Buddha Mamai 2015

Alexander Roitburd painted this ‘Buddha Mamai’ with oil. Look at the ochre and yellow hues mixing together, creating a warm glow that seems to emanate from within the painting itself. You can almost feel the canvas breathing. The materiality of this painting is really interesting. The paint isn't overly thick, but there's a visible texture, especially in the Buddha's robes and the horse. It is neither transparent nor opaque. Take a look at the way Roitburd applied the pigment around the Buddha's head. The paint is dabbed, almost dry-brushed, creating a halo effect. This deliberate mark-making adds a sense of spirituality and otherworldliness. It reminds me of Redon's symbolist works, where figures emerge from hazy, dreamlike spaces. Ultimately, this painting is about embracing the unknown, finding beauty in imperfection, and recognizing that art, like life, is an ongoing process of discovery.