ACTAEON SERIES
Never before has our plundering of the Earth’s forests and animals been so apparent, what fitting punishment awaits us? In many ways man’s relationship with his wild self is tenuous. In this ancient Greek myth, man is too arrogant, and so the hunter becomes the hunted in this series of sculptures. For his transgression of hubris, he is cursed and transfigured by Artemis (goddess of the hunt, forest and archery) into a stag. This series of works aims to capture the three stages of Actaeon's transformation.
Actaeon Series
2.4m
Actaeon Archer
Series of 8, Steel
3200 x 13200 x 500mm
2018
AVAILABLE_NZ $35,000
Actaeon Transfigure
Series of 8, Steel
1600 x 1400 x 800mm
2018
AVAILABLE_NZ $35,000
Series of 8, Steel
2400 x 2400 x 1200mm
2018
FINAL EDITION
AVAILABLE_NZ $42,000
Actaeon Stag
"There is something magical about bringing a sculpture into a garden that brings a deep narrative to the space. A sense of presence the viewer has at that moment with the encounter of the work can be profound. And as the days go by, the way the shadows fall across the facades, and changes within the weather, seasons and time are reflected in the work and viewers' outlook of the world. We live in an age of an environmental crisis, the drama of the mythical creatures and characters that we aspire after need our attention and protection. When my works are species inspired I will find local initiatives that are related to those animals or habitats and directly give a portion of the earning to that cause. "
Poukai
Steel
3200 x 700 x 700mm
2019
EDITIONS AVAILABLE_NZ $22,000
Fantail
Steel
4500 x 2000 x 700mm
2019
SOLD
Max’s sculptures create points of real interest inside and outside our home - for us, for visitors, and for people walking along the Te Araroa trail. Living with these beautiful sculptures enhances our enjoyment of our home and emphasizes its connection both to the landscape and to the birds that live in it, with a special bow to the pīwakawaka.
Ian Ball, Lake Hawea
Terraforma 1
Steel
4500 x 2000 x 1700mm
2019
VARIATIONS AVAILABLE
$33,000
Inspired by the animated wind and how it twists life around us, this flowing form has a resilience of its own.
Unique Variations Available
Kea Tussle
Steel
2000 x 700 x 400mm
2019
EDITIONS AVAILABLE
$17,500
“Max's sculptures in and of themselves are immediately captivating, but when artfully combined with the form of the house and the natural setting, inside and out, they have transformed those boundaries and added a depth of character to our home beyond our expectations.“
Glenn Renwick, West Wanaka
Falcon Tower
Steel
3900 x 1000 x 900mm
2020
EDITIONS AVAILABLE
Great Barrier Island
Lake Hawea
Falcon Pair
Steel
1800 x 600 x 400mm
2020
EDITION SOLD OUT
Gale
Steel
3000 x 1800 x 900mm
2020
UNIQUE SOLD
Trust the Unfolding
Steel
3000 x 4000 x 900mm
2022
UNIQUE SOLD
Installations
Got a crazy idea? No problem.
Depending on the size of the artwork, the piece is transported to the site with a trailer, truck, Hiab crane, or even helicopter. The piece is then positioned correctly with the artist's and client's consultation and the foundation placement marked out. In most outdoor settings the piece is then taken aside whilst the foundation hole of about 300mm deep is removed. The piece is then moved back and secured with bracing. Premixed concrete fills the hole and set to cure. After a few hours, the bracing is removed creating a secure and solid installation. If the placement is in a high-corrosive environment, Stainless Steel or Corten steel can be used.
Case Studies
Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden
A cautionary tale of how often we wish to soar without limitation. The aspiration needs timing and skill. A fool's pride will quickly see to his downfall. Take care in making your wings, know their capabilities, and when the moment is right, fly!
'Icarus Wish'
1/3, 2 editions still available at ZAR 350 000
Height 5m
Oxidised Marine Grade Domex Steel
Sher Bagh, Ranthambhore
"Three stencil renditions of intimate tiger photographs have been cut from steel to make the backlit centrepieces for the hotel walkways ."
"Three Tigers, Rajastan, 2015
Height 2400mm x Width 1220mm
Painted mild steel
Boekenhoutskloof Wine Estate, Franschoek
When this farm was founded, the Franschhoek valley was far wilder than it is today – as the wolf trap we once discovered goes to show. Today, the mountains are still alive with indigenous animals, including the majestic leopard. No evidence of wolves has ever been found though, so we created this series of 10 wolves to remind us of the mysteries and legends of days gone by.
Boekenhoutskloof, 2013
10 Wolves Length 2000mm x Width 600mm x Height 1200mm
Painted Timber Palletes
Londolozi Game Reserve, Sabi Sands
“Simon Max Bannister was Londolozi’s resident artist over the past 4 years. During this time he created a number of exceptional land art installations, many of which still remain at Londolozi today. It was extremely gratifying to watch the skills and talent of this remarkable artist grow during his years at Londolozi, culminating in the creation which adorns the entrance to the boma at the luxurious Londolozi Tree Camp. This artwork is particularly interesting when viewed at night as it gives off an energy which reminds one of the characteristics of this beautiful, secretive, nocturnal cat. I have no doubt that Simon Max Bannister’s body of work will continue to grow in stature and we will always be proud to have his unique artwork represented at Londolozi for many years to come.“
Dave Varty, Founder and Owner of Londolozi Game Reserve
Entrance at Tree Camp Londolozi Game Reserve, 2014
Length 3000mm x Height 1500mm
Painted Mild Steel
Wall bracket mounted
Angama, Serengeti
"The map needed to be sent to the Mara fully assembled. This meant that parts would be less prone to damage during transport. The map was then disassembled on arrival in the Mara and then reassembled onto the wall in the Map Room.
Angama Map Room, 2021
Length 4000mm x Height 2300mm
Oxidised Mild Steel and Stainless Steel
Wall bracket mounted
