World-renowned wildlife photographer, 28-year-old William Fortescue, who was once a resident photographer in Kenya’s infamous Maasai Mara Reserve, is launching his debut solo exhibition at Red Eight Gallery in the City of London on 27th October.
The Art of Survival Photographic Exhibition, a partnership between William Fortescue and conservation charity, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF) is a multi-exhibition series curating the largest collection of William’s work ever on display.
Created over the past three years, it includes 12 new images from his time in Africa alongside some of his most popular prints so far: ‘Rumble in the Jungle’, ‘Michael’ and ‘African Icons’.
The exhibition aims to highlight the threat ongoing wildlife crime poses to endangered species, and the added pressure the climate crisis places on these dwindling wildlife populations, as well potential solutions to protect some of the world’s last wildlife strongholds and pristine wilderness landscapes.
33% of the proceeds from art sold over the course of the series will be donated to DSWF, allowing them to work towards a safer future for wildlife.
From elephants to lions and zebra to rhino, each image focuses on some of Africa’s most iconic but threatened species and is crafted in William Fortescue’s instantly recognisable, dynamic style.
Many of the images were taken by hand within mere feet of William Fortescue’s subjects, and without the use of remotes, despite the proximity, enabling him to react to the animals’ movements and create highly evocative imagery.
William Fortescue’s first coffee table book, ‘The Last Stand’, a culmination of his last ten years’ work in Africa will also be released on the launch night, with William available for signing, and 1,000 copies available to purchase over the exhibition.
Julian Usher, CEO at Red Eight Gallery, said: “The global art market is going from strength to strength. While global markets took a severe hit in 2020, art dealers saw a rise in sales averaging 21% in 2021. Collecting art has the capacity to offer joy and aesthetic enrichment while also giving the investor the potential for significant returns if they do decide to sell their collection.
William is one of the most talented wildlife photographers of his generation and we are in no doubt that these extraordinary images of some of the planet’s most iconic wildlife will continue to have long-standing appeal to art collectors.”
