DYLAN LEWIS

(b. 1964 Johannesburg, South Africa)

Dylan Lewis is a South African figurative sculptor whose work has gained significant international recognition. He is particularly known for his bronze sculptures of big cats, which explore themes of wilderness, instinct, and the complex relationship between humans and the natural world. Rather than depicting animals as simple subjects, his feline sculptures aim to convey their physical grace, latent power, and the quiet tension they bring to untamed landscapes.

Having spent much of his life immersed in natural environments, Lewis draws deeply on these experiences in his work. His bronzes reflect a close observation of form and movement, shaped by years of study both in the wild and in the studio. Through careful attention to anatomy and presence, he seeks to express something of the enduring lineage and adaptability of these animals.

While his early career focused largely on wildlife, Lewis has increasingly turned his attention to the human figure. Subtle references to humanity appeared in his earlier work, and over time this interest has developed into a substantial body of sculpture centred on emotionally charged and often therianthropic forms that delve into the origin of our species and the philosophical and mythological soup which we inhabit.

Lewis’ work has been widely collected internationally for decades. Two auctions at Christie’s have been dedicated exclusively to his bronzes, including a 2018 sale that achieved a 100% sell-through rate.

He lives and works in Stellenbosch, South Africa, where he has created a sculpture garden at the foot of his beloved Cape Fold mountains. The garden provides visitors the opportunity to view selected works in an environment that reflects the landscapes that continue to inform his practice.

SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2023

Recent Leopard Maquettes, Everard Read, Franschhoek, South Africa & London, UK

Exploring our Untamed Nature, private residence exhibitions, Munich & Feldafi ng, Germany

2021

Apex 2021, Everard Read, UK & South Africa 2020 Chthonios, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2019

Shapeshifting, solo auction, Christie’s, London, UK

2018

Recent Busts, Everard Read, Franschhoek, South Africa

2016

FNB Joburg Art Fair, featured artist, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

2015

Dylan Lewis: A Solo Presentation at Masterpiece, John Martin Gallery, London, UK Investec Cape Town Art Fair, featured artist, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

Spoor, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

2014

A Small Collection of Cats, Everard Read Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa Recent Cat Bronzes, John Martin Gallery, London, UK

2013

ARTLONDON13, Everard Read, Johannesburg Booth, London, UK WWF, Everard Read Johannesburg, South Africa

Untamed, solo auction, Christie’s, London, UK

2011

Predators and Prey II, solo auction, Christie’s, London, UK

2012

Delhi Art Fair, Delhi, India

2010

Untamed, Everard Read, Cape Town (at Oude Bank in Stellenbosch) and Kirstenbosch Gardens, South Africa

2009

Shapeshifting, solo auction, Christie’s, London, UK S

hape Shifting, Everard Read, Cape Town & Johannesburg, South Africa

2007

Everard Read, Cape Town (at L’Ormarins in Franschoek), South Africa

Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

2006

ART LONDON6, Everard Read, Johannesburg Booth, London, UK

2004

ART LONDON4, Everard Read, Johannesburg Booth, London, UK

2003

One man exhibition, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

ART LONDON3, Everard Read, Johannesburg Booth, London, UK

2001

One man exhibition, Everard Read , Cape Town, The Clocktower Precinct, South Africa

ARTLONDON2, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

One man exhibition, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

2000

ARTLONDON1, Everard Read, Johannesburg Booth, London, UK

Toronto International Art & Antiques Fair in association with Miriam Shiell, Canada

Fine Art, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, Canada

Dallas International Pavilion , USA Dallas International Art & Antiques Fair in association with Miriam Shiell, USA

Fine Art, Dallas International Pavilion, USA

1999

ARTLONDON 2000, Everard Read, Johannesburg Booth, London, UK

The Port Captain’s Exhibition, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2025

Winter 24/25, Everard Read, London, UK

2024

INNER SANCTUM, Everard Read, Johannesburg, South Africa

Winter Collection, Everard Read, Franschhoek, South Africa

110 Year Anniversary Exhibition, Everard Read, London, UK

2021

Oasis, 25th Anniversary Exhibition, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2020

Investec Cape Town Art Fair, with Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

Bronze, Steel, Stone & Bone, Everard Read, London, UK

Us, Everard Read, South Africa & UK

2019

Southern Aspect, Everard Read, London, UK

2018

Bronze, Steel & Stone III, Everard Read, London, UK

2016

Pastoral Abstraction, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

Bronze, Steel and Stone, Mount Nelson Hotel & Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2015

WINTER, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2014

Summer of Sculpture II, Mount Nelson Hotel & Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2013

100, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

Summer of Sculpture, Mount Nelson Hotel & Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2012

Winter Show, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

Summer of Sculpture, Everard Read and Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

2011

15th Anniversary, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

2010

Summer, Everard Read, Cape Town, South Africa

SELECTED COLLECTIONS

Afrox, Anglovaal, Deutsche Morgan Grenfell, Eskom, Fedlife, First National Bank, HRH The Duke of York, Harvard Capital Management Worldwide, Nissan South Africa, Mr A. Oppenheimer, Mr N. Oppenheimer, Mr C.D. Palmer-Tomkinson, Mr J. Rupert, Mr B. Sangster, Old Mutual Plc, President Nelson Mandela, President George Bush USA, Sir Dennis Thatcher, Sir Richard Brooks, Sir Richard Storey, The Earl of Derby