Stir It Up – Rodney

Rodney, chimpanzee
Stir It Up, 2026
Tempera paint on stretched canvas
30 × 24 inches

A riot of color fills this large canvas, with bold strokes of red, blue, green, purple and yellow crossing, curling and overlapping in every direction. Thick ribbons of paint twist together in unexpected combinations, while scattered drips and splashes add to the joyful chaos. There’s a wonderful sense of energy here, as though the colors are having just as much fun as the artist.

And Rodney certainly knows how to have fun.

Whether he’s tossing straw at a passing friend, poking someone’s foot or recruiting Ike for his next bit of trouble, Rodney has a remarkable talent for stirring things up. He’s also one of Primate Rescue Center’s most enthusiastic painters, bringing that same playful energy to his enrichment sessions.

With Rodney around, there’s rarely a dull moment. And judging by this painting, he wouldn’t have it any other way.