Pigcasso, the rescue pig, was born in April 2016. She lived on a pig farm in South Africa. She was rescued from a slaughterhouse when she was just a piglet by Joanne Lefson, an animal rights activist. Lefson brought Pigcasso to Farm Sanctuary SA, a non-profit animal sanctuary she founded in Franschhoek, South Africa.
Pigcasso, the iconic animal artist who earned over $1 million from her paintings and was hailed “the most successful non-human artist in world history,” has died at age 8. PIC.TWITTER.COM/2SXKNWTFLU
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) MARCH 8, 2024
Pigcasso’s artistic career started when Lefson saw the pig’s talent. It ate everything but paint brushes in its stall. Lefson then taught Pigcasso how to paint using positive reinforcement techniques. Each of Pigcasso’s artworks was signed by dipping her nose into beetroot ink and touching it onto the canvas. Her paintings have sold for millions of rand to collectors around the world. Three of her most popular sculptures are Penguin, Snowman, and Mouse. Each sculpture sold for $5,000 in 2021.
Artist Pigcasso was not only a successful artist but also an ambassador for animal rights. Her life and work inspired conversations around veganism, vegetarianism, and factory farming. She holds the record for the most expensive artwork ever sold by an animal and was the first non-human artist to host her own art exhibition.
Pigcasso passed away in March 2024 at the age of 8. She had had arthritis in recent years, which began rapidly deteriorating in 2023. By October, her back legs had become lame due to the calcification of her lower spine caused by the arthritis.
Pigcasso’s life and work have left an indelible mark on the world, challenging our perceptions of animals and their capabilities. Her story continues to inspire people around the globe, reminding us of the importance of empathy and compassion towards all living beings.
