Mnyama

I met this bull at dusk. He stood unmoving, eyes fixed, a living wall of silence. Around us, the grass whispered with the memory of lions — predators that had passed through hours earlier. Yet here was the beast that lions fear, a creature whose stare weighs as heavily as its body. We stood in stillness, measuring one another, bound in a quiet dialogue of respect.

The buffalo is one of Africa’s Big Five. Feared, often underestimated, and seldom admired for its deeper beauty, it remains a symbol of unyielding resilience. Entire prides of lions risk everything to bring down one. Even then, the cost is high — lions fall to horns and hooves as often as they feast. Still, the buffalo endures. It persists, scarred yet unbroken, shaping the balance of Africa’s wild.

This black-and-white portrait of the Cape buffalo commands attention with its raw, sculptural presence. Emerging from deep shadow, every detail in the horns, hide, and gaze feels amplified, as though carved in light and darkness. The simplicity of the composition heightens the intensity of its stare, creating a work that is both timeless and dramatic. The stark tonal range draws the viewer in, offering a sense of respect for one of Africa’s most formidable members of the Big Five.

Mnyama suits spaces calling for boldness and sophistication. In modern homes, the monochrome palette complements clean lines, neutral walls, and minimalist décor, adding strength and gravity to a living room, hallway, or feature wall. In professional settings such as boardrooms, private offices, or reception areas, it conveys power, resilience, and authority.

Large-format prints (A1 or A0) maximise impact, while smaller editions offer an intimate intensity for studies or library spaces.

The frames shown are for display purposes only. Prints are sold unframed unless otherwise specified.

This artwork is presented in Landscape orientation.