Do you like this abstract tempera painting? If you saw it in a gallery, would it entice you to haul out your checkbook and take it home? Perhaps you've responded as most of us, if we are being truthful, are wont to do on occasion, "My three-year-old could've done that!" Now suppose I were to tell you that Abstract (2006) was created by the Thai artist Kamsean who is, in fact, an elephant? (Speaking only for myself, this informative tidbit about the artist cartwheeled any impromptu "critique" into completely foreign, not-done-by-a-human territory.)

This story came to my attention via headlines announcing things like "Elephant 'self-portrait' on show" (BBC) and "Elephant's self-portraits go on display" (Irish Independent), referring to the Thai artist Paya, allegedly the Rembrandt of elephants, given the amazing self-portraiture.

Now, I'm not among the handful of scholars on the planet qualified to judge whether or not an elephant would consciously paint a self-portrait. (Perhaps Paya knows what he or she is about, perhaps it's one of those monkey with a typewriter things.) What I do love about this story, though, is that these paintings are really done by elephants holding brushes in their trunks. You'd hardly find a better conversation piece for your living room wall. Additionally, a portion of sales proceeds are contributed back to the two Thai preserves where the animals live (and paint), which is a great thing entirely as elephants do tend to eat quite a bit of food. If you are intrigued by the thought of owning or gifting, a fine selection of Elephant Art awaits you online.

Image credit:

Kamsean (Thai, b.?)
Abstract, 2006
Tempera on paper
60 x 80 cm.
© 2006 Thai Fine Art, Ltd