Few animals are as striking as an old male mandrill, its subtly vermiculated dark body contrasting handsomely with blazing orange shoulder patches. The male's huge size, powerful build, and intimidating canines suggest a brutal machismo that is amplified by a gaudy face, which is itself an overt phallic symbol. This subject also gives me an opportunity to depict a rich panoply of colourful West African flora and insect. In 'The First Phalanx' four dominant males are seen displaying threatening postures of varying intensity toward an unseen adversary.