Desmond Morris

Desmond Morris (born January 24th, 1928) is most famous for his work as a zoologist and ethologist. He first came to attention in the 1960s as a presenter of ITV television's Zoo Time. His studies focus on animal and human behaviour, explained from a zoological point of view. He has written a number of books and produced a number of television shows. His examination of humans from a bluntly zoological point of view has attracted controversy. Although he is a sociobiologist himself, many others in the field consider Morris to be something of a pseudoscientist, or merely a populariser.

Related Topics:
January 24th - 1928 - Zoologist - Ethologist - ITV - Zoo Time - Sociobiologist - Pseudoscientist

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In addition to his scientific pursuits, he is an artist in the Surrealist tradition. Morris has contributed significantly to the British Surrealist movement. He had his first solo show in 1948, and has shown regularly ever since.

Related Topics:
Artist - Surrealist

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In 1957 he curated an exhibition of chimpanzee paintings and drawings at the Institute of Contemporary Arts, London, including paintings by a young chimpanzee called Congo. Picasso indicated his support for Morris and the ape by biting a reporter who suggested to him that the chimp's work was not art. Picasso is reported to have purchased a painting by Congo.

Related Topics:
Institute of Contemporary Arts - Chimpanzee - Picasso

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