‘King’ is a reference to our perception of a male lion being  ‘king of the jungle’; an apex predator that rules the land, whilst also performing a pivotal and vital role in maintaining their local eco systems.  As well as being physically formidable, lions are also known to be socially sophisticated, highly adaptable to their surroundings and extremely resilient. 

 

In this piece, the lion’s head is encircled with decorative trees that are often found in his habitat, including the Acacia and Baobab (African Tree of Life), but importantly the reduced space between the trees and the lion highlights the ever diminishing land around him.  As the key piece in chess, the image of the king is included to represent the importance of protection by making the right strategic decisions.

 

Symbols of yin and yang are scattered around the painting as a reference to darkness and light or good versus evil. The heavy use of shimmering gold guild emphasises the majesty of these animals and elevates them to sacred almost saint-like icons which in reality is both a blessing and a curse.  The poignant golden ‘choker’ around the lion’s neck acts as a reminder that his ability to breathe and ultimately survive depends increasingly on our own actions.

 

Humans currently represent the major threat to lion populations around the world, and therefore we ultimately have the power to shape the future of their species. Alongside habitat loss, human conflict and poaching are the biggest danger to their very survival, and protecting the future of their populations has become an urgent priority.

 

King reflects our perception of a male lion as King of the jungle, an apex predator that rules the land, whilst also performing a pivotal role in maintaining local ecosystems. The background elements within the piece highlight the challenges of surviving in the wake of human conflict and poaching.

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Mixed Media with Imitation Gold Leaf on Paper

59.4cm x 84.1cm unframed

66cm x 91cm x 3cm framed

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£1200 

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Supplied framed with Pexiglass glazing as shown below 

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UK shipping complementary, please contact us for international destinations

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