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Chimps run the show after aping artist's work

Louise Jury, Chief Arts Correspondent
02.06.09

Scientists call it the infinite monkey theorem: give an ape a typewriter and eventually it will bash out the complete works of Shakespeare.

But artist Kristina Buch, 26, has done much better. She gave four chimpanzees a lump of clay - and soon they had made a sculpture.

Ms Buch, who is also a biologist teaching at Imperial College, got the Whipsnade Zoo chimps to do a piece for her Royal College of Art graduation show. She said: "It was really amazing. The first ape that touched it noticed that the material was sticky and left a mark on their hands. He looked really bewildered. But they were really intrigued by it."

One of the works, credited to Bonnie, Phil and Grant, comes complete with chimp fingerprints and grass. Ms Buch is holding her show at the college's building in Howie Street, Battersea, until Sunday. Profits from the sale of the chimps' work will go to a conservation fund.

Reader views (4)

 Add your view

Show was great.

- Dave, London

Very interesting and original exhibition. Congratulations.

- Viny, London, UK

This is an amazing idea - inspiring work. Curious to see more of it.

- Björn, London, UK

Sorry when I read your headline 'Chimps run the show' I naturally assumed that this was about Nu Liebours 'Balls and Brown show'.

I should have realised of course that a form of government run by actual chimps would be preferable.....

- Ethan, UK


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