Photographer
Mital Patel debuts a new exhibition and philanthropic, red carpet event with Justin Heath, CEO of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and launches the Tembo Collection at Christopher Martin Gallery on May 30th, 6:00 – 9:00 PM.
Ol Pejeta is one of Africa’s leading wildlife reserves, spanning 90,000 acres in Kenya, where it protects endangered species, including the last two northern white rhinos, which Patel documented along with their head caretaker Zacharia Mutai in 2023, and supports surrounding communities. The event is meant to share Ol Pejeta’s mission and conservation initiatives through engaging conversations and intimate experiences with photography from the region. Ol Pejeta CEO Justin Heath will be in attendance and providing insights into the conservancy and its impact.
The exhibition features photographs from Patel’s international projects, including his series dedicated to documenting the world’s last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, and their conservationist caretakers, paired with scenes of anti-poaching rangers with their K9 partners. This project offers a rare and intimate portrait of these nearly extinct animals, the daily lives of rhino rangers, conservation efforts, and also how to support the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, all of which mirrors Patel’s larger practice of connecting his photography projects with organizations dedicated to conservation, advocacy and social impact.
The event is sponsored by Sewell INEOS, Rhinory, and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Sewell will be showcasing their INEOS Grenadier and INEOS Quartermaster on site. Rhinory will be providing complimentary wine from their 55 acre winery which also provides a haven for diverse wildlife. There will be a raffle for a chance at a trip to the Galápagos Islands, courtesy of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. Proceeds from the exhibition will benefit Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
The evening also marks the debut of the Tembo Collection, a luxury fusion of wearable art and wildlife photography, with a curated exhibition and the release of a special edition rhino cap supporting Ol Pejeta’s mission. The Tembo Collection is a new apparel brand that bridges Mital Patel’s photography and philanthropic practices to use creativity to make a positive impact. Tembo will present its limited edition hats that represent the beginning of this vision. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, not just as a fashion statement but as a symbol of hope and action, bringing moments in the wild to life beyond the photographic adventures that inspired them. “It’s a way to carry the wild with you, to wear something that not only looks beautiful but stands for something greater,” says Patel.
About Mital Patel
Behind the Lens Mital Patel is an internationally recognized nature and wildlife photographer who focuses on capturing beauty in all its forms—whether natural or manmade. From architecture and landscapes to the creatures of the wild, Patel has a distinct passion for capturing the most remarkable elements of life through his visual representation of movement, emotion and mood. From behind the lens, he strives to bring viewers his very unique view of nature, telling a story without words and conveying a feeling in the abstract. He challenges his audience to let their imaginations run free, taking the journey with him on his travels and opening their minds beyond the confines of static photography.
In each of his pieces, Patel hopes to offer his audience a way to view the world around them a bit differently – to appreciate the beauty of moments and places that are often overlooked. An intrepid traveler and lover of adventure, Patel’s passion for creative and imaginative photography is a great asset to his exploration of the world, which spans six out of the seven continents. His work is admired worldwide for its unique and artistic perspective.
www.mitalpatelphoto.com
@mitalpatelphoto
Eclipse Hunter © Mital Patel
Justin Heath was appointed as CEO of Ol Pejeta Conservancy in April 2022, bringing with him a wealth of experience in conservation, community engagement, commerce, and renewable energy. A Kenyan citizen with a global perspective, Justin has lived and worked across four continents.
Justin’s career has been marked by leadership roles that bridge the gap between conservation and community needs. He has overseen tourism operations on a global scale and has been instrumental in driving exponential growth in rural renewable energy in Africa.
In the Greater Mara Ecosystem, he managed three community conservation areas, balancing the interests of local communities and tourism operators while pioneering wildlife and livestock integration programmes.
Justin’s vision for Ol Pejeta is deeply rooted in teamwork and dedication. Since joining, he has led a comprehensive restructuring process, boosted commercial revenues and strengthened the conservancy’s asset management. Justin has recently been elected to the National Board for the Kenya Rhino Range Expansion initiative. In this role, he will collaborate with the Director General of Kenya Wildlife Service and the Head of the Kenya Wildlife Research and Training Institute. This ambitious initiative will spearhead rhino conservation aiming to expand protected habitats for rhinos across Kenya, with Ol Pejeta’s home range, Laikipia, playing a pivotal role.
About Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 400-square-kilometre safe haven for wildlife, including rhino, in the Laikipia region of Kenya. Ol Pejeta is home to the largest population of black rhino in East Africa, and conversely, the last two northern white rhinos, both females, in the world.
www.olpejetaconservancy.org
@olpejeta
Monarch of the Plains © Mital Patel
The Tembo Collection is a new apparel brand that bridges Mital Patel’s photography and philanthropic practices to use creativity to make a positive impact. Tembo will present its limited edition hats that represent the beginning of this vision. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, not just as a fashion statement but as a symbol of hope and action, bringing moments in the wild to life beyond the photographic adventures that inspired them. “It’s a way to carry the wild with you, to wear something that not only looks beautiful but stands for something greater,” says Patel.
tembocollection.com
@tembocollection
About Christopher Martin Gallery
Established in Dallas in 1995, Christopher Martin Gallery has meticulously crafted an environment to showcase the reverse glass paintings and limited edition works of Aspen-based artist, Christopher H. Martin, along with 25+ mid-career artists who excel in painting, photography, mixed media, and sculpture. Presently situated within the Dallas Design District, the 9,000 sqft space is a testament to our commitment to artistry and excellence.
www.christophermartingallery.com
@christophermartingallery
About Sewell
Sewell Automotive Companies was founded in 1911. Today, Sewell employs almost 4,000 associates and operates 20 dealerships throughout the state of Texas. Sewell represents Audi (3), BMW (2), Buick, Cadillac (4), GMC, INEOS (2), INFINITI (3), Land Rover, Lexus (2), Mercedes-Benz, MINI, and Subaru, with locations in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Houston, McKinney, Plano, San Antonio, and Sugar Land. The company is committed to giving back and improving the communities it serves and partners with organizations that benefit education, the arts, health care, children’s charities, and related causes. For more information on Sewell, visit
Sewell.com.
About INEOS
INEOS operates 194 sites across 29 countries and employs over 26,000 people. Complementing their core business, INEOS is making an impact across a range of elite sports and becoming increasingly known to consumers, with the launch of the Grenadier and INEOS Hygienics.
