Animals have been depicted in African art throughout the ages, be they regarded as gods, totems, or food. This fighting presentation will briefly discuss such art in ancient times but the main thrust will be the use of this medium by contemporary artists to promote animal rights. Much of the work is controversial and does not deal in pretty portrayals. Provocative attention will also be paid to how activists can appropriate the meaning of art to further their ideology and stir the social conscience among the wider public, including at exhibitions, schools, universities, and other forums.