Francis and the Durian

Francis and the Durian.
36 inches x 36 inches. Acrylic on canvas. 2011.
Not for sale.

Francis is seated in a position of prayer and openness: to some, durians are thorny, stinky and not to be appreciated, but this is the external (the darker left hand side with more thorns); Francis, however, sees all with eyes of love, hence even durians are nourishment and pleasure (the lighter yellowish-green side with lesser thorns), and this is internal. And so, he embraces the fruit with both hands.


For us, externals may not always seem to be what it is - we have got to look inside - that's where pure love and goodness is; and that's what Francis is reminding us to do - to love Love.


To some, he looks sad. To me, he is quietly contemplating.