Pig Pigcasso has died. I was 8 years old. Joanne Lefsonits owner announced it recently, confirming that the canon of animal art has lost its greatest exponent.
Pigcasso was once known as “the most successful non-human artist in the history of the world”. During her lifetime she sold more than a million dollars’ worth of paintings. He has decorated the properties of Rafael Nadal and Jane Goodall, among other celebrities.
His former owner told Caters News: “It is very sad that such an inspiring figure for animal welfare has passed away. But we also celebrate a life well lived and the profound difference it made.”
According to the South African his legacy continues through the sanctuary where Pigcasso lived, whose mission is “inspire a kinder, more sustainable world for all”.
With the money earned from his works, Lefson maintains the Farm Sanctuary SA farm as well as supporting other similar charities.
Pigcasso died of arthritis. Photo: REUTERWhat did Pigcasso die of?
The sow suffered chronic rheumatoid arthritis.
His two hind legs were virtually non-functional and part of his spine was calcified. His physical condition deteriorated rapidly in September 2023, Lefson told Caters News.
By early October both of his legs “had become lame.” “Both incurable diseases are directly linked to the manipulations and modifications that farm animals are subjected to in today’s industrial farms,” said the 52-year-old woman.
The sow had been rescued from a slaughterhouse. Photo: REUTERHis early years
Pigcasso became an artist after Lefson rescued her from a slaughterhouse when she was just 4 weeks old. It was May 2016. If I hadn’t done it, Pigcasso”he would become a piece of bacon”.
“She was saved and resurrected to inspire millions of people to reconsider what they eat thanks to her extraordinary talent,” Lefson said.
His first job was on his farm, a non-profit foundation for rescued animals in Franschhoek, South Africa.
His paintings sold for over a million dollars (all together). Photo: REUTERHis foray into painting
The sow was named Pigcasso in homage to the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. Unlike humans, he signed his works by dipping his snout in red paint.
Lefson never forced her to paint. Pigcasso did it whenever he wanted. Between strokes, the sow ate from a picnic basket filled with strawberries, guavas and organic popcorn.
The painted sow with the snout. Photo: REUTERPigcasso has participated in exhibitions in South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany, France, China and the United Kingdom, among other countries.
Its excellent work led its owner to sign a commercial agreement with the watch brand Swatch with which the pig created a work entitled “Mrs. Pigcasso’s flying pig” for the dial of a limited edition watch.
Pigcasso also held the 2021 record for the most expensive work of art ever sold by an animal in all of history. It was the painting “Wild and Free,” sold to a German for $25,000.
Pigcasso knew how to be the most profitable animal artist in the world. Photo: REUTERInterestingly, his latest artwork is titled “Standing Ovation”.
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.