Animals have been inspiring artists since the first cave paintings of deer and bison — and pet cats, dogs, birds, and others have continued to aid creativity with their beauty, humor, companionship, and cuteness. Read all about some of the greatest visual artist and animal relationships and the incredible work they have inspired.
Ai Weiwei
Via: mdnphoto.com
Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei creates conceptual art that meshes the creative with the political, and he has done so in an environment that is relentlessly oppressive. After creating several controversial works of art and investigation regarding the collapse of shoddily constructed schools in Sichuan schools during the 2008 earthquake, Ai was incarcerated by Chinese authorities for 81 days in 2011 -- supposedly for "tax evasion." Since his release, Ai has continued to speak out against the Chinese government's suppression of speech, and remains active on twitter (unofficial English translation) and continues to produce art and to speak out. A documentary about Ai's life and activism, Ai Weiwei Never Sorry, was recently released in the U.S..
At his compound in China, Ai has over 40 cats and several dogs. These beautiful portraits of Ai with two of his favorite cats were taken by photographer Matthew Niederhauser.
Via: mdnphoto.com
Circle Of Animals / Zodiac Heads by Ai Weiwei
Via: zodiacheads.com
