Pangolin Masterwork Covid Exhibit

Tebogho settled on two magnificent pangolin sculptures as his way of interpreting the theme of lockdown. The first is curled into a ball while the second sits on its tail – a classic pangolin pose that speaks to uncertainty. Will it open out completely, or wind back in on itself? Just like each of us, this pandemic pangolin is unsure if the danger has passed, and wary of what lies ahead.

Each of these unique sculptures tell a story. Their incredible scale and detail of these Masterworks have to be witnessed to be appreciated. Not only is each Pangolin Masterwork one of a kind, but it carries the story of an artist who has translated the uncertainty and fear of 2020 and still told a story of resilience through his incredible artwork.

Pangolins have the unfortunate distinction of being the most trafficked animals in Africa - in some cultures, their scales are believed to have medicinal properties.  Evidence suggests that the coronavirus pandemic may have begun in the wildlife markets of the Chinese city of Wuhan, where pangolins and many other species were kept in appalling conditions.

The pangolin’s scales – an evolutionary gift of armour – have ironically proved to be its greatest weakness. Just like the pangolin, we have all had to withdraw in on ourselves to protect the ones we love. At the same time, the pandemic has led many of us to question what really matters to us.