Fragility of Strength Ltd edition rolled canvas

Powerful and majestic, the king of the beasts has no natural predators. But unthinkably, African lion numbers have plummeted by over 40% in the last three generations, due to loss of living space and conflict with people.

Lions are mammals and the most sociable of all big cats. They live in groups called prides, which usually consist of related females and their cubs. Dominant males, with their flowing manes (a sign of virility), fight to maintain breeding rights.

Lions are not currently endangered in Africa. However, three-quarters of their populations are in decline. The main threats to African lions are human-wildlife conflict and natural prey decline, as well as habitat loss, climate change and wildlife trade. With around 23,000 African lions left in the wild, they’re now officially classified as ‘vulnerable’.

'The juxtaposition of two of natures most symbolic creatures, the Lion and the butterfly, reflect the fragility that our own strength has. Strength isn't always eternal, it rises and falls like the tide of the ocean and even something that can overcome great challenges, can be shattered by something as fragile as the wings of a butterfly.