"Damanius"
Oil on canvas
"Damanius" — Oil painting — Portrait of a Black Rhinoceros
The creation of "Damanius" is far more than an exercise in artistic technique; it is a profound tribute to the raw power and fragility of the black rhinoceros, an ancient species now threatened with extinction. Since childhood, this animal has fascinated me, embodying at once indomitable strength and a poignant vulnerability in the face of the dangers of the modern world.
Through this painting, my aim was to capture the very essence of this majestic being. Each wrinkle, each shadow, each glint of light tells its millennial story. The palette — from vermillion reds to ultramarine blues — brings its features to life, while the contrast between warmth and cold underscores the duality of its existence: power and survival against oblivion.
Painting Damanius was a total immersion, almost meditative. For weeks, I lived at the rhythm of its contours, obsessed by every detail, every imagined movement. As the painting came to life, it fixed its gaze on me, imposing a presence at once imposing and melancholy. This silent interaction between artist and subject symbolises the urgency of preserving what is precious and fragile.
"Damanius", whose name means "The Untameable", is far more than a portrait. It is a reminder, a silent cry for the protection of this threatened giant. This painting is an invitation to feel, to contemplate, and to commit to the preservation of wild beauty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C198lZcpKCY
I — Original Work
"Damanius"
Original work sold — Private Collection
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II — Canvas Editions
Numbered art print, hand-signed by the artist. On 375 gsm matte canvas. Comes with a certificate of authenticity and the artist's double signature.
Shipping: rolled in a tube or framed ready to hang.
