The MORE Family Collection has transformed the concept of art safaris by involving guests in the artwork of Gary Davis during his stay at the Lion Sands Ivory Lodge in the Sabi Sands Game Reserve.
Davis stayed on the MORE Family Collection Artist Residency for two months and revealed his artwork ‘Brothers in Arms’ at a New Year’s Eve celebration at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge.
‘Brothers in Arms’ became part of the guest experience as Davis encouraged guests and staff to sign their names on the charcoal artwork, around a rough outline of the two lions.
The signatures form the foundation to the stars and cosmos in the final piece, which is done in his signature hyper-realistic style.
The final piece was dedicated to all the guests and staff who inspired Gary to create it.
‘Brothers in Arms’ was inspired by a photograph taken by Mike Borcherds, which Davis felt encapsulated the idea of a precious moment in time that would be lost forever if it was not shared.
“The stark reality of a lion looking directly into your soul as he drinks water, and whose brother’s blue eyes stare forward piercing the darkness of night, splitting the universe in half,” Davis said.
The MORE Family Collection Artist Residency was established in 2021 and, aligned with the Southern African Foundation for Contemporary Art, it allows artists access to the natural world at Lion Sands and gives them the space to be inspired and create within it.
Guests can see the environment through the artist’s eyes, engage with their process and even purchase the artworks from the gallery. A guest from the US has already added ‘Brothers in Arms’ to their private collection.
“It is truly magnificent. You [Davis] did a beautiful job, and it will truly be cherished by both of us,” said the proud new owner.
