The bronzes in our gardens
Dylan Lewis
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.
Dylan Lewis
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 (2023)
Bronze, Edition of 12
B) Homage to Löwenmensch S-H 87 a
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.
From the hotel reception, continue along the cobblestones in a northerly direction to return to the point where you first entered the parking area. Here, you’ll find Beast with Two Backs IV Life Size by Dylan Lewis, a striking sculpture visible upon arrival and an evocative continuation of the journey through our curated art collection.
C) Beast with Two Backs IV Life Size I S-H 30 e
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.
From Beast with Two Backs IV Life Size, follow the cobblestones in a westerly direction towards the dam wall, where you’ll discover Male Trans-Figure by Dylan Lewis. Positioned against the backdrop of Table Mountain, this powerful sculpture invites reflection as part of your journey through our thoughtfully curated art walk.
Dylan Lewis (2017)
Bronze, Edition of 6
Dylan Lewis (2009)
Bronze, Edition of 12
D) MALE TRANS-FIGURE I S278
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.
From Male Trans-Figure, continue in a southerly direction along the cobblestones towards the area behind to the Chapel. Here, you’ll find the indigenous landscaped Brandes Garden.
I) Beast with Two Backs Maquette S-H 79
The mythological man/horse centaur that exudes an unbridled virility, manifests the tension and fusion between humanity and its environment. Man, beast and nature itself must perpetually seek ways to accommodate each other. The tension and power of the work expresses the duality between wild, instinctive primal selfhood and the tamed, rational mind.
From Beast with Two Backs, continue around the dam and head in a southeasterly direction to find the Male Trans-Figure by Dylan Lewis on the opposite side of the dam.
Dylan Lewis (2020)
Bronze, Edition of W8
Dylan Lewis (2014)
Bronze, Edition of 8
J) Male-Trans Figure IX S360
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.
K) Torso V Maquette S292
Dylan Lewis (2010)
Bronze, Edition of 12
Dylan Lewis (2011)
Bronze, Edition of 12
K) Male Torso IV Maquette S296
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.
Enter Clara’s Barn to continue your journey and view Vergenoegd Farm (reproductions) by Jan Brandes, created during his visit from 1786 to 1787, alongside a stunning 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 about these works and our opening hours.)
Dylan Lewis (2020)
Bronze, Edition of W8