Edward F., 2020

This captivating painting, inspired by a moment from the artist’s journey to Tokyo, portrays the artist’s friend, Edward Frondoso, immersed in tranquil contemplation as he gazes across the scenic landscape. The composition comes to life with the presence of vibrant monarch butterflies that appear to materialize from Edward’s contemplative state. Monarch butterflies hold deep symbolism, representing themes of transformation and rebirth, signifying the fleeting nature of life, and evoking the potential for personal growth and change—a transformative process often experienced through travel. In the words of Anthony Bourdain, “It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn.”