Aimee Morgana is an artist, researcher, teacher, and founder of The N’Kisi Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to the study of communication with other species and the human-animal bond, most notably in her work in collaboration with the African gray parrot N’Kisi. N’Kisi has learned to communicate using human language. A recent development is that N’Kisi has been making art, including attempts at representational art. He is also using words to describe what he is doing. In this presentation on Animal Art and Consciousness, Aimee will discuss her work with N’Kisi, and show examples of his art and communication. What can this tell us about the animal mind?

Aimee’s unique focus on nurturing N’Kisi’s creativity and self-expression is leading to new breakthroughs in communication with other species. She has published articles about her work with N’Kisi in the Journal of Scientific Exploration and the Encyclopedia of Human-Animal Relationships, among others, and her work has been featured globally in numerous books, newspapers, and magazines. She has also exhibited her art and research in over 200 gallery and museum shows around the world, including the American Museum of Natural History, the Whitney Biennial, and in 10 one-person shows including American Fine Arts and Postmasters galleries in New York. Her work with N’Kisi has also been featured on television, including in Jane Goodall’s When Animals Talk on Animal Planet. She teaches at the School of Visual Arts in New York.