Our love of dogs has been part of our national identity for centuries and, as the world’s most popular pet, this obsession with our canine companions shows no sign of waning. There are an estimated 12 million dogs in the UK, with roughly 36% of households owning a dog.
The ‘A Dog’s Life’ exhibition shows the work of international artists, designers, illustrators and photographers who use dogs as their subject matter and inspiration. Giving insight into the influence and impact that dogs have had on these artists’ lives and practice, the show explores the bond between humans and their four-legged friends.
Councillor Tracey Little, Chair of the council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee commented,
“We are delighted to host the exhibition here in Dumfries this summer as the only Scottish venue – it’s the ideal family day out.”
Brazilian artist, Rafael Mantesso, uses photography and illustration to create imaginary scenes around his beloved bulldog, Jimmy Choo, who was named after his ex-wife’s favourite shoe designer. These images became an overnight Instagram sensation and 20-21 is pleased to be able to show nine of Rafael’s humorous images in this exhibition.
Sophie Gamand, a French artist and photographer living in Los Angeles, makes flower crowns for Pit Bull rescue dogs. She photographs these dogs wearing their crowns and the resulting images are posted on social media and have helped to find homes for hundreds of homeless dogs throughout the USA.
Renowned artist, Sophie Ryder, will be showing a bronze sculpture entitled ‘Dancing Dogs’, along with a stunning portrait of one of her dogs. Sophie graduated from the Royal Academy in 1986 and was the youngest student since JMW Turner. Whilst studying there, Sophie was the only student allowed to have her dog on site. This was because her canine companion, named Bear, was her model.
London based artist, Martha Todd, has created four ceramic sculptures which explore our obsession with putting clothes on dogs, and artist Shauna Richardson has created a life-sized hound using a process she has developed, called Crochetdermy®.
Gerrard Gethings will be exhibiting 16 pairs of photographs which show dogs and their human look-a-likes, whilst artist, Mychael Barratt, will be displaying three prints. In 2002, after visiting a Marc Chagall exhibition, Mychael found himself contemplating what Chagall’s dog would look like. This marked the start of his ‘Artists’ Dogs’ project that is still going strong after over twenty years and more than fifty prints. Mychael takes a well-known artwork and using the same technique and approach as the original artist, skilfully inserts a dog into the picture.
The exhibition also includes a selection of artworks from dog-themed children’s books created by well-known illustrators.
As well as a wide-ranging display of dog themed photography, ceramics, textiles, prints and sculpture, there will be lots of opportunities for visitors to get involved:
There’s a ‘Name the Breed’ competition, an interactive which allows visitors to test their knowledge of animated TV and film dog characters, and there is a digital interactive where visitors can see what they’d look like as a dog.
There will also be an area where visitors can display photos of their own dogs and have a go at drawing their own pooch’s portrait.
Cllr George Jamieson, Vice Chair of the council’s Education, Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee remarked:
“This exhibition is set to be a fun, diverse display with something to appeal to all tastes and with lots of dog themed stock in our craft shop there’s something for all pockets too.”
For further information about the exhibition and related events, including visits from the Guide Dog team and Greyhound Rescue, please visit our website and social media pages.