Artist Proof, first state, 2/3. Titled, numbered, signed, and dated verso: “Plate 27: The Rodeo / AP 2/3 1st state / The agility and audacity / Lombardo 2024”.  Printed in Charbonnel Payne’s Gray ink on Hahnemühle Copperplate paper. A fine impression in fine condition. Sheet measures 13 x 16 inches.

Lombardo’s latest series, The Rodeo, uses Goya’s bullfighting images from La Tauromaquia as a jumping off point. The sport of bullfighting was an escape for Goya, and Lombardo similarly uses sport or showmanship as the focus of the plates. However, a deeper look at these images reveals the environmental effects of climate change as we engage in our grand distractions.

Here we see a proud freestyle motocross rider as he attempts to impress the judges. His strength, bravery and skill are on display as he flies through the smoke stacks polluting the air. His motorcycle engine running on gas for a spectacular competition.