Toreros as Artists of the Ephemeral: Bullfighting as an Art Form

Bullfighters consider themselves transient artists, aiming for the flawless faena. An article from Artpress dated May 14, 2014, emphasizes their self-image, pointing out the bull's unpredictability and the fleeting essence of inspiration (duende). Toreros such as Luis Miguel Dominguín admire the liberty enjoyed by other artists. Artistic creation is linear; once the initial passes are made, there's no turning back. Figures like Antonio Ordóñez believe their ideal faena remains elusive. The audience's involvement varies, with El Cordobés likening it to a love triangle between the torero, bull, and spectators. The bull's death marks the conclusion of the performance, as Ordóñez remarks, "Nothing produced in the arena can be captured." Moments of beauty evoke profound joy, with toreros accepting risk as vital to their craft.