At my recent shows in Mexico City and Guadalajara, I was frequently asked my opinions on different bullfighters.
My response was that each matador brought to mind a different word. Roca Rey: electrifying. José Tomás: purity. Morante de la Puebla: poetry.
La poesía describes Morante's sublime style. Often times it seems his passes are in slow-motion, his temple (passing the cape at just a certain speed to keep the bull at just a certain speed) is so perfect. His gesture, absence of gesture, or a raised or lowered hand, makes the difference between mechanics and poetry.
As a former matador who was sitting next to me commented (something is lost in memory and translation): "Many ears are cut, but artistry is rare."
Here is Morante passing his second bull, Agua Nieve, (Bernaldo de Quirós), from which he would be awarded an ear.
Photographed in Plaza Mexico on November 10 of this year.
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