They can, however had, understand sign language and symbol language, and basically that art is also an abstraction. Will probably take a while before we can identify abstract art by apes.
I thought this place was supposed to be better than reddit in such ways. Do better, HN.
So how do we do this kind of thing now?
The only art-centric monkey I knew was Koko, the female gorilla.
Here she draws some things:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iixL0CMOAM
Smartest monkey I ever saw was Kanzi though:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENKinbfgrkU
I think it is only a question and matter of time before the prison systems for monkeys may have to be reconsidered completely. Of course even smarter monkeys than Kanzi won't reach human brain functions, but they are also very convincingly extremely clever and can adapt. Numerous videos where monkeys handle (!) smartphones show this already and this is just the beginning. Like, in the movie Planet of the Apes. Just long-term in smaller steps.
Elon Tusk, Rick and Morty, S4E4: https://youtu.be/xQHCz9ZZorA?t=129
Edit to add instead of a new comment: I also remember how good of a life he had in retirement. He lived in an apartment-like dwelling. Slept in a bed, woke up and ate some fruit. Would plink on the piano awhile, maybe paint some, go for a swim or walk, maybe play the piano or paint some more.... it was amusing to read while slaving away at the coding mines.
Sirikon•2h ago