Slam

A few years ago the best known example of Lucha Libre (literally free wrestling, and based on daring acrobatics and spectacular soaring maneuvers), was the film "Nacho Libre" starring Jack Black and featuring luchador Silver King in the role of Ramses. But since then troupes of luchadores have visited London and been featured everywhere from "The Today Programme" to "The Paul O'Grady Show" to Channel Four News and the Daily Star and picking up fans such as Tim Burton and Jonathan Ross along the way. Most luchadors wear elaborate and unique masks which create mystique and express each unique personality making these warriors appear more than mere mortals when in the ring. Lucha Libre is now part of the zeitgeist with men in masks disporting themselves in TV adverts and as dancers with Britney Spears. Renowned photographer, Katinka Herbert, is obsessed with men in tights and masks and has spent the last 8 years travelling backwards and forwards to Mexico documenting the greatest legends of this extraordinary sport. Finally, they have all been captured by her lens and comprehensively collected in "Slam". Katinka has immortalised the icons of the genre: El Hijo Del Santo, aka El Enmascarado de Plata ("The Man in the Silver Mask") and Blue Demon Jr.; the goodies aka tecnicoluchadores, usually the good guys armed with sophisticated, silky skills; the nasties, or rudo luchadores, usually the villainous, aggressive, less cultured warriors; the cross-dressing exoticos exemplified by the self-styled Queen of the Ring, Cassandro, in all his primped and perfumed pomp; and, the mini-stars mini estrellas as well as female wrestlers known as Luchadoras. "Slam": Part art book, part fun book is in total a labour of love. The book has been beautifully designed by the renowned design group FUEL. Featuring a die-cut slipcase printed with a striking graphic illustration of a masked Mexican wrestler, the image on the book inside reveals the another wrestler wearing a different mask.

About the Author :
Katinka Herbert is a respected international photographer, whose work regularly appears in national titles including the Guardian, Observer, Telegraph, Food Illustrated and Dazed and Confused. She started out as a reportage/travel/portrait photographer moved into music and shot album covers for Island and Atlantic. Katinka currently works in portrait and fashion, most recently alongside Casely-Hayford. This is her first photography book.

Review :
"A spectacle that's more akin to a rock concert cranked to 11 than your standard British wrestling event. Viva Lucha Libre" Time Out "Forget the bloated perma-mulleted world of WWE wrestling, with its over-hyped contests and staged soap opera theatrics. The most exciting form of the sport on the planet is from Mexico. Where else will you find fighting midgets, feuding transvestites and masked muscle men, all engaging in a ferocious mix of acrobatics and showmanship." Arena "The wrestlers - all genuine athletes with some impressively acrobatic moves - seemed to relish the opportunity of showcasing their skills to a new audience, and I for one hope they return to these shores again soon." The Sun Online "Muscle men with directional outfits. What could be better?" Gay Times"