Alexander Franco sits near his “Blue Lagoon Triptych” at Black Fire Innovation in 2023. Photo by Laura Henkel

Alexander Franco: The Unicorn of Artists

BY LAURA HENKEL

Art has the capacity to communicate with the observer. Should a particular work of art elicit a profound emotional response from you, it can be interpreted as a manifestation of the creator’s spirit. As a curator and arts professional, I encounter numerous artists. Certain artists render fashionable work, talk a good game, and are motivated solely by financial gain. Other artists are introverts who invest their entire selves in their work and are indifferent to the almighty dollar. And then, there are artists who exist at the intersection of these two extremes. These creative beings are like unicorns—truly enlightened individuals with Buddha-like qualities. They act as portals to one’s authentic self and are tangibly attuned to their environment.

Friedrich Nietzsche, a German philosopher and cultural critic of the late nineteenth century, believed that art was the highest form of self-expression and that artists were among society’s most noble and revered citizens. Alexander Franco is, in fact, the unicorn of artists, as he is an artist of this caliber.

Franco was born the youngest of seven siblings in Palmira Valle, Colombia. When he was five years old, his grandfather encouraged him to paint. Captivated by his extraordinary talent, his grandfather started calling him Picasso. That same year, he sold his first work of art. At the age of eight, he received recognition for his artistic prowess. Making art was as natural as breathing for this self-taught artist. He had a natural talent, and from a young age, it sparked a spiritual quest for meaning.

Apart from his remarkable artistic ability, Franco was also a superb athlete. He was set to turn pro after playing for New Jersey’s Kean University at twenty-one before suffering a devastating injury. Instead of sinking into profound despair after his dreams of being a professional athlete were dashed, he moved to Manhattan, where he could nurture his body and soul while letting his innate artistic energy flourish. Inspired by the city’s vibrancy that never sleeps, he devoted two years of his life to creating art. His artistic skills were further developed at Bellas Artes-Manizales in Colombia, the New World School of the Arts in Miami, and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Having toured the world for decades and exhibited his art wherever he went, Franco’s work may be found in some of the world’s most prestigious art collections. The Long Museum, a private art institution established by Liu Yiqian and Wang Wei, acquired his artwork during his most recent residency with Arthur Wong in China. Comedian Carrot Top and actor Adrien Brody have his works in their collections for a touch of domestic flavor. Per collector Matthias Horsch, “Alexander Franco is one of only a handful of artists today capable of making art alive. The past becomes present and somehow youthful and newly relevant with him.”

According to Franco, “I am of the opinion that art encompasses not only visual perception but also emotional experience. I absolutely believe in this. By establishing this connection, the soul can attain a state of tranquility and become more open to the deeper connections and energy of the cosmos.”

Such is the allure and enduring nature of Franco’s art. His conviction is that love, nature, and those who have had a substantial impact on the world serve as his primary sources of inspiration. Consequently, he transmits this inspiration to others through his artistic expression and unique life perspective. Whether making enormous sculptures for the Bellagio Gardens, painting portraits or abstracts for commission, or pursuing his own artistic passions, he continually creates because of his vitality. The fact that Franco resides in our luminous metropolis brilliantly illuminates Las Vegas all the more. He is the epitome of grace. Upon encountering the artist and his work, you will similarly recognize the unicorn that resides among us.