Vicious Circle Artwork of Lion and Hyena

Artist Robert Leggat returned to Lion Sands for his second stay on the Artist Residency at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge. Inspired by wildlife encounters on his previous stay, he has created a master artwork entitled ‘Vicious Circle’ that depicts the intense battle between lion and hyena.

“This piece has definitely been one of the most career-challenging pieces I have taken on. You get this concept in your mind, and normally I think first of the technical when I am working, and I try and solve things. But in this piece, I just started working, aiming to get the technical right as I went,” explains Robbie.

Robert Leggatt (Robbie) is a renowned South African bronze sculptor passionate about wildlife which he celebrates in highly realistic sculptures, whether a massive hippo or a tiny bird. His incredible attention to detail is achieved by spending hours studying and drawing his subjects.

Inspiration

‘Vicious Circle’ was inspired by a spinning circular saw blade that reminded Robbie of teeth and claws – and that was his starting point.

“When I was at Lion Sands, seeing lion and hyena at close quarters almost daily, it was just the most incredible reference to have. To get to the soul of these animals and their intense hatred for each other, both competing for the same food source, both dangerous and vicious animals when they attack each other. It's a real vicious circle – so that was the inspiration of the piece,” shares Robbie.

“Normally, I do quite conservative bronzes which I thoroughly enjoy but being at Lion Sands puts you in a different headspace, it’s an opportunity to explore one’s creativity.”

By Robbie’s own account, this is by far the most complicated mould he has ever tackled in his career. The sculpture portrays a blur of movement within the fight that takes place between lion and hyena. The heads seem to flick into space where the bottom jaw becomes the top jaw as the piece turns.

“It really is a sculpture that engages you and draws you in, because there's such visual information that one must take in. It captivates you. It's very exciting to start pushing one's boundaries technically and visually, and for me, this piece has been both of those rolled up into one very complicated but very exciting sculpture.”

Be mesmerised by ‘Vicious Circle’ in this video as Robbie shares his inspiration and explains the artistic process behind this incredible piece. Guests at Ivory Lodge had the opportunity to chat with Robbie and learn more about his life and work.

The Artist Residency aims to bring artists into a creative space where they can focus on their craft, while connecting with an appreciative audience. A gallery/ studio is situated within Ivory Lodge and becomes home for weeks at a time where artists, new and established, can draw unparalleled inspiration from their location and wildlife sightings to create new pieces, while also showcasing their work.

Contact morgan@lionsands.com should you be interested in purchasing any artwork from our featured artists at Lion Sands Ivory Lodge