Love by Koko, acrylic on canvas, 1983

One of my favourite online galleries features the artwork of gorillas Koko and Michael.

There you will find this quote:

“It is part of ape nature to paint. Apes like to use crayons, pencils and finger paints. Of course, they also like to eat them.” - Roger Fouts

(But then again, so would my baby, which is why –for now– he only paints with frozen blueberries.)

Can the art market tarnish the purity of this type of artwork? Does it take away the joy or even inspiration that can be found in images produced by chimp artists? For me, commerce can do no more to undermine the true value of animal art than it can make a child’s finger painting any less wonderful, or sully the spirit that transcends Van Gogh’s masterpieces.

I came across an interesting essay on animal art, but I have to admit that for all I have in common with Koko (and we are even the same height), I have mixed feelings when I read:

The resistance that women faced in gaining recognition for their contributions to art is not that different than the resistance that is given to accepting that the art that is done by animals can be true art.