Arts Alive San Antonio

BY JASMINA WELLINGHOFF, Editor

If you are like most Americans, you are at least somewhat familiar with movie and comic-book characters such as Ironman, Batman, Spiderman, Dart Vader, Wonder Woman, and others like them. Invariably, these characters are brave “defenders of truth, justice and the American Way. They are better versions of ordinary Americans,” as it says in the text posted at the entrance to the exhibit. And they have entertained generations.

But what are they doing at the San Antonio Museum of Art?

Well, as always, entertaining the audience!

The current exhibit “Tony Parker’s Heroes and Villains” is likely to astound all who visit. As the name says, the large-size figures of the popular characters come, for the most part, from the private collection of former Spurs star player, Tony Parker, who has amassed more than 30 fiberglass statues, which, we were told, he normally keeps in his exercise facility.

“This exhibition will be a blast for anyone who has wondered what it would be like to stand face-to-face with a superhero or supervillain,” said SAMA’s director Emily Ballew Neff, quoted in the press release.

The surprises start in the museum’s Grand Hall where huge Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stand lined up against the tall white wall. As you enter the first gallery, you’ll encounter the huge, fiery, Iron Man Armor, which dominates the space. As you move further into the other galleries, you’ll see Batman, Spiderman, Darth Vader, the Joker, Wonder Woman (in a couple of versions) and, somewhat incongruously, Harry Potter, who looks so real you may be tempted to start talking to him. Older children will probably have a blast at this show. It will be on view through Sept. 4.

SAMA is also planning to screen the films that these characters are related to throughout the summer.
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“Tony Parker’s Heroes and Villains,” Cowden Gallery for Special Exhibitions, San Antonio Museum of Art, 200 W. Jones Ave.; 210-978-8140; www.samuseum.org; free with regular admission. A special exhibition tour is scheduled for July 3, 12-1 p.m. (Photos by J.W.)