By Kaitlin Lee

One of the most persistent icons of art, animals have persisted in art since Ancient Egypt. Animals in art have historically served as symbols of different ideas ranging from vanity to wealth. Additionally, they serve as representatives of human nature itself, appealing to the more bestial and innate sides of people.

The tradition of recreating animals persists today, but sometimes with modernized messages. Artists may want to recreate nature to share an environmental message or use iconic animals to speak about dynamics in political situations. 

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Here are six WXLLSPACE artists focused on using animals to share their messages. 

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Sonny Sundancer from Pembroke Pines

An engaged and driven artist, Sonny “Sundancer” Behan was raised in South Africa, which instilled in him a passion for wildlife. Behan uses bold colors and combines realism with abstraction to highlight the importance of protecting and preserving the natural world. With the reputation of being a driven and engaged painter, Behan has used his gifts in collaboration with organizations also determined to protect wildlife, like the World Wildlife Fund and UNICEF. 

Learn more at: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/sonny-sundancer 

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Carol Wang from Sao Paulo 

Carol Wang specializes in 3D art featuring nature and animals. Ever since she was a child, Wang has had a special relationship with animals and uses her art to continue to support adoption efforts. Her work of giant animals in colorful displays has been worldwide, including the Guarulhos International Airport to the Sao Paulo black and white Hello Kitty Cafe. 

Learn more at: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/carol-wang 

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Emily Ding from Los Angeles

Finding inspiration in flora, fauna, and human temperament, Emily Ding uses bold colors and big, fluid strokes to add distinct character to her animal subjects. She uses phenomena in the wild to communicate stories with wild creatures and fills her murals with big emotions and experiences. 

Learn more at: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/emily-ding 

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Alex Sugar from Melbourne 

Perth-born and Melbourne-based Alex Sugar uses Australian wildlife and greenery as centerpieces for his giant murals, combining still-life elements with surrealism and cubism. Sugar also uses his art as a way to give back to the community, as he painted a mural honoring the service of Australian volunteer firefighters during the wildfires that ravaged Humula in 2023. 

Learn more: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/alex-sugar 

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DALeast from Capetown

As a teenager in Wuhan, the third largest city in central China, DALeast experimented as a graffiti artist, which led him to have multiple encounters with Chinese authorities. In his unique and abstract style, he paints animals as two disconnected parts, drawing parallels between the state of the creature and human society’s sense of insecurity.

Learn more: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/daleast 

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birdO from Toronto 

Jerry Rugg, or birdO, is a former model and multidisciplinary artist who creates surreal, geometric animals on walls, canvas, and more. birdO brings a deep passion to his art, focusing on the surfaces he works on, and a deep respect for the local culture. He also dedicates his work to bring awareness to wildlife conservation, often collaborating with the World Wildlife Fund. 

Learn more: https://explore.wxllspace.com/artist/birdo 

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Through these artists, it becomes clear that animals become more than subjects – they’re symbols of humanity, storytellers of nature, and icons of conservation. As our impact on earth continues to have dramatic and damaging effects on the environment and wildlife, the work of these artists continues to be important – showing the tenuous connection between the animal kingdom and us.

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