An Early Flash of Media Arts at Luminaria (1)

At this year's Luminaria, San Antonio's film and video artists will produce nearly two dozen video/film/media art projects throughout Hemisphere Park. In the spirit of a magical community celebration of art and light, these motion media installations are location specific and interactive or performance-based.

Filmmakers Erik Bosse and Victor Payan serve as the Co-Chairs for Media Arts on Luminaria’s Steering Committee. They’re working to facilitate the curated screenings and exhibitions throughout the park. In addition, both have individual collaborations that they will engage Saturday evening.

Payan and his wife Pocha Peña are the creative instigators behind Aztec Gold TV. You may remember them from their December production “Rudos y Tecnicos” at Gallista Gallery. Through their project, Aztec Gold TV, the couple stage “art house wrestling matches” that interpolate political commentary into theatrical lucha libre. Drawing from 60's kitsch, pop and media culture, and they craft public art interventions and multimedia experiences that enlighten and engage audiences.

For Luminaria, “Aztec Gold's Green Screen Bonanza” will superimpose audience participants into digital environments based on classic movie genres. Imagine yourself playing in a scene from “King Kong” or “Wayne’s World,” or engaged in a match with the iconic luchador El Santo. Payan and Peña will host the green screen antics at the Pumphouse Lounge, located near the Tower of the Americas.

“City Hoop” is a coinciding performance and screening by Bosse and dancer S.T. Shimi of Jump-Start Company. Bosse produced a short digital video featuring Shimi nighttime hoop-dancing throughout an illuminated downtown San Antonio. Against the screening of Bosse’s video, S.T Shimi will accompany with live hoop-dance.

There will be two opportunities to see their presentation on Saturday night: 9pm and 10:30pm. The performance and screening will happen on the Valero Stage (also known as Stage Three), which is located in the Plaza de Mexico, in HemisFair Park.