Quck answer
Animals may not appreciate art in the same way humans do, but they can still interact with it. Some studies have shown that animals, particularly primates and elephants, can create art. This could be considered a form of self-expression or a way to engage with their environment. However, it is important to note that animals’ perception of art is likely different from ours. They may not understand the aesthetic value or symbolic meaning of art. Nevertheless, animals’ ability to engage with art highlights their cognitive abilities and creativity. Art can also be used as a tool for enrichment and stimulation in animal captivity.
Do you have a favorite work of art? Is there a painting or sculpture that you adore? Maybe you could listen to a particular song for hours. You might even watch the same film repeatedly. Perhaps you have a favorite poem that you know by heart.
Humans have always derived pleasure and admiration from various forms of art. Of course, everyone has their own personal preferences. However, most individuals can identify a visual, musical, literary, or performance artwork that they enjoy.
All this discussion about art leads us to ponder… what about other animals? Do they appreciate art as well? Maybe dogs have a fondness for impressionism while cats prefer self-portraits. Perhaps your goldfish enjoys listening to rock and roll. A lizard might choose to listen to jazz.
The answer to this question is complex. Some studies indicate that animals do respond to music and performance art. However, it is difficult for researchers to fully understand what is happening in an animal’s brain.
Two studies have demonstrated that fish can distinguish between different styles of music. Both koi fish and goldfish were able to recognize the tunes composed by Johann Sebastian Bach compared to those by other artists. However, experts cannot determine whether the fish actually prefer one type of music over another.
Despite this, many animals have participated in the creation of art. One well-known example is Koko the gorilla. She painted a picture of a bird complete with wings. Her gorilla companion, Michael, also took up the paintbrush and created several paintings, including one of his dog, Apple.
Some zookeepers even offer painting as an enrichment activity for animals. These activities are intended to stimulate the animals’ brains and keep them alert. They are important because captivity can be quite monotonous. Elephants, chimpanzees, seals, parrots, and many other animals have produced their own art within zoos.
Nevertheless, experts remain uncertain about the impact of art on animals’ brains and whether they truly enjoy it. While some individual animals do appear to enjoy creating art, no extensive studies have determined the overall effect of art on animals.
Others pose a different question: Do animals have their own forms of art? After all, anyone who has listened to the melodious songs of birds would agree that it is music to the ears. Could it be that animals have been creating and appreciating their own art all this time? Perhaps humans have simply failed to recognize it.
A prime example of this is the bowerbird, found in Australia and New Guinea. Male bowerbirds are known for constructing elaborate nests to attract mates. They gather the most vibrant leaves, stones, and even discarded pieces of plastic they can find. Then, with their own artistic touch, they incorporate these colorful items into their nests. There is no denying that a bowerbird’s nest is a true work of art.
Could your pet create a masterpiece? Is there more to the dawn chorus than meets the eye? Perhaps! It is difficult to say for certain, but many animals do seem to enjoy expressing themselves artistically in their own unique ways.
Give It a Try
Find an adult friend or family member who can assist you with the following activities.
- Do you have a pet in your family? If not, do you have a favorite type of animal? If your pet or chosen animal had the opportunity to create its own artwork, what do you think it would be? Would your dog paint a picture of your family going for a walk together? Perhaps your cat would sculpt a bird or another prey. Discuss with a family member what you believe your pet or chosen animal would choose as the subject of its art. Provide an explanation for your reasoning.
- Take a look at these amazing animal masterpieces from the Houston Zoo! Can you identify any familiar shapes in the paintings? Do you have a favorite animal artist? Share a few of your preferred pieces with a friend or family member.
- Learn more about the bowerbird on Kiddle. Once you’ve finished reading, create your own artwork! Draw a picture of a bowerbird nest, including at least one bird that resides there. On the back of your drawing, write a paragraph summarizing what you’ve learned about the bowerbird.
Sources for Further Exploration
- https://www.dana.org/article/elephants-that-paint-birds-that-make-music/ (accessed 22 Oct. 2021)
- https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20140723-are-we-the-only-creative-species (accessed 22 Oct. 2021)
- https://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2016/03/27/471446740/the-complicated-relationship-between-animals-and-art (accessed 22 Oct. 2021)
- https://www.vice.com/en/article/d38zwz/animals-appreciate-art (accessed 22 Oct. 2021)
- https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed 22 Oct. 2021)
FAQ
1. Do animals have an appreciation for art?
While animals may not have the same understanding and appreciation for art as humans do, some studies suggest that they can show preferences for certain visual stimuli. For example, researchers have found that primates and elephants may be drawn to images of other members of their species or familiar objects. However, it is important to note that this does not necessarily mean they have a true understanding of art.
2. Can animals create art?
There have been instances where animals have been trained or encouraged to create what can be considered art. For example, elephants have been taught to hold a paintbrush and make brushstrokes on a canvas. However, the intention and creative expression behind these actions are still debated among experts. It is unclear whether animals create art for the same reasons humans do, such as self-expression or aesthetic appreciation.
3. How do animals react to art?
The reactions of animals to art can vary depending on the individual and the specific artwork. Some animals may show curiosity or interest in visually stimulating images, while others may not react at all. For example, some studies have shown that dolphins may swim closer to underwater art installations, suggesting a possible positive response. However, more research is needed to understand the true extent of animals’ reactions to art.
4. Can animals distinguish between different styles of art?
It is difficult to determine whether animals can distinguish between different styles of art, as this requires a level of cultural and aesthetic understanding that may be unique to humans. While animals may show preferences for certain visual stimuli, it is unlikely that they can appreciate the nuances and complexities of different artistic styles, such as abstract art or impressionism.
5. Can animals experience emotions through art?
There is ongoing debate about whether animals can experience emotions through art. While animals can certainly experience emotions such as joy, fear, or curiosity, it is unclear whether they can interpret or feel emotions evoked by art in the same way humans do. Animals may have different perceptual and cognitive abilities, which can affect how they interpret and respond to visual stimuli.
6. Can animals benefit from exposure to art?
Exposure to art can have enriching effects on animals in certain circumstances. For example, some zoos and sanctuaries provide animals with visual enrichment, such as paintings or sculptures, to stimulate their senses and provide mental stimulation. This can help alleviate boredom and improve overall well-being. However, it is important to design art specifically for animal welfare, taking into consideration their unique needs and preferences.
Leave a Reply