Deep in the rainforest of Peru, a green praying mantis held perfectly still on a red flower bract, forelegs drawn together as if in prayer. I moved in slowly with a macro lens, and it stayed just long enough for this frame.
Praying mantises are patient ambush hunters. They wait motionless, often perfectly camouflaged, and strike at passing insects with lightning-fast forelegs lined with spines. They are the only insects that can turn their heads a full 180 degrees, which gives them a strangely alert, almost human way of watching you.
The composition is bold and simple: the bright red bract running diagonally across the frame, the slender green mantis along its edge and a pure black background. The colours are almost complementary, so the insect glows.
It is a striking, graphic macro print with a modern feel. It suits a living room, study, office or child's room, and makes an unusual gift for anyone fascinated by insects or the rainforest.
THE PRINT
Archival pigment print (giclée) on museum-grade fine art paper. Limited edition of 30. Hand-signed and numbered by John Wiseman and issued with a signed certificate of authenticity.
SIZE
Image size 76 x 51 cm (30 x 20 in). Other sizes are available. Please enquire.
DELIVERY AND FRAMING
Made to order in Sydney, Australia. Shipped unframed, rolled in a protective tube. Custom framing in natural timber, black or white can be added through Bluethumb.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
John Wiseman is an award-winning Australian wildlife and nature photographer with more than 25 years in the field, photographing across six continents. Winner, Science & Nature, International Loupe Awards. Represented by IRID Gallery, Melbourne and Sydney.