A quiet Tribute to the Courage that protects the Ocean

My Feature in the 32nd Edition of Artistcloseup Magazine with “Guardian of Freedom – A Tribute to Paul Watson”

Some artworks don’t come from planning.
They come from something you feel – something you simply can’t ignore.

GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM – A Tribute to Paul Watson is one of those pieces.
It’s not a classic portrait.
Not a scene.
Not a spectacle.

It’s a quiet but unwavering image – of presence. Of conviction. Of courage.

When I chose to dedicate a work to Paul Watson, I knew:
I didn’t want a heroic pose.
I didn’t want dramatic lighting.
I wanted that silent, immovable “I’m here. And I won’t back down.”

Paul Watson has devoted his life to protecting those who cannot speak.
He placed himself between harpoons and whales.
Between life and destruction.

And this is what I wanted to express – not through noise,
but through stillness.
Through dignity.
Through light and shadow that reflect something deeper than appearance:
Responsibility. Integrity. Presence.

Featured in Artistcloseup Magazine – Issue #32

I’m honored to share that this artwork is now featured in the latest 32nd edition of Artistcloseup Magazine – a global platform that gives voice to artists who don’t need to shout to be heard.

In this issue, you’ll find my piece alongside insights into its creation, as well as many other inspiring artistic voices from around the world.

 

Discover the full magazine here:

artistcloseup.com/magazine

Why this piece belongs to the Ocean Collection

GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM is part of my Ocean Collection – a series dedicated to the protection of the sea, the dignity of life, and the beauty of conscious presence.

Each piece in this series is born from personal experience – from moments beneath the surface, encounters with animals, questions, silence.

It’s not about perfect images.
It’s about honesty.
About reverence.
And the quiet desire to show something that deserves to be seen – before it disappears.

Where this artwork is exhibited

I’m proud that GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM has also been selected for international exhibitions, including:

📍 01 July – 31 July 2025ANDAKULOVA GALLERY, Dubai
📍 20 August – 24 August 2025ARTBOX.PROJECT Zürich 7.0

To see this work in person is to feel its stillness, its presence – and the unspoken story it carries.

Why this piece belongs to the Ocean Collection

GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM is part of my Ocean Collection – a series dedicated to the protection of the sea, the dignity of life, and the beauty of conscious presence.

Each piece in this series is born from personal experience – from moments beneath the surface, encounters with animals, questions, silence. It’s not about perfect images. It’s about honesty. About reverence. And the quiet desire to show something that deserves to be seen – before it disappears.

Available in two exclusive editions

 

GUARDIAN OF FREEDOM is available as:

  • Chromaluxe Fine Art Print – luminous, sharp, long-lasting

  • Lenticular Edition – multi-dimensional, vivid, changing with perspective

For pricing, availability or a private viewing, send me a direct message or email me – I’ll reply personally.

Let it touch you. Not through what it shows – but through what it awakens in you.

If you feel that this artwork is more than just art, explore more at:


🌐 www.bastilliani.com

🖤 Share this post if silent beauty speaks to you.
📩 Contact me if you want to experience a piece in person.