"The Yawning Hippo" stands as a captivating mixed-media masterpiece crafted by the talented South African artist Ann Gadd. Within its vibrant strokes, this artwork portrays a tired hippo, poised for a peaceful afternoon slumber.

Presented in a cartoon style, the painting humorously challenges the perception of hippos as solely aggressive creatures. The element of surprise in the hippo's expression, adds a comical touch, reminding viewers of the animals' potential for playfulness and curiosity.

Ann Gadd's artistic evolution is evident in her transition from complex expressionism to a recent style marked by naivety and hints of surrealism. The change is defined by a shift from bold brushstrokes to a more textured technique. While her approach matures, her distinct sense of colour persists, enriched by the experience. Gadd's infusion of quirky humour, as seen in the "Ambitious Sheep" series, adds an endearing layer. She is a recognized contemporary artist who resonates locally and abroad, showcasing her skill in blending themes and styles, securing her place in the contemporary art scene.

About Ann Gadd

Ann Gadd’s artistic career started in childhood when she scrawled her first artwork in crayon across her bedroom wall. Today, she is one of South Africa’s most beloved and prolific artists – with her paintings celebrating Africa’s wildlife and landscapes lighting up spaces around the world.

“I think people connect with the unique style of my work,” she says. “In a world where wildlife paintings are generally super-realistic and conventional, both in colour and approach, I take a fresh, bold, colourful approach .”

Born in Gauteng, South Africa, in 1958, Gadd moved to Cape Town when she was four. After studying graphic design and working with two art teachers, she worked as an art director at advertising agencies for over 20 years.

In 1997, the South African Society of Artists named her the Best Acrylic Artist, encouraging her to pursue her professional artistic and writing careers (she’s since authored or illustrated more than 20 books). Since her first solo exhibition in 2002, she has exhibited in London, at the Johannesburg Art Fair, the Florence Biennale, Art at Five (Brighton, UK), the Glasgow and Edinburgh Art Fairs, and many other SA and international exhibitions. Gadd works from her studio in Cape Town, where she lives with her artist husband, a wildly enthusiastic retriever and two over-indulged, rather grumpy cats.

ROLLED & TUBE
This safe and cost-effective packaging is our preferred packaging option. We'll remove the canvas from the stretcher frame and roll it up into this sturdy and protective cardboard tube for shipping. Upon delivery, simply have the canvas re-stretched at your local framer.FLAT-PACKED / BOXED
We package the artwork on its stretcher frame or in a frame. The artwork is securely bubble-wrapped and packed into a sealed cardboard box. This option offers good protection of your artwork while in-transit, without the additional cost associated with custom-crating.

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