Gillie and Marc Schattner are a unique and globally acclaimed artistic duo, consisting of British artist Gillie and Australian artist Marc. Together they have been working continuously since the 1990s on an impressive oeuvre that ranges from monumental public sculptures to colorful paintings, from intimate portraits to surreal human-animal hybrids. Their work is an ode to love, biodiversity, sustainability and breaking down boundaries – both artistically and socially.
A meeting like a work of art Gillie and Marc met in Hong Kong during a chance encounter that has taken on almost mythical proportions in their biography. Within a week they were married, and since then they have been partners not only in life, but also in art. Their collaboration is completely intertwined – they draw, sculpt, paint and create everything together, in a harmony that is rarely found in the art world.
A style that blurs boundaries What characterizes their work is the recognizable combination of figurative elements and surrealist twist. Perhaps their most famous creations are their human-animal hybrids, such as the iconic Dogman and Rabbitwoman. These two characters appear throughout their oeuvre, as loving, curious and often disarmingly honest creatures. Dogman represents loyalty, strength and masculine energy, while Rabbitwoman stands for speed, sensitivity and feminine power. Together they symbolise balance and harmony – a reflection of Gillie and Marc themselves.
Art in Public Space One of the most striking aspects of their work is the use of art in public spaces as a social statement. Gillie and Marc believe that art should be accessible to everyone, and that public art is a powerful tool for raising awareness. They have installed over 100 public sculptures worldwide.
From Bronze to Canvas In addition to sculpture, Gillie and Marc also create vibrant paintings and street art. Their two-dimensional work exudes the same energy as their sculptures – full of colour, movement, humour and emotion. They play with themes such as love, identity, extinction and the relationship between man and nature. Each work is a visual narrative, often autobiographical and always deeply human.
Engagement and impact Gillie and Marc explicitly use their artistic voice for activism. Their love of animals – both are fervent animal rights activists and vegans – is a common thread in their work. They regularly collaborate with conservation organisations such as the WWF and the Jane Goodall Institute and set up art projects that draw attention to climate change, animal suffering and biodiversity.
They use art as a dialogue and as a bridge between worlds. Through their accessible style and public presence, they are able to touch people who normally might not have much to do with art. At the same time, they are respected in the international art scene for their consistent vision, craftsmanship and social commitment.
Recognition Their work has been exhibited in museums and galleries all over the world, from New York to Shanghai, from Paris to Sydney. They are often called “the Banksy of animal protection” for their outspoken message and their commitment to bringing art to the streets. Their sculptures are now considered recognisable landmarks, loved by local communities and tourists alike.
They have won several international art awards and have been honored for their contributions to art and activism. But their greatest reward, they say, is when a child hugs a sculpture or when a passerby stops for a moment and starts thinking about animals, love or the planet.
