Lisandro Boccacci

Spray paint, acrylic, water color

30” x 48”

The theme of “Stay Gold”, inspired by the poignant message in S.E. Hinton’s classic novel The Outsiders, serves as the heart and soul of my painting. In The Outsiders, staying gold symbolizes holding onto the purity, wonder, and beauty of youth despite the inevitable hardships of life. It is a reminder to preserve what is bright and hopeful within us, even as the world challenges us with darkness. This profound idea resonated deeply with me, and I felt compelled to translate its essence into a visual narrative.

In my painting, I sought to juxtapose two contrasting worlds to evoke a powerful emotional response. The foreground features a group of adults who appear burdened, lost, and entrapped in a state of suffering. These figures represent the toll of life’s relentless demands—the weight of societal expectations, the grind of the rat race, and the quiet despair of those who have drifted far from their inner light. This setting is framed by a brick wall beneath a heavy archway, a metaphorical barrier symbolizing the confinement and separation from a brighter, more hopeful existence.

At the center of this wall, however, lies a breakthrough: a jagged hole, as though someone has forcefully broken through the limitations imposed by their environment. Through this opening, the viewer glimpses a radiant world beyond. Children are seen running joyfully through a golden city bathed in vibrant colors, embodying boundless energy, happiness, and the promise of bright futures. In the distance, a glorious sunrise illuminates the scene, signifying renewal, hope, and the beauty of beginnings.

For me, “staying gold” is a deeply personal philosophy—an affirmation of living authentically and fully. It is a call to embrace the innocence and adventurous spirit of childhood, to resist being consumed by cynicism and despair. Staying gold is about reclaiming our capacity for love, curiosity, and connection, qualities that align us with the greater harmony of the universe. It is the pursuit of a state where one feels complete, grounded, and at peace, radiating optimism in the face of adversity.

Through this painting, I aim to inspire viewers to reflect on their own journeys. Have we allowed the walls of life to confine us, or are we brave enough to break through and rediscover the gold within? The contrast between the weary adults and the joyous children serves as a reminder that the choice to stay gold remains within each of us. It is an invitation to awaken to the beauty of life, to nurture our inner light, and to live in alignment with our truest, most hopeful selves.