When the works of contemporary painters from several European countries were exhibited in 1964 at the "Christina" gallery in the Swedish city of Gothenburg, several works of new, unknown artist Pierre Brass were found there. After a few days and most excellent reviews from critics who had opportunity to see this paintings live, journalist Ake Axelson revealed that the French artist is actually chimpanzee. It was part of his which proved that most "experts" do not understand abstract art at all and that their judgement has no weight as soon as they were deceived by the movements of a primate's brush.

In the 21. century, more precisely a few years ago, another artist from animal world stood out. Like Brass, Pigcasso is a painter, only he was never part of some cleverly designed deception. And he isn't male as the name suggest. It is actually a sow, and they called her Pablo Pigcasso (from word pig) to highlight her creative talent, jokingly comparing her to the great Spanish painter Picasso. And she almost never created the works that are sold all over the world today.

Special brushes and paints

Pigcasso was already sentenced to imminent death by birth. She was located on property near Cape Town in South Africa, from where animals ended up in slaughterhouse after some time. Such was her fate that one day Joanna Lefson disn't come to visit. It was 2016., when the pig was only two months old, as was her sister Rosie. Lefson, an avid animal right activist, was then building an asylum where she intended to house rescued animals, so this meeting with the two pig-sisters happened at just the right time. She tore both of them from the clutches of certain death and enabled them to start a much more beautiful, happier and freer life.

Pigcasso relaxed very quickly in the new environment. Like most piglets, she didn't choose what to put in her jaws and swallow, even if it was something completely inedible. Joanna, however, noticed something very interesting. Brushes where the only thing she didn't try to chew and eat. She just wore them in her teeth and walked around the property with her.

The owner sensed that there was something more hidden behind ordinary game, so she got the piglets painting brushes, paints and placed them in front of the easel. She didn't have to wait long for something to happen. Pigcasso grabbed brush with teeth and began to "play" on the canvas. That is when the first in a series of expressionist painting was created, according to which she will be famous.

A special brush was made for this unusual artist to make her movements easier and she uses only paints without toxic ingredients that are safe for children as well. When she finishes the painting, she usually "signs" by touching the corner of the canvas with her snout, dirty with paint. And when she gets tired of hard creative work, Pigcasso compensates for her energy with her favorite snacks: popcorns with caramel.

Oink in gallery

Thanks to social networks, her works soon attracted art lovers. They not only words of praise, but were willing to offer money to buy canvases. Hundred of dollars each. As Pigcasso's fame grew, so did her paintings. Today, prices range between $500 - $1,700, and she earned total of about $ 145,000. Joanna Lefson is investing all her money in the shelter to expand it and create an even better refuge for new animals that are constantly arriving. That is how famous sow became the head of family in a way, because she provides money for almost everything that is needed on the property. Part of the earnings is also invested in various educational programs through which Lafson wanted to rise the awareness of so many people as possible about the conditions in which animals are raised and they end up.

Pigcasso went down in history as the only animal that had a solo sales exhibition, in a gallery in Cape Town, in Ferbuary 2018. The setup was called "Oink" and was very successful. The paintings ended up in all over the world - in the USA, Malaysia, South Korea, Great Britain, the Netherlands. At that time, the well-known Swiss watch manufacturer "Swatch" made a model of wristwatch with her pictures, which was sold at a price of 120 dollars. And all the income was handed over to help the asylum.

In addition to the dizzying success, Joanna points out that her favorite sow has remained modest animal. She hasn't special desires and as such she is not interested in money. It feels best in nature. The only thing on her is to continue painting, and judging by the interest of costumers, her career will last. These are mostly who do not look for special meaning and significance behind her, at first glance chaotic works, but only enjoy unusual brush movement and vibrant colors.

Literature and pictures: Politica's Entertainer, rubric Zoo, number 3590, page 8-9