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About
Art by Safari was founded by Helena Safari, a multi-disciplinary artist based in Kent, UK.
Her work seamlessly intertwines pop culture themes with deeply personal narratives connected to her family roots. Her vibrant, painterly style and bold, dynamic colours convey a sense of playfulness and curiosity that captivates viewers.
Helena's distinctive signature style, a unique fusion of embroidery and paint, has garnered international acclaim. Her award-winning pieces have been showcased in exhibitions around the world, solidifying her reputation as a globally recognised artist.
Mama
Embroidery on canvas
83 x 106 cm (32.7 x 41.7 in)
Inspired by a painting of the artist's mother as a child, 'Mama' is the first one of Helena's embroidery pieces.
83 x 106 cm (32.7 x 41.7 in)
Inspired by a painting of the artist's mother as a child, 'Mama' is the first one of Helena's embroidery pieces.
La Zia
Embroidery on canvas
83 x 106 cm (32.7 x 41.7 in)
Inspired by the second one of the twin portraits of the artist's family, 'La Zia' represents Helena's aunt as child.
The historical and cultural context of the artwork adds further depth and meaning to the piece, especially when viewed next to 'Mama'.
83 x 106 cm (32.7 x 41.7 in)
Inspired by the second one of the twin portraits of the artist's family, 'La Zia' represents Helena's aunt as child.
The historical and cultural context of the artwork adds further depth and meaning to the piece, especially when viewed next to 'Mama'.
The Dove
First part of a diptych (private commission)
Embroidery combined with acrylic on canvas
Embroidery combined with acrylic on canvas
The Kingfisher
Second part of a diptych (private commission)
Embroidery combined with acrylic on canvas
120 x 170 cm
Embroidery combined with acrylic on canvas
120 x 170 cm
'Leopard'
SOLD
The artwork "Leopard" is a masterpiece of embroidery technique. The use of acrylic on canvas creates a three-dimensional effect, making the leopard appear almost lifelike. The colour palette is dominated by lively tones, which blend seamlessly with the canvas background, creating a sense of harmony and balance. The embroidery technique adds a tactile dimension to the artwork, creating a sense of texture and depth that draws the viewer in.
90 x 60 cm
90 x 60 cm
Johnny
Embroidery on canvas
40 x 68 cm (15.7 x 26.8 in)
'Johnny' is a unique and personal tribute to Johnny Depp, his unique style and personality that captured audiences worldwide.
This artwork conveys a message of creativity, individuality and authenticity.
40 x 68 cm (15.7 x 26.8 in)
'Johnny' is a unique and personal tribute to Johnny Depp, his unique style and personality that captured audiences worldwide.
This artwork conveys a message of creativity, individuality and authenticity.
My Frida
Embroidery, print & acrylic on canvas
48 x 68 cm (18.9 x 26.8 in)
The iconic Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, features heavily in Helena's art.
"My Frida" is a testament to the power of art convey powerful emotions and ideas through visual means.
48 x 68 cm (18.9 x 26.8 in)
The iconic Mexican painter, Frida Kahlo, features heavily in Helena's art.
"My Frida" is a testament to the power of art convey powerful emotions and ideas through visual means.
Spokane
Embroidery, print & acrylic on canvas
50 x 109 cm (19.7 x 42.9 in)
'Spokane' is a powerful mixed media artwork that captures the physical appearance, clothing and body language of Spokane, a Native American girl.
The use of embroidery, painting, and printmaking techniques creates a layered and complex artwork that conveys multiple meanings and interpretations. The artwork is situated within the historical and cultural context of the Spokane Native American tribe, highlighting the significance of embroidery in their cultural traditions.
50 x 109 cm (19.7 x 42.9 in)
'Spokane' is a powerful mixed media artwork that captures the physical appearance, clothing and body language of Spokane, a Native American girl.
The use of embroidery, painting, and printmaking techniques creates a layered and complex artwork that conveys multiple meanings and interpretations. The artwork is situated within the historical and cultural context of the Spokane Native American tribe, highlighting the significance of embroidery in their cultural traditions.
Ukraine
Embroidery, print & acrylic on canvas
90 x 120 cm (35.4 x 47.2 in)
Mixed media artwork inspired by Ukrainian folk design is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine.
90 x 120 cm (35.4 x 47.2 in)
Mixed media artwork inspired by Ukrainian folk design is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine.
Twins
Embroidery & acrylic on canvas
48 x 48 cm (18.9 x 18.9 in)
"This artwork is a reflection of my personal experiences and cultural heritage. Through my use of embroidery and mixed media techniques, I created this piece visually striking and meaningful."
'Twins' explores themes of identity, sisterhood and cultural heritage and invites viewers to contemplate their own family connections.
48 x 48 cm (18.9 x 18.9 in)
"This artwork is a reflection of my personal experiences and cultural heritage. Through my use of embroidery and mixed media techniques, I created this piece visually striking and meaningful."
'Twins' explores themes of identity, sisterhood and cultural heritage and invites viewers to contemplate their own family connections.
She Was Beautiful
Acrylic on canvas
54 x 64 cm (21.3 x 25.2 in)
Portrait of the girl, her essence and character captured in the painting, to create a lasting memory of her beauty and spirit.
54 x 64 cm (21.3 x 25.2 in)
Portrait of the girl, her essence and character captured in the painting, to create a lasting memory of her beauty and spirit.
Advent
Embroidery and acrylic on canvas
Dimensions: 40 x 60 cm
The representation of roots and identity in this artwork serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in order to develop a strong sense of self.
Dimensions: 40 x 60 cm
The representation of roots and identity in this artwork serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in order to develop a strong sense of self.
Liberty
Embroidery on canvas, acrylic
120 x 50 cm (47.2 x 19.7 in)
Inspired by the Statue of Liberty in NYC, 'Liberty' was named a finalist & exhibited in New York in April 2023.
120 x 50 cm (47.2 x 19.7 in)
Inspired by the Statue of Liberty in NYC, 'Liberty' was named a finalist & exhibited in New York in April 2023.
That Summer Nights
80 x 100 cm (31.5 x 39.4 in)
Embroidery on canvas, acrylic
Despite the mysterious atmosphere, "That summer night" also contains elements of joy and happiness. The colours used in the artwork, while muted, are also vibrant and lively. Moreover, the textures in the artwork also contribute to its jolly atmosphere. These details add depth and texture to the artwork, making it feel more alive and vibrant.
Embroidery on canvas, acrylic
Despite the mysterious atmosphere, "That summer night" also contains elements of joy and happiness. The colours used in the artwork, while muted, are also vibrant and lively. Moreover, the textures in the artwork also contribute to its jolly atmosphere. These details add depth and texture to the artwork, making it feel more alive and vibrant.
'...That Summer...'
A summer, magical time of the year. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene, making it a perfect setting for embroidery artwork.
120 x 90 cm
120 x 90 cm
Magic
90 x 120cm (35.4 x 47.2 in)
Embroidery on canvas, acrylic
"Magic" is a stunning representation of a peacock that symbolises the beauty and magic of nature, the transformative power of art, and the importance of self-confidence and self-love. The peacock's symbolism of beauty, elegance, renewal, rebirth, pride, and confidence evokes a sense of wonder and awe in the viewer, inviting them to appreciate the magic of nature and to embrace their own creativity.
Embroidery on canvas, acrylic
"Magic" is a stunning representation of a peacock that symbolises the beauty and magic of nature, the transformative power of art, and the importance of self-confidence and self-love. The peacock's symbolism of beauty, elegance, renewal, rebirth, pride, and confidence evokes a sense of wonder and awe in the viewer, inviting them to appreciate the magic of nature and to embrace their own creativity.
Deja Vu
Embroidery, acrylic & print on canvas
90 x 120 cm (35.4 x 47.2 in)
With its intricate details and vibrant colours, "Deja Vu" captures the essence of the Lion and brings it to life on canvas.
The embroidery adds a tactile and three-dimensional element, while the acrylic paint adds depth and vibrancy.
By combining these different mediums, the artist is able to create a multi-layered and visually engaging artwork that captures the attention and imagination of the viewer.
90 x 120 cm (35.4 x 47.2 in)
With its intricate details and vibrant colours, "Deja Vu" captures the essence of the Lion and brings it to life on canvas.
The embroidery adds a tactile and three-dimensional element, while the acrylic paint adds depth and vibrancy.
By combining these different mediums, the artist is able to create a multi-layered and visually engaging artwork that captures the attention and imagination of the viewer.
'Freddy, you lied..."
Yes, We Can
Embroidery on canvas, print, acrylic
58 x 40 cm (22.8 x 15.7 in)
The 'Yes, we can' slogan was a cornerstone of Obama's campaign and presidency. This portrait of Barack Obama is a testament to the power of art to inspire change and capture the essence of a historic moment.
"Through the use of mixed media and embroidery techniques, I wanted to create a portrait that reflects Obama's message of hope and the impact of his presidency."
58 x 40 cm (22.8 x 15.7 in)
The 'Yes, we can' slogan was a cornerstone of Obama's campaign and presidency. This portrait of Barack Obama is a testament to the power of art to inspire change and capture the essence of a historic moment.
"Through the use of mixed media and embroidery techniques, I wanted to create a portrait that reflects Obama's message of hope and the impact of his presidency."
The Public Eye
"The Public Eye" reflects my fascination with perception and its influence on our understanding of the world.
50 x 60 cm
50 x 60 cm
MIAMI
Pink tones and flamingo used in artwork inspired by Miami's tropical and vibrant atmosphere. Pink is a color that is often associated with Miami's beautiful sunsets, and it is frequently used in Miami-inspired artwork to evoke a sense of playfulness and whimsy. Flamingos are a popular symbol of the city and are featured in various forms of artwork, from paintings to sculptures. The use of flamingos in Miami-inspired artwork can evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Zebra's Life
Embroidery on canvas, acrylic
120 x 90 cm (47.2 x 35.4 in)
'Zebra's Life' is a unique piece of art that captures the beauty and complexity of a zebra's existence.
Through the use of mixed media, in particular embroidery, its colour, texture and symbolism the aim was to create a piece that would be both visually stunning and thought provoking.
'Zebra's Life' invites the viewer to explore the intricacies of the artwork and to contemplate the balance of life that is represented by the zebra's stripes.
120 x 90 cm (47.2 x 35.4 in)
'Zebra's Life' is a unique piece of art that captures the beauty and complexity of a zebra's existence.
Through the use of mixed media, in particular embroidery, its colour, texture and symbolism the aim was to create a piece that would be both visually stunning and thought provoking.
'Zebra's Life' invites the viewer to explore the intricacies of the artwork and to contemplate the balance of life that is represented by the zebra's stripes.
' GENETIC FACTORS/03'
The inspiration for the "Genetic Factors" collection came from my fascination with twins and the genetic similarities they share.
To bring this concept to life, the "Genetic Factors" collection utilizes mixed media and embroidery techniques. By combining acrylic and embroidery on canvas, the collection creates a layered and textured representation of the complex interplay between genetics and identity. The use of embroidery as a means to create lines and marks in mixed media pieces allows for a unique and personal touch.
60 X 70 CM
To bring this concept to life, the "Genetic Factors" collection utilizes mixed media and embroidery techniques. By combining acrylic and embroidery on canvas, the collection creates a layered and textured representation of the complex interplay between genetics and identity. The use of embroidery as a means to create lines and marks in mixed media pieces allows for a unique and personal touch.
60 X 70 CM
Genetic factors 04
The inspiration for the "Genetic Factors" collection came from my fascination with twins and the genetic similarities they share.
To bring this concept to life, the "Genetic Factors" collection utilizes mixed media and embroidery techniques. By combining acrylic and embroidery on canvas, the collection creates a layered and textured representation of the complex interplay between genetics and identity. The use of embroidery as a means to create lines and marks in mixed media pieces allows for a unique and personal touch.
Collection "GENETIC FACTORS" No1
SOLD
Embroidery and acrylic on canvas.
Dimensions: 60 x 70 cm
The inspiration for the "Genetic Factors" collection came from my fascination with twins and the genetic similarities they share plus the duality that exists within all of us.
To bring this concept to life, the "Genetic Factors" collection utilizes mixed media and embroidery techniques. By combining acrylic and embroidery on canvas, the collection creates a layered and textured representation of the complex interplay between genetics and identity. The use of embroidery as a means to create lines and marks in mixed media pieces allows for a unique and personal touch.
Dimensions: 60 x 70 cm
The inspiration for the "Genetic Factors" collection came from my fascination with twins and the genetic similarities they share plus the duality that exists within all of us.
To bring this concept to life, the "Genetic Factors" collection utilizes mixed media and embroidery techniques. By combining acrylic and embroidery on canvas, the collection creates a layered and textured representation of the complex interplay between genetics and identity. The use of embroidery as a means to create lines and marks in mixed media pieces allows for a unique and personal touch.
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