The bear with the crimson mask

Marlon du Toit

Title: The bear with the crimson mask

Small: Unframed: 111cm x 138cm / Framed 143cm x 170cm 

Large: Unframed 148cm x 180cm / Framed 180cm x 212cm 

Archival Pigment Print

Limited edition of 10 prints for each size, signed by the Artist and delivered with a certificate of Authenticity.

This is the photograph I had dreamt of capturing for years — a predator at its most primal, yet profoundly beautiful. The polar bear, ruler of the Arctic, is the embodiment of survival: built for the hunt and shaped by the ice.

On this day, I witnessed what I never thought possible — a polar bear standing upon the pure white ice, his face stained deep red with blood. The contrast was mesmerizing: the stark purity of snow against the vivid mark of the hunt. It was raw, visceral, and utterly captivating.

To capture the essence of the wild — not just its beauty, but its truth — is to reveal nature in its most honest form. This image, for me, is that truth. The perfect balance between elegance and ferocity, between survival and grace.

About Marlon, 

Marlon du Toit is an acclaimed South African wildlife photographer, respected conservationist, and leading voice in wildlife tourism. He has recently joined Scapegoat Gallery in Johannesburg, where his celebrated photography is presented alongside works by internationally acclaimed artists.

With nearly two decades of experience in adventure, Marlon is a passionate explorer, memory keeper, and expedition guide. Inspired by his father’s love for wildlife photography and driven by his own enduring connection to nature, he has carried a camera as his constant companion throughout his journey. His photography captures not only the breathtaking beauty of the wild, but also the profound relationship between people and the natural world.

Marlon’s work has reached international audiences, featured on award-winning television programs including The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, NBC’s Today Show, and The Martha Stewart Show, as well as in leading publications such as National Geographic.

Through his exclusive safari and travel experiences, Marlon shares his deep reverence for wildlife with guests in the field and a growing global audience online. By combining his expertise as an expedition guide, photographer, and conservation advocate, he creates transformative encounters with nature that leave a lasting impact.

His collaborations with global brands such as Panerai, Sony Alpha, and Swarovski Optik reflect his commitment to excellence documenting adventure.

Selected works by Marlon du Toit will be on exhibition at Scapegoat Gallery from October 2025.