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Pigasso: The little oinks making a splash in the art world
Last updated at 00:07am on 05.06.07With modern art fetching such astronomical prices these days, you can't blame a guy for trying to cash in.
Careful contemplation: The piglets consider their artistic approach as they put paint to paper
Staff at Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh, Devon, have taken a novel approach to fundraising as they turn their pigs into painters.
Their miniature pigs have been creating works of modern art which sell for up to £16 each and have so far raised more than £150 for the Farm Crisis Network charity.
Farm owner Chris Murray feels the work of their enthusiastic piglets' snouts and trotters could stand alongside notable works of "messy" art such as that by world-reknowned Jackson Pollock.
The little piggies get to work creating their 'work of art'
He said: "The pigs tended to go more for pointilism - they weren't too keen on cubism. We think of them as our little Pigassos."
Trotters Independent Painters began their career by accident when the piglets broke loose at a craft fair at their home, and began investigating tins of non-toxic paint with their snouts and trotters.
The end result: Comparable to a Pollock?
Piggy Painters: Van Snout and his pal Bottabelli
Reader views (5)
They look awfully happy to have been "press ganged" into working for people.
Pigs are very intelligent, and probably enjoy this stimulation. My dog, for instance, loves being with me in my studio and when he was first introduced as a puppy, would get into everything, knocking over my canvasses in order to see my reaction. The expressions on the piglets' faces remind me very much of his face once he had knocked over a canvas for the umpteenth time. Mischief makers, one and all!
Please do give credit to people for having some sensitivity to an animal's needs. We're not all cruel overlords.
- Motorcity, Detroit, MI, USA
The poor animals being press ganged into human situtions once again for money making purposes.
- Sarah, Sheffield
How adorable!
- Danielle, Cupertino, CA, USA
I would love to buy a painting! Are there any left? These pictures are priceless!
- Laurie Clark, Charleston, SC, USA
Francis Bacon resurrected!
- Brian, London
