Edmond Dantès
Visual artist | South Africa
Edmond Dantès
Born and raised in Cape Town, Edmond Dantes was exposed to political unrest and social contradictions from a young age. These experiences developed in him a keen sense for situations and an intensified attention to detail. During his youth, he embarked on a months-long journey through the continent's national parks, which had a profound impact on him. The incredible beauty of the Serengeti captivated him so deeply that he became dedicated to protecting wildlife.
As an avowed pacifist and environmental and animal rights activist, Dantes often found himself in the crosshairs of corrupt authorities who did little to combat "trophy tourism" and species conservation. After multiple imprisonments and receiving serious threats, he was forced to flee his homeland.
Since then, he has lived reclusively and anonymously in France, where he advances his quiet, personal revolution through art.
In all his works, the beauty of wildlife is reflected alongside their threat from globalization and the resulting extinction crisis, with his depictions of animals often humanized and set in urban landscapes. His current series is called "Out of Africa," which refers to both the animals and the artist himself.
In these works, the animals are removed from their natural context and given human attributes such as jewelry or clothing. The result is surreal scenes that make the animals appear "out of time."
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In the style of a historical noble portrait or an aerospace hero, the animals gaze proudly and nobly at the viewer. Dantes is a polarizing figure. By incorporating portraits of elephants, zebras, and tigers in the style of an Oriental ruler from One Thousand and One Nights into representations of AMEX cards, he playfully engages with themes of commerce, mainstream culture, and the fantastical. This contradiction, along with the characterful portrayal of the animals, leaves a lasting impression. The images evoke both enchanting beauty and a sense of disorientation simultaneously, captivating the viewer, which is precisely the point.
Dantes realized that it was only through the quiet revolution of art that he could elegantly and charmingly bring his important themes to public consciousness, thereby making a significant impact on wildlife conservation.
Since 2024, Edmond Dantes has been represented by the renowned Galeria HMH in Mallorca, where he has been featured in several exhibitions. Gallery director Andreas Streicher first met the rebellious and charming artist by chance in late 2023 at the new extended branch of Galeria HMH at Château de Monboucher and immediately appreciated Dantes' philosophy. He took over his management, allowing Dantes to fully devote himself to his art.
artist statement
"The power of the image" globally sharpens awareness for wildlife conservation.
The surreal depiction of a majestic lion as an astronaut likely does more to save these wild animals than any on-the-ground efforts—because what millions of people see and come to love, they are moved to protect.
