Awakening in Color | 66 x 48 in. | Acrylic on canvas. | Original Panting By Alexander Franco.

Curatorial Review:
This large-format portrait of Gautama Buddha is a vibrant meditation on stillness, wisdom, and inner fire. The artist contrasts the tranquility of the Buddha’s pose with an explosion of dynamic, expressive color—inviting the viewer into the paradox of peace amid chaos. The textured brushwork and energetic background create a sense of timeless presence, as if the Buddha emerges not from history, but from the living moment. A spiritual icon, reimagined with emotional force.

Artist Statement:
In this piece, I wanted to express enlightenment not as an escape, but as a vibrant presence within the world. The Buddha’s serenity stands firm while the world around him pulses with energy and movement—like the mind before stillness. Each brushstroke reflects the journey toward clarity, and the palette mirrors the spectrum of human experience. It is both a visual prayer and a celebration of awakened consciousness.