Some time back we discussed how some species of animals are really, really smart. While ants may build whole cities, dolphins may lull their babies to sleep and chimps might play nurse, no one can truly one-up this animal painter – the painting pig – when it comes to representing the artistic side of the animal kingdom. Very aptly named Pigcasso, after the prodigal Picasso himself, the painting pig was rescued from a slaughterhouse in 2016. She was about to be killed, but that life is long past. Now, Pigcasso rolls in the mud and gets herself dirty. Oh, and she paints, and sells her paintings for thousands of dollars!
Pigcasso has picked up abstract art style and represents what goes on in her mind. It’s also possible that she’s just having fun. Her human counterpart, Joanne Lefson, knew from the beginning that the painting pig was inclined towards the art form.
Soon after being rescued, Pigcasso started hinting she wanted to use the paint brushes that were lying around. Seeing her interest in visual arts, Jo trained the pig in ‘clicker’, a style usually used with dogs. The rest is history.
Pigcasso uses her mouth to hold the paintbrushes smothered in color, and runs them along the canvas. To one the result is gooble goo, to a German collector the painting was worth $27,000! This famous painting, called ‘Wild and Free’ took Pigcasso some weeks to complete. The color palate is pleasing to the eye, having been inspired by the oceanic landscapes of SA.
That’s not all. Many of the duo’s creations are up for sale on their website, and you can become a collector if you would love a painting pig souvenir. After all, who wouldnylove a signature piece by this talented animal painter? The earnings from the sale go to benefit Farm Century South Africa, where the duo lives. Pigcasso now also has her own wine, lovingly nicknamed the swine’s wine. The label of PIGCASSO, as the wine is simply called, has been designed by the namesake herself. This wine is made using grapes from the pig’s own farm. You can purchase the signature wines from Farm Sanctuary SA. And maybe meet Pigcasso! To get an autograph.
Loved Pigcasso, the animal painter? These working animals have had better jobs than ours!
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