Mane Event

Kenya

2025

Edition of 6: 30in x 20in (76.2 x 50.8cm)
Edition of 6: 48in x 32in (121.9 x 81.3cm)
Edition of 6: 60in x 40in (152.4 x 101.6cm)
Edition of 6: 75in x 50in (190.5 x 127cm

A commanding portrait of a male lion, captured in a rare moment of stillness. His mane is caught in the wind, his eyes focused on something beyond the frame, alert, aware, and utterly present. Rendered in black and white, the image removes all distractions, allowing the textures and quiet tension to speak for themselves.

To me, the lion is not just a symbol of majesty; it is a vital pillar of Africa’s wild ecosystems. As apex predators, lions play a critical role in maintaining balance. Their presence keeps herbivore populations in check, which in turn preserves vegetation and supports the intricate web of life that depends on healthy grasslands. When lions thrive, entire ecosystems benefit.

But lions are disappearing. Habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and the illegal wildlife trade are rapidly diminishing their numbers. Creating this portrait was my way of honouring their power, their role, and their vulnerability.