Peter Lloyd’s love affair with the wrestling culture of Mexico came about through a trip to Mexico City, funded by a British Airways Travel Scholarship, to research and document the famous “Day of the Dead” celebrations. Having previously made works based on British folkloric events – including such stalwarts as the Morris Men of Hampshire and the Tarr Barrel Carriers of Otter St. Mary – he was disappointed to discover that the traditional event that he had anticipated had become a pale imitation of its former glory, seriously diluted by American Hallowe’en style influences. In its place, however, he discovered much more fertile subject matter in the Lucha Libre (free fighting) displays, an explosive cocktail of traditional values, folkloric traditions, mass entertainment and political activism.

Inspired by this subculture, Lloyd has created his own iconic heroes for this series of prints, each with a highly symbolic visual code. He was inspired by the colourful and flamboyant costumes to adopt an equally vibrant Latin palette to portray his company of witty alter egos. Just as the wrestlers create their elaborate costumes with appliquéd fabrics, Lloyd has developed innovative print techniques, incorporating such diverse materials as carborundum, diamond dust, glitter and synthetic fur. These powerful portraits continue a tradition of the marriage of popular culture and fine art, and it is no surprise to discover that his works can be found in the collections of several contemporary “pop icons”, including David Bowie, Missy Elliot, Vic Reeves and Holly Johnson.

Peter Lloyd studied Fine Art Printmaking at the Royal College of Art, where he was the recipient of a number of prestigious awards. He has exhibited extensively in the UK over the last ten years including being selected for ‘Platform for Art’, the London Underground poster campaign and a solo exhibition at Aspex. His work is included in numerous private and public collections.
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