From Singing to Dancing to Sculpture, Do Animals Make Art?

The Many Faces of Animal Creativity

Male peacocks perform a dramatic dance known as ‘train-rattling’ to attract peahens. (Envato Elements pic)

Art is often considered a human endeavour. To suggest otherwise would be, for some, little more than anthropomorphism. Yet, some species build fascinating structures and produce sounds that intrigue scientists. Are these simply instinctive behaviours, or a true artistic expression of the animal world?

The vast forests of eastern Australia are home to a fascinating bird: the satin bowerbird. When mating season arrives, this bluish-hued bird displays all its talent to seduce females. The seduction ritual involves the meticulous construction of a spectacular structure. Twig by twig, the male erects an elegant arch and carefully adorns it with meticulously chosen small items, be they shells, flower petals or even pieces of plastic, all in the same brilliant shade of blue. While these sophisticated structures have a primarily reproductive function, their refinement and aesthetic appeal intrigue researchers. Is it not, after all, a form of art?

Philosophers have long debated what defines a work of art. For Tolstoy, art is a means of conveying emotion. Others see it as a simple representation of the world. But in the animal kingdom, the lines blur, as Shawn Simpson, visiting lecturer in philosophy at the University of Pittsburgh, explains in an article for The Conversation.

Ornithologist Richard Prum suggests that beauty could be a criterion for evaluating animal art: the beauty of the sounds or visual creations of certain species would testify not only to adaptation to their environment, but also to good genetic health. A theory echoed by Charles Darwin himself, who observed that females seemed fascinated by these nuptial displays, as if they recognised their aesthetic value.

Humpback whales make long, structured songs, composed of repetitive motifs organised into ‘themes’ and ‘verses’. (Envato Elements pic)

The Birds of Paradise

Of course, not all animal creations are art. Spiders’ webs, complex though they may be, are primarily functional, with no aesthetic or communicative purpose. But what about animal songs? Some species stand out for the richness and complexity of their sound production. Humpback whales, for example, make long, structured songs, composed of repetitive motifs organised into “themes” and “verses.” These melodies evolve over time and vary from population to population, suggesting the existence of a form of cultural tradition among these cetaceans.

For their part, indri lemurs use song as a means of communication: their vocalisations enable them to communicate between groups, strengthen family ties and even keep predators at bay. Structured and repetitive, they are in many ways reminiscent of human music.

When it comes to dance, some animals have nothing to envy the greatest performers. In South America, the blue manakin bird is known for its sophisticated group choreography. The males practise relentlessly, tirelessly repeating complex movements which they then present to a female with perfect synchronisation. Such coordination relies on memory and learning, faculties generally attributed to human art.

In Papua New Guinea, the superb bird of paradise also has a fascinating sense of rhythm. During courtship, the male transforms his black plumage into a sumptuous fan around his face, as he performs a precise dance to captivate his partner.

Underwater Sculptures

Even underwater, animal creativity is on display. Off the coast of Japan, the male white-spotted puffer fish is famous for its incredible underwater sculptures. Using their fins, they trace perfectly symmetrical circles in the sand, veritable underwater mandalas, designed to seduce a female. This high-precision work can take several days.

Conclusion

So where does the line lie between instinct and artistic creation? It could be argued that the making of sculptures or courtship displays have a very specific purpose, that of seduction. Yet, according to Kant, art has no utilitarian function; it is a “finality without end.” And yet, some works of indisputable artistic value do fulfil a function, such as the frescoes in the Sistine Chapel or the doors of the Florence Baptistery.

However, it’s hard to prove that it’s the desire to create beauty that drives an animal to create what humans perceive as a work of art. Especially as human’s animal friends have no language with which to express their intentions. But who knows? Perhaps they, too, have an appreciation for aesthetics. One thing’s for sure: nature abounds in fascinating expressions that question humans’ conception of art.

FAQs

* What constitutes a work of art?
+ According to Tolstoy, art is a means of conveying emotion. Others see it as a simple representation of the world.
* Can animals create art?
+ Yes, some species build fascinating structures and produce sounds that intrigue scientists. Whether these creations are a true artistic expression is a matter of debate.
* What is the purpose of animal art?
+ Some creations have a primarily reproductive function, while others may serve as a means of communication or self-expression.
* Can animals appreciate aesthetics?
+ It’s hard to prove, as animals have no language with which to express their intentions. However, some species may be able to recognize and respond to beauty.