Igonyama | Portret of a Lion

This striking painting features a close-up portrayal of a lion's face, rendered with a vibrant mosaic of colors that evoke a sense of strength and majesty. The lion's intense gaze draws the viewer in, with its golden-brown fur infused with shades of blue, orange, and warm earth tones. The background consists of abstracted text, adding a layer of intrigue and contemporary flair to the composition. This unique combination of realism and expressionism highlights the lion's fierce yet regal presence, making it a perfect centerpiece for any space.
This powerful painting can elevate the aesthetic of various interior settings. It could serve as a stunning focal point in a living room or study, drawing attention and sparking conversation. Additionally, it would work well in a modern office or creative space, inspiring courage and resilience in the environment. Its vibrant color palette can seamlessly complement both neutral and bold interior designs.

I made this artwork of a proud lion for the exhibition 'Le Bestiaire' at The Hague Art Circle. Musicians, visual artists, poets and writers from The Hague Art Circle were inspired by the famous poetry collection 'Le Bestiare ou Cortege d'Orphée' with 30 short poems about Orpheus and the animals by Guillaume Apollinaire and as many wood engravings by Raoul Dufy (1911). A fragment of this poem is incorporated in the artwork: "Ô lion, malheureuse image Des rois chus lamentablement, Tu ne nais maintenant qu’en cage À Hambourg, chez les Allemands." The original text is in France, but the I translated the text in African, Swahili, Hausa, Yoruba, Xhosa, Zulu, South-Sotho, Somalian, German and Dutch. All the languages that seemed suitable for this artwork. The artwork is made with yellow, brown, purple and blue acrylics and gold and copper colored leaf metal. The texts reflect the light. Therefore the artwork will change during the day when the sunlight changes. The artwork is ready to hang. The painting can be framed in a blank wooden frame on request.