The light was falling fast over the dry African plains when this hyena stepped into view, silent, alert and completely unbothered by my presence. I was positioned low near a dry riverbed, watching the horizon change colour. He paused, scanned the air, held my gaze for a moment, then turned and disappeared into the scrub.
Spotted hyenas are usually cast as villains, but they are among Africa's most successful predators. They hunt much of their own food, live in large clans led by females and communicate with a remarkable range of calls, from whoops that carry for kilometres to the famous giggle. Their intelligence and social bonds rival those of many primates.
What made the frame was the light. Soft amber haze hung in the air and turned the background into a wash of warm gold and dusty pink. The hyena stands side-on in the middle of it, sharp against the softness, with nothing to distract from his shape.
It is a calm, painterly wildlife print with a warm, neutral palette that sits easily with timber, linen and stone. It suits a living room, study or office, and is a good conversation piece for anyone who has been on safari.
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.