THE WORK

“Nurture” remains an enduring favourite among Matt’s works, immortalising a precious moment in his life.

After 10 years of studying these gentle giants, and investing thousands of hours in their company, Matt has yet to encounter anything quite like it. Nursing scenes are elusive; typically, the mother is positioned horizontally. However, depicted here, the mother stands vertically, head down, tail up, peacefully asleep, while her calf balances horizontally, tethered only by his tongue as he feeds.

This serene tableau persisted before him for an hour, a singular event in his extensive experience with Humpback whales, one he has yet to replicate.

THE ARTIST

Matt Draper brings his creative vision to existence through unconstrained immersion, revealing life beneath the surface. By patiently navigating through untamed environments, Draper seeks to better understand each individual species he interacts with. Working with a manual focus rangefinder, under only natural light on a series of single breaths, he manoeuvres concept to creation with minimal disturbance. Draper’s art breaks barriers between human and animal, merging realms and revealing distinct characteristics of unfamiliar physicality and hidden intuitive behaviours – resulting in a dynamic balance of vastness and intimacy.

A Matt Draper fine art print is unique and exclusive, belonging to a signature series of work. Each edition is limited in release, individually numbered, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Focusing on philanthropic exhibitions, Draper is creating notable recognition and expanding his audience, partnering with distinguished scientists and explorers to convey the importance of our natural world through art and science. Matt Draper’s work is part of renowned private collections, with most editions sold before publicly viewed or displayed.

Generously donated by Matt Draper