As you drive, walk or bike through Malibu, you might catch a glimpse of colorful wildlife statutes and wonder what the display is all about.
“Funny Zoo” is the creative inspiration of animal lovers Jean-Fabrice Brunel and Bernard Scoffié, who founded French Pacific Events while in Marseilles, France and now showcase their work in Malibu.
“Our two families decided at the first place to settle down in the beautiful City of Malibu. It was a life choice” Scoffié said. “We thought that bringing Funny Zoo [to] Malibu would be a wonderful way to meet the members of the community. Even though we are thinking of extending the exhibition in different cities and neighborhood of the greater Los Angeles [area], we are particularly proud to start by Malibu.”
An artist reception and opening remarks were held last week at Malibu Bluffs Park. Members of the Malibu Cultural Arts Commission, Malibu Mayor Pro Tem Lou La Monte, Funny Zoo artists and their friends and family, as well as members of the Malibu community, came out to join the celebration.
La Monte said he thought the idea was “terrific.”
“I am delighted that our Cultural Arts and Parks and Recreation commissioners have found such a wonderful new way to introduce art with not only an important message but a sense of humor as well,” La Monte shared with The Malibu Times.
The exhibit, featuring “lions and tigers and bears” and more, involves artists who paint on fiberglass wildlife statues, adding their own creative touches, values and inspiration.
Funny Zoo artists include Ivo Spirov, Teachr, Brian Farrell, Sinan Revell, Jabu, Morley, Willie Mattei, Dan Plasma, Federico Galavis, Punkmetender and Midas, also known as “Elena Alexendra.”
After the opening ceremonies at Malibu Bluffs Park, many of those attending went to Legacy Park and the Malibu Country Mart to see the entire Funny Zoo installation. According to Scoffié, the animals will be on display in Legacy Park and Malibu Country Mart until mid-December and the animals at Bluffs Park will remain until September.
Most of the animals that are part of the installation are on the endangered species list or threaten to be endangered. The hope is that the animals will start a conversation and raise awareness about wildlife conservation.
The animals on display will be auctioned off; a date for the auction will be announced in September and part of the proceeds will go to benefit the California Wildlife Center.
