The stupa here in Benalmadena is something out of a story tale - its grandiosity and magnanimous presence are as hard to describe in words as in pictures, seeing it in person is truly the only way to reconcile the reality of what it really is. It is beyond immense, and so overwhelmingly powerful in person, standing 108 feet tall and reaching into the sky like a giant spear striking the heavens.
The inside is as incredible as the exterior, for many may not even realize that there is an entire shrine room inside its base, a brilliant colorful room where teachings and practice are held - actually inside the stupa. A deep orange back wall lies in contrast to huge frescos that adorn the entirety of the inside surfaces, while a beautiful golden Buddha with a warm and gentle face gracefully looks out at the room with his soft and compassionate eyes. The entire hall is a rainbow of pastel colors, lush and vivid yet somehow reserved and more majestic in their warm and muted tones. This great hall has been very carefully decorated - for along these very walls is painted the entire life of the Buddha - in staggering detail and beauty. Walking slowly you could spend the entire day just gazing up at the walls, taking it all in, following the Buddha’s life from birth to parinirvana, and all the steps in between.
Today I was treated to a much more up close and detailed view, as I have been asked to document each of the frescos for the next upcoming exhibition in the stupa - The life of Buddha Shakyamuni - to be opened the last weekend of March. Seeing these paintings up-close, all the little details and colors, they are truly amazing and there’s more to love and appreciate the closer you get. Overcoming my fear of heights - it was even a joy to spend the day up in our makeshift scaffolding, jumping around like Spider Man, shooting these incredible paintings showing the life and activity of the Buddha of our times. I wanted to share just a few of my favorites, there are way too many to choose from, so you’ll have to come and see it for yourself, they’re all so incredible. Thank you so much to the Stupa De Benalmadena - I feel so honored to have been asked to perform this task, and to present these images with all their detail and splendor. I can’t wait to see the next exhibition for myself!
