Imposing and
majestic sculptures captured in moody and exquisite photographs. (Review by
Keith Millar)
South African born
Dylan Lewis is regarded as one of the world’s leading wildlife sculptors. His
works have been exhibited internationally in cities such as London, Paris,
Toronto, Sydney, Houston and San Francisco.
His towering and
commanding works can be seen across South Africa where they adorn botanical
gardens, golf courses, grand hotel foyers and the homes and gardens of
discerning collectors.
Lewis was born to
an artistic family. His father was a sculptor, his grandfather an architect and
both his mother and grandmother were painters. Lewis himself started as a
landscape painter but, after the death of his father, he turned to sculpture.
Initially, like his
father, he created images of birds but then moved on for 12 years to focus on
animal forms and particularly those of Africa’s wild cat predators. More
recently, he started producing feminine figures and then moved to esoteric and
mystical animal/human forms.
Dylan Lewis – An Untamed Force is a superbly presented photographic record
of some of Lewis’ most imposing and majestic works. Drawing his inspiration
from his deep love and understanding of nature and the wilderness, he has
produced sculptures which radiate latent energy and tension. They are intense,
awe-inspiring and quite breathtaking.
The principal
photographer of this coffee table book is Gerda Genis. Her dramatic, moody and
exquisite photographs are of a quality that could stand alone without the subject
matter. They are quite outstanding.
Also included are
images of some of the preliminary sketches drawn by Lewis and those of his
working methods.
The introduction to
Lewis’ works is written by Ian McCallum who is a medical doctor, author,
psychologist and wildlife guide.
Dylan Lewis – An Untamed Force is an impressive and eye catching book.
Nearly everyone who saw it on my coffee table either commented on it, or felt
compelled to page through it. It certainly has something to offer art lovers,
and those who stand in awe of the beauty and brooding power of nature.
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