Desmond
Morris

b. 1928

“Art is the signature of civilizations.”

Bio

A zoologist, anthropologist, best-selling author, and the last surviving artist of the Surrealist movement. While studying zoology at the University of Birmingham, he began creating his signature ‘biomorphs’—imaginary, meticulously painted creatures inspired by microscopic forms and influenced by Joan Miró and Yves Tanguy. After early success exhibiting with the last group of British Surrealists and alongside Miró, Morris focused on zoology, becoming internationally known through television and books such as The Naked Ape (1967). From the late 1980s, his art gained renewed attention, with works entering major museum collections including the Tate and the National Galleries of Scotland. Now living in Ireland, he continues to paint and is establishing the Institute of Visual Arts, housing his own works, surrealist collections, and teaching facilities.