David Yarrow – The Departed 2016

David Yarrow’s The Departed (2016) is a striking and poignant photograph taken in the Mkomazi Game Reserve, Tanzania. Captured using a remote-controlled camera strategically placed in the path of a black rhinoceros, this image represents years of preparation, innovation, and determination. The wide-angle perspective magnifies the power and prehistoric majesty of the rhino, offering an unparalleled view of one of nature’s most endangered creatures.

This approach, which relies on careful planning and a touch of chance, underscores the rarity of the image—not only in its technical execution but also in its subject. With fewer than 90 black rhinos remaining in Tanzania, Yarrow’s photograph serves as both a celebration of their resilience and a mournful reminder of their decimation due to poaching.

The title, The Departed, honors the 99% of Tanzania's rhinos lost since the 1970s, while acknowledging the conservation efforts of individuals like Tony Fitzjohn, whose guidance was instrumental in the photograph’s creation. By pairing technical brilliance with an emotional narrative, Yarrow presents a work that is as impactful as it is irreplaceable.

Presented in a grand scale at 132 x 151 cm and expertly framed, this piece is part of an exclusive edition of only 12, making it a rare collector's item. The archival pigment print ensures lasting quality, preserving the image's sharpness and tonal depth. Priced at £12,500, The Departed is a compelling addition to any art collection, blending technical brilliance with a profound message about wildlife conservation and the fragility of endangered species.