Artwork
Buddha cu ficus
Buddha cu ficus is a print by Hrandt Avakian. It dates from 1969 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Art of Romania.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1969 by Armenian‑American painter Hrandt Avakian, “Buddha cu ficus” presents a compact composition in which a diminutive golden Buddha figure is partially concealed by a lush, verdant foliage. The work balances the serenity of the statue with the vibrancy of surrounding plant life and decorative elements, set against a warm, textured backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, a tranquil Buddha perched on a modest plinth, suggests contemplation amid nature. Its partial concealment by the glossy ficus leaves may allude to the interplay between spiritual presence and the material world, while the scattered red blossoms and a simple earthen pot introduce themes of impermanence and everyday ritual.
Technique & Style
Avakian employs thick, impasto brushwork and saturated hues, allowing the green foliage and red‑orange background to pulse with energy. The glossy leaves are rendered with bold, layered strokes that obscure the statue, while the Buddha’s smooth, golden surface contrasts with the textured plant forms, creating a dynamic visual tension between stillness and movement.
History & Provenance
The painting was completed in 1969, a period when Avakian was exploring cross‑cultural motifs and expressive color fields. It remains part of the artist’s documented oeuvre and is referenced in catalogues of his work, though specific exhibition history or ownership details have not been widely published.
Artist & collection
