Could This Chimp Be The New
Van Gogh?
Opinion Board on "Art Expert" | Ernst Wilhelm Nay | Banghi's Work | Opinion Board on zoo responsibility
A German art expert was duped into believing a painting done by a chimpanzee was actually painted by a respected artist.
Dr Katja Schneider, director of the State Art Museum in Moritzburg, Saxony-Anhalt, suggested the painting was by Guggenheim Prize winning artist Ernst Wilhelm Nay.
Dr Schneider said: "It looks like an Ernst Wilhelm Nay. He was famous for using such blotches of colour."
But in reality, the painting was made by female chimpanzee Banghi, from Halle Zoo.
According to zoo workers, painting is one of the favourite pastimes of the 31-year-old ape, but her works are often destroyed by mate Satscho.
After the real artist was revealed by Impact (Heathfield school's newspaper), Dr Schneider said: "I did think it looked a bit rushed".
This website is produced by Georgie and Josie and sponsored by Heathfield School.
Website Last updated 1/2/06
Opinion Board: Is Dr Schneider Suitable To Judge Art?
Ernst Wilhelm Nay (1902 -1968)
Born in Berlin, Nay belongs to the most influential artists of the post-war period in Germany.
His pictures represent the bridge between expressionism and abstract art.
Banghi's Work
This is the painting that Banghi the chimp produced that fooled the art world!
Banghi at work.
Opinion Board: Zoo Responsibility!
Saxony-Anhalt!
The
State Art Museum where expert Dr Schneider wrongly authenticated Banghi's work,
is located in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany.
