Born in Johannesburg in 1964, Dylan Lewis is one of South Africa’s most internationally renowned living sculptors, celebrated for his bronze depictions of animal, human and mythical forms. He is represented in collections in the UK, Europe, the US and Australia, and is one of few living artists to have had more than one solo auction with Christie’s in London.
He studied both art and taxidermy and has explained how often under the surface of his works lie fully sculpted skeleton and muscle studies. “The discipline gives me the freedom to concentrate on the abstract sculptural aspects of the work while retaining the animal form."
Inspired by the wilderness, his figurative sculptures describe living beings in their relationship with nature. They capture the power and dynamism of Africa’s ancient earth and life force, as can be seen so palpably in the bronzes in our gardens. They depict a highly charged and often erotic melding of animal and human forms.
He lives in Stellenbosch, where he has developed a unique sculpture garden. Located between two worlds, one wild and one tamed, the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden borders the manicured suburbs of Stellenbosch and a rugged mountain wilderness where leopards still roam.
Dylan Lewis (2009)
Bronze, Edition of 8 | H 240 x W 120 x L 280 cm | 888.1 kg
A body large and majestic upon the earth expresses humanity’s ongoing internal struggle between our need for freedom and our need for connection.
Dylan Lewis (2010)
Bronze, Edition of 12 | H 54 x W 43 x L 38 cm | 25.5 kg
The human form hides yet exposes itself. It twists away, but from some perspectives, reveals itself. The work expresses a duality – timidity/reserve but also strength. These are qualities we all hold as we grapple with the complexities of human relationships.
Dylan Lewis (2011)
Bronze, Edition of 12 | H 66 x W 41 x L 51 cm | 33.1 kg
A strong, muscular back is bent in thought or in brokenness or both. There is a constant tension between isolated submission and dignified self-reliance as we strive to establish a sense of self.
Dylan Lewis (2015)
Bronze, Edition of 12 | H 55 x W 29 x L 38 cm | 16 kg
The soft, curved lines of the erotic female form are contrasted with its sharp, deadly claws and horns. This shamanic figure dwells between the spiritual and physical realms.
Dylan Lewis (2014)
Bronze, Edition of 8 | H 135 x W 76 x L 180 cm | 169 kg
The naked male human form is charged by an explosive animal energy representing the conflict between our wild and tamed selves. Ritualistic animal skull-masks conceal and reveal our wild selves. Our challenge is to manage these opposing forces intuitively and with authenticity.
Dylan Lewis (2017)
Bronze, Edition of 12 | H 99 x W 48 x L 46 cm | 30.6 kg
This work expresses the chthonic theme of the underworld, the place of our unconscious impulses and desires, where the life force courses through us, as it does through animals and the earth. Lithe, sinewy human figures meld with muscular animal limbs to evoke the competing intensity of repression and expression in us all
Dylan Lewis (2017)
Bronze, Edition of 6 | H 101 x W 104 x L 48 cm | 478 kg
A chthonic work of undisguised erotic exuberance that celebrates the sometimes anarchic underworld of our unconscious, our spontaneous sensual impulses and desires. We all spring from and return to the earth as we connect, disconnect, reconnect and negotiate our way through the world.
Dylan Lewis (2023)
Bronze, Edition of 12 | H 79 x W 35 x L 53 cm | 50 kg
The original Paleolithic Löwenmensch (Lion Man) carving was found in the Hohlenstein-Stadel cave near Munich, Germany. The fantastical animal/human hybrid (dating from between 35 000 and 41 000 years ago), depicts a human-like body with the head of a lion. After seeing the Löwenmensch, Lewis was inspired to create his own version. The complex sculpture expresses our evolution from animal to conscious humanity. It questions the nature of our progress and our impact on other beings and the earth itself.
Our art walk has been devised for you to explore our sculptures, paintings and landscaping in a way that we hope will surprise and delight, enchant and intrigue. Of course, you may wish to discover our works in your own sequence and that’s fine too. Although very individual in expression, all the works here are emblematic of values we cherish. From the conservation of our natural environment to the protection of our rich and layered heritage. From opening ourselves to new possibilities, innovation and ideas to being challenged by different ways of seeing. And as importantly, to celebrate artistic talent. You can find out more as you stop at each work. Scan the QR codes on signage or the one on this page for online profiles on the artists. Pursuing an anti-clockwise path, your discovery will take you to:
We start close to our 1773 Homestead with a sculpture by local artist, Manuela Holzer of an Indian Runner duck, symbolic of our regenerative, natural and holistic approach to farming.
(reception area) Homage to Löwenmensch by Dylan Lewis
(visible upon entry) Beast with Two Backs IV Life Size by Dylan Lewis
(dam wall) Male Trans-Figure by Dylan Lewis
(adjacent to Chapel) Labyrinth by Terry de Vries
(inside Chapel) Triptych altarpiece (reproduction) by 16th century German artist Hans Baldung Grien, taught by legendary artist Albrecht Dürer. (If the chapel is closed, please ask staff to open for you.)
(close to Chapel) Maze by Terry de Vries
(Amy’s Island) Beast With Two Backs S-H 79 by Dylan Lewis
(Indigenous landscaped garden) Brandes Garden, inspired by flora discovered and depicted by Dutch artist Jan Brandes during his visit here from 1786 to 1787
(close to Clara’s Barn) Male Trans-Figure IX by Dylan Lewis
(in front of Clara’s Barn) Maquettes: Male Torso IV and Torso V by Dylan Lewis
(inside Clara’s Barn) Vergenoegd Farm (reproductions) by Jan Brandes, produced between 1786 and 1787. A 24- karat gold-leaf edition of the Indian Runner duck by Manuela Holzer. (*If the restaurant is closed, please refer to our website for details of these works and our opening hours.)
From here you continue your journey aside the dam back to the Homestead – the perfect opportunity to enjoy a glass of our award-winning wines and the tranquillity of the werf!