When I met the italian photographer and artist Ruggero Rosfer, I shared with him my travels and my passion for Africa, we soon found out we had the same att raction towards the wild world and wild animals and so we decided to embark on a project together.
On our scouting trip, we met Sean Hensman, owner of the Adventures with Elephants nature reserve, situated at Bela Bela, Limpopo region in South Africa we immediately felt that this could be the perfect location to turn our project into reality. I oversaw and supported the project with the collaboration of Chicco Tatriele at Mandala Creative Productions and Bang Bang Film Production, Ruggero gave shape to his artistic photographic vision.
Dancing with Nature is the first project produced by ANIMAN and I chosed Fine Art photography which I consider the ideal means of expression to convey powerful emotions and messages. A portion of the proceeds from the book accompanying this project will be donated to Sean Hensman’s Foundation, RHCRU (www.rhcru.co.za).
Narghes Sorgato – Patron of the Arts
I believe the way we connect with nature and other living beings speaks volumes about who we are as humans. This awareness – combined with a longstanding fascination for Africa inspired Dancing with Nature, a project I long dreamed of and finally realized in South Africa in 2024: to build a visual and ecological dialogue between humans and animals.
Africa is the stage. The main characters: a herd of elephants, in particular their patriarch Chova, and two classical dancers of different origins. The images explore scale, weight, movement, proximity, and trust between species. My hope is that these images encourage reflection on how deeply connected we are to the animal world— a world both fragile and invaluable —and on how, as guests on this Earth, we should always act with the utmost respect.
Ruggero Rosfer
Ruggero Rosfer – Artist & Photographer
Sean Hensman is the owner and manager of Adventures with Elephants, a wildlife reserve located in Bela Bela, Limpopo province, South Africa. It is also home to the Rory Hensman Conservation and Research Unit (RHCRU), a foundation dedicated to building a bett er future for elephants and promoting their conservation across Africa.
The work of Sean Hensman and his team stands as an inspiring example of how science, innovation, and passion can converge to protect elephants and promote a more harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. Through advanced research and innovative technologies, they are helping to shape a future where these magnificent animals can continue to live freely and safely. This initiative also contributes to the well-being of local communities, proving that with dedication and collaboration, meaningful progress can be achieved in species conservation and in safeguarding the planet as a whole.
Maria Vittoria Baravelli – Art and Photography Curator
Instagram @mariavittoriabaravelli