OLAF BREUNING

Sad and Worried Animals

Animals have no vote, no voice, and no influence over the world we are creating. They simply live within the consequences of our decisions.

The sculptures in Sad and Worried Animals look upward with quiet concern. Their glossy eyes and subtle expressions suggest an awareness they cannot express. They cannot argue, protest, or negotiate. They can only adapt—or disappear.As the only species capable of reshaping the planet on a global scale, humans have gained extraordinary power. With that power comes responsibility. Climate change, habitat loss, and extinction are not natural events alone; they are increasingly linked to our choices.

These animals stand as silent witnesses. They remind us that while we decide the future, countless other species must simply live with it.

"Sad And Worried Animals" @ Night Gallery Los Angeles 2024
The Small Rhino
The Small Koala
The Small Owl
Ape, 2024 cantera coffee stone, ceramic 57 x 38 x 25 in (144.8 x 96.5 x 63.5 cm)
Pig, 2024 coffee cantera stone, ceramic 54 x 47 x 21 in (137.2 x 119.4 x 53.3 cm)
Porcupine, 2024 american black stone, ceramic 40 x 48 x 27 in (101.6 x 121.9 x 68.6 cm)
Seahorse, 2024 pink cantera stone, ceramic, cantera stone 63 x 70 x 12 in (160 x 177.8 x 30.5 cm)
Pelican's Sister, 2024 cantera stone, ceramic 62 x 22 1/2 x 15 in (157.5 x 57.1 x 38.1 cm)
Giraffe, 2024 orange cantera stone, ceramic, cantera stone 59 x 23 1/2 x 18 in (149.9 x 59.7 x 45.7 cm)
Bird, 2024 lava stone, ceramic 61 x 20 x 17 1/2 in (154.9 x 50.8 x 44.5 cm)
Bull, 2020, Cantera Coffee Stone, Ceramic Eyes, 80 x 44 x 103 cm (31,5 x 17,32 x 40,55 in) Sculpture, 53,3 x 78,7 x 50,80 cm (21 x 31 x 20 in) Pedestal
Pelican, 2020, Lemon White Stone, Ceramic Eyes, 80 x 53 x 31 cm (31,5 x 20,87 x 12,20 in) Sculpture, 71,1 x 77,5 x 53,30 cm (28 x 30,5 x 21 in) Pedestal
Rhino, 2020, Coffee cantera degollado, ceramic eyes, 80 x 50 x 120 cm (31,5 x 19,7 x 47, 3 in) Sculpture, 53 x 78 x 50 cm (21 x 31 x 20 in) Pedestal
Goat, 2020, Lava Stone, Ceramic Eyes, 80 x 35 x 65 cm (31,5 x 13,78 x 25,59 in) Sculpture, 59,1 x 50,8 x 43,2 cm (23, 25 x 20 x 17 in) Pedestal
Dolphin, 2020, White Cantera Tinajero Stone, Ceramic eyes, 80 x 13 x 60 cm (31,5 x 5.12 x 23,62 in) Sculpture, 40,6 x 38.7 x 30,5 cm (16 x 15,25 x 12 in) Pedestal
Owl, 2020, American Black Stone, Ceramic Eyes, 80 x 35 x 35 cm (31,5 x 13,78 x 13,78 in) Sculpture, 61 x 45,7 x 48,30 cm (24 x 18 x 19 in) Pedestal
Bear, 2020, Cantera Pinion Stone, Ceramic Eyes, 80 x 65 x 56 cm (31,5 x 25,59 x 22,05 in) Sculpture, 30,5 x 63,5 x63,5 cm (12 x 25 x 25 in) Pedestal
Dog, 2020, Pink Cantera Stone, Ceramic Eyes, 80 x 35 x 60 cm (31,5 x 13.78 x 23,62 in) Sculpture, 55,2 x 61 x 43.20 cm (21,75 x 24 x 17 in) Pedestal
Rabbit, 2020, Pink Cantera Stone, Ceramic Eyes, 80 x 35 x 60 cm (31,5 x 13.78 x 23,62 in) Sculpture, 55,2 x 61 x 43.20 cm (21,75 x 24 x 17 in) Pedestal
Llama, 2020, Orange cantera, ceramic eyes, 80 x 32 x 58 cm (31,5 x 12.6 x 22.8 in) Sculpture, 30,5 x 67, 3 x 43,2 cm (12 x 26,5 x 17 in) Pedestal