Photo by Flynn FanExploring the Wild Appeal of Modern and Contemporary Icons
Animal art sells not because it’s “cute,” but because it’s powerful. From endangered species and subversive street rodents to monumental balloon dogs, today’s most successful artists have proven that animals—when layered with symbolism, innovation, and star power—can be just as commanding as any human portrait or abstract landscape.
Animal imagery has long captivated artists and collectors alike, from ancient cave drawings to the walls of prestigious galleries today. In the modern and contemporary art market, animal-themed art is not only an aesthetic choice but often a lucrative one. From Damien Hirst’s formaldehyde creatures to Banksy’s rats and Andy Warhol’s endangered species series, animal subjects offer rich symbolism, pop cultural relevance, and collector appeal.
So, what animal art sells best in today’s art world? And why are certain artists and their animal muses so successful?
The Power of the Animal Symbol
Animals resonate with us on both primal and personal levels. They symbolise freedom, strength, vulnerability, and instinct. Artists often use animals as metaphors to critique society, explore identity, or inject humour and irony into their work. This broad interpretive scope helps explain why animal art has found such enduring success across genres, from pop to conceptual.
But the animal’s appeal isn’t just psychological, it’s emotional. Collectors gravitate toward animal art for its emotional immediacy and decorative appeal. A majestic tiger, a playful monkey, or a mysterious owl can elevate any space. But when layered with cultural critique or fame, these creatures also carry a broader appeal.
Let’s look at the contemporary masters who’ve turned animal art into a global phenomenon.
Andy Warhol: Endangered Icons with Pop Appeal
In the 1980s, Andy Warhol created his celebrated “Endangered Species” series, featuring bold portraits of animals like the African Elephant, the Bald Eagle, and the Siberian Tiger. Commissioned by New York philanthropists to raise environmental awareness, Warhol applied his classic silkscreen technique and vibrant pop colours to these threatened animals, transforming them into pop culture icons.
What makes these works particularly collectible is their combination of cause and celebrity. Warhol’s name alone commands premium prices, but add a conservation message and limited-edition status, and the interest climbs significantly.
Damien Hirst: Death, Decay, and the Spectacle of the Animal
No conversation about high-value animal art would be complete without Damien Hirst. Love him or loathe him, Hirst has built a fortune, both literally and metaphorically, on the backs of animals.
His 1991 piece “The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living” features a 14-foot tiger shark suspended in formaldehyde. Commissioned by Charles Saatchi and later sold for a reported $12 million, the shark became one of the most talked-about (and controversial) artworks of the 20th century.
Hirst’s use of animals, whether butterflies, cows, sheep, or fish, shocks, provokes, and fascinates. For collectors, these works offer not only audacity and visual impact, but a piece of conceptual art history. His more recent series featuring intricate butterfly mosaics that continue to attract serious buyers and collectors.
Banksy: Rats, Apes, and the Art of Subversion
Banksy’s rats are among his most recognisable and beloved motifs. First appearing on London streets in the early 2000s, these small, rebellious rodents have become synonymous with anti-establishment wit and guerrilla street art.
Why rats? Banksy himself has said: “They exist without permission. They are hated, hunted, and persecuted. They live in quiet desperation... and they bring chaos.” In other words, they’re the perfect metaphor for his brand of art.
Banksy’s animal-themed works, especially his rats and chimps, have become some of the most in-demand in the world. His “Devolved Parliament,” which features chimpanzees in a British parliamentary setting, sold at Sotheby’s in 2019 for nearly £9.9 million (approx. $12 million). These pieces merge political critique with animal imagery in a way that’s instantly digestible, Instagrammable, and investable.
Jeff Koons: Balloon Dogs and the Kitsch Appeal
Though more stylised than zoological, Jeff Koons’ “Balloon Dog” sculptures and his broader “Celebration” series reflect a playful take on animal imagery. With their shiny surfaces and childlike forms, these sculptures represent innocence, joy, and excess—all themes Koons expertly navigates.
Koons’ “Balloon Dog (Orange)” sold at Christie’s for $58.4 million in 2013, making it one of the most expensive artworks ever sold by a living artist. While Koons’ style divides critics, there’s no denying the draw of his animal motifs—especially among high-net-worth collectors looking for bold, conversation-starting centrepieces.
For further reading and information:
Tate Museum, Damien Hirst, Mother and Child Divided: https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/hirst-mother-and-child-divided-t12751
Christie’s video of the sale of Jeff Koon’s Balloon Dog (Orange): https://www.christies.com/en/stories/in-the-saleroom-jeff-koons-balloon-dog-orange-92e3e2ad2e2a4699b7117e33be3df0f8
BBC article on Banksy’s 2024 London animal street art: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy9ejndq4d4o
The complete series of Andy Warhol’s Endangered Species at Andipa Editions: https://andipaeditions.com/blog/104-endangered-species-by-andy-warhol-an-important-milestone/
To learn more about available artworks to buy please contact sales@andipa.com or call +44 20 7581 1244
