a variety of bullfighting costumes, including the standard traje de luces (suit of lights), Goya-style costumes, and Picasso-inspired festival attire. Additionally, she pays homage to artists like Picasso and Goya, who contributed to bullfighting’s legacy. Through multiple cultural dimensions, her work illustrates that bullfighting is not merely a performance

but a profound cultural tradition.

This exhibition features six bullfighters from six bullfighting nations, connecting each bullfighter’s personal charisma with their homeland’s culture while exploring the philosophical and cultural significance behind bullfighting. Her dedication—traveling to multiple countries to meet bullfighters in person—is deeply moving, reflecting her meticulous observation and passion for the craft.

In her works, she captures traditional bullfighting etiquette and the proud demeanor of bullfighter Morante with delicate brushstrokes. She juxtaposes Roca Rey’s masterful technique with Peru’s warrior culture, creating mythological compositions. She blends Mexico’s Day of

the Dead philosophy with bullfighter Isaac’s courageous spirit, probing the deeper maeaning of life. She combines France’s artistry with the restrained elegance of its bullfighting style, presenting moments of serene solitude in the ring. She merges Venezuela’s natural landscapes with the thrilling moments of banderillas, showcasing the extraordinary power of nature and humanity. In her portrait of Colombian bullfighting maestro Rincón, set against the golden backdrop of the Madrid Bullring, she highlights the personal conviction and solemnity of bullfighting culture. Each work not only freezes exhilarating moments in the arena but also weaves a complete narrative of individual style, national culture, and bullfighting knowledge.

Bullfighting is first and foremost a spiritual pursuit, then a performance, which is why it has inspired countless artists. Ruoheng Li’s series Homage to the Masters reexamines the passion and life-affirming inspiration of bullfighting through the eyes of great artists. Using Cubist techniques, she pays tribute to Picasso, a master who created hundreds of bullfighting-themed works. Through printmaking lines, she honors Goya, whose groundbreaking Tauromaquia series redefined the art form. In a cross-temporal dialogue, Ruoheng Li reimagines the bull as a symbol of strength, freedom, and rebellion, exploring the tension between instinct and rationality. This series is printed on silk scarves, transforming art into wearable pieces, inviting viewers to engage intimately while bringing a unique Eastern perspective to Spain.

Ruoheng Li shares, “Before discovering bullfighting culture, I was a global explorer, having lived in 22 countries. But once I encountered bullfighting, I remained forever in its universe, for it embodies everything my soul craves.” We are delighted to see the cultural allure of bullfighting reach such distant lands and are privileged to witness a Chinese artist narrate its story through an international lens, emphasizing bullfighting as a spiritual and cultural complex. With exquisite craftsmanship, unique storytelling, and a contemporary humanistic

perspective, she explores the cultural and historical charm of bullfighting. We look forward to her continued creations, expressing our shared passion through a modern lens and ensuring bullfighting culture thrives in broader artistic forms.