The Discipline of Being Fabulous
Acrylic on canvas and epoxy resin
32” diameter (framed)
Signed on the back
Certificate of authenticity available
Condition: Excellent
Shipping: The painting will be shipped framed in a box via FedEx, UPS, or DHL.
 
This work from the Euphoria series presents a striking dialogue between past and present. The figure, dressed in a 16th-century-inspired garment, recalls the tradition and formality of classical portraiture. Yet her laughter—open and unrestrained—along with her contemporary hairstyle, disrupts that historical reference, bringing the subject firmly into the present moment. The result is a layered juxtaposition where time collapses and identity becomes fluid.
Sunglasses introduce an element of mystery. Even as her eyes remain partially visible through the lenses, they obscure the subject’s gaze, shifting the focus from observation to expression. This subtle distortion adds a surreal quality that resists logic and embraces spontaneity.
The frame, crafted in epoxy resin, mimics the ornate character of traditional museum frames while introducing a distinctly contemporary material and sensibility. This contrast reinforces the painting’s central tension: the merging of historical grandeur with modern expression.
Rooted in the artist’s personal history, the work reflects a broader exploration of freedom, memory, and emotional presence. Having grown up in an environment where expression was often restricted, Carlos Gamez de Francisco uses portraiture as a space of liberation. In Euphoria, he reclaims joy as a subject worthy of permanence, challenging the long-standing tradition of solemn portraiture.
The figure’s laughter becomes more than a gesture; it is an assertion of individuality and humanity. In this way, the painting operates as both portrait and allegory—honoring the fleeting nature of joy while insisting on its lasting significance.