Pigcasso: Painting Pig Is Making A Fortune

Ever since being rescued from a South African slaughterhouse in 2016, a pig aptly named Pigcasso has been making waves in the art world.
Joanne Lesson, who took in the creative hog, soon realised the animal has a knack for creativity. After seeing Pigcasso pick up paintbrushes left out by builders – who had been working on Joanne’s property at the time – she decided to investigate. Armed with a paintbrush in her mouth and a selection of colours Joanne had set out, the duo is creating works of art sold all over the globe. Being the world’s only painting pig, Pigcasso’s work is selling for anything from R4000 (US$300) to R52,500 (US$4000).

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The main aim of the project is to inspire consumers to think more consciously about what they eat, while at the same time highlighting the effects that factory farming has on the environment.
‘By informing consumers about the dire effects of the industry on the planet through our art, we hope to inspire consumers to make more informed choices in order to create a sustainable planet for generations to come’, says Joanne.
All proceeds from sales of Pigcasso’s artworks go to supporting Farm Sanctuary South Africa, a non-profit organisation that aims to inspire consumers to make more compassionate food choices.