ARTWORK DESCRIPTION: 

Describing his artwork “Migration” Martin says: “This work tells two stories. Both are about survival. Wildebeest migrate annually in their millions to seek pastures new. Crocodiles take that once in a year opportunity to fill their bellies by virtue of an unavoidable obstacle for the wildebeest – a border crossing.”

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY:

Martin Aveling is an artist whose passion for wildlife was born out of his surroundings at a tender age. While his parents were working to protect mountain gorillas on the steep forested slopes of the Virunga volcanoes, Martin picked up pencils and drew them. Martin has been shortlisted for the final of DSWF Wildlife Artist of the Year every year since 2009, and in 2021 he was awarded the inaugural David Shepherd Art of Survival Award for his work in promoting artivism. Martin feels that art can let us contemplate certain uncomfortable truths in a lighter space, but good wildlife artivism never compromises on sincerity.