Peter Beard (1938-2020) was a visionary artist, diarist, and photographer whose life itself became a work of art. From his early diaries to his renowned career in the international art world, Beard’s unique approach brought together diverse realms of art, science, and fashion. Collaborating with legends like Francis Bacon, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, and Truman Capote, and working with renowned scientists such as Dr. Norman Borlaug and Dr. Richard Laws, Beard crafted a rich tapestry of art that chronicled his personal experiences and the natural world.
His time spent in Kenya during the 1960s and ’70s was transformative. After befriending author Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen), Beard purchased land next to her farm, documenting the region’s wildlife and landscapes. He captured the tragic plight of Kenya’s starving elephants and the toll of overpopulation on the environment through shocking yet poignant photographs, collages, and written diaries. His bold works, like The End of the Game, were known for their raw, unfiltered portrayal of these environmental crises. Beard used his art to layer imagery, blending contact sheets, found objects, newspaper clippings, handwriting, and even animal blood, creating visceral, multi-dimensional collages that reflected both the beauty and fragility of life.
This richly illustrated book provides a deep dive into Peter Beard’s remarkable career and features essays from notable contributors, including Owen Edwards, Steven M. L. Aronson, and Ruth Ansel, alongside the editing expertise of David Fahey and Nejma Beard. Through this stunning compilation, readers will discover the full spectrum of Beard’s work—from his early photographs and diaries to his celebrated collages—illuminating the extraordinary life of an artist who chronicled both the wildness of nature and the soul of humanity.
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