ARTi Gallery
AGAC 2024 Top 25 Finalist - Benjamin Lombard - Lady with a Meerkat
AGAC 2024 Top 25 Finalist - Benjamin Lombard - Lady with a Meerkat
| Artist Name: | Benjamin Lombard |
| Title: | Lady with a Meerkat |
| Size: | 600.00mm x 450.00mm |
| Medium | Acrylic on canvas |
| Framed: | Framed |
| Price: | R39,000 |
| Artist Bio: |
Benjamin Lombard is a self-taught artist from Zimbabwe who now calls the scenic coastal town of Knysna in South Africa his home and creative hub. Growing up on a farm in Zimbabwe, he developed a profound love and respect for nature. His daily interactions with wildlife impacted him and inspired him to express himself through various styles and mediums, each reflecting a unique facet of his creativity. He finds joy in combining traditional and digital mediums, blending the tactile, hands-on qualities of classic techniques like painting or drawing with the versatility and precision of digital tools. This fusion creates dynamic, multi-layered works that bridge the gap between old-world craftsmanship and modern technology. |
| Inspiration: |
"Lady with a Meerkat" is a vibrant reimagining of Leonardo Da Vinci’s iconic "Lady with an Ermine," infused with my signature colour burst style and intricate line patterns. While the original composition remains, the lady now cradles a meerkat, a creature known for its keen awareness and community-oriented nature. I started by creating the image digitally, which allowed me to explore composition and refine details. I then printed the digital design on canvas and used acrylic paint and pens to add texture, depth, and vibrant color, bringing the piece to life through traditional mediums. In this piece, the meerkat takes on symbolic meaning similar to Da Vinci's ermine, which represented purity and loyalty. The meerkat, however, symbolises vigilance, curiosity, and social harmony. It's upright posture and watchful demeanour reflect an ever-present readiness and connection to the world around it while also embodying loyalty and guardianship. The use of bold, flowing colours mirrors the energy and liveliness of both the subject and the meerkat, while the intricate patterns capture the complexity and depth of their bond. Together, they symbolise a balance between alertness and grace, community and individuality. I chose to depict an African woman in this reimagining rather than a European figure as a celebration of cultural diversity and to offer a fresh perspective on classical art. By including an African woman, I aim to honour the beauty, strength, and elegance often underrepresented in historical portraits. This shift in representation not only pays tribute to the rich heritage of African cultures but also invites viewers to rethink the narratives we inherit from classical works and see them through a more inclusive, contemporary lens. |
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