Programme
DOGS
DOGS brings together eleven artists influenced, inspired and intrigued by the canine animal. The exhibition takes as its point of departure the common domestic dog, a theme that openly attests to the status of its role as ‘man’s best friend’. From prehistoric times to the present day, dogs have been represented in art as the human companion. Dogs are benign entities or playful rogues that animate their surroundings.
For a dog, the way to learn about the world is by experiencing it. This exhibition looks at the way artists communicate their experiences of dogs. The reference point for artists was ordinary life, rather than a transcendent realm apart. The participating artists have positioned themselves and their work not as an elite fraternity but as a part of the real world—as exemplified by the accessibility of a domestic dog.
Ranging in expression from ironic to sincere, from figurative to abstract, DOGS proposes multifaceted views understood both as material practice and as a conceptual category or idea. This dog lovers’ cornucopia presents the familiar in an unexpected and truly enjoyable way.
If you have a dog of your own, don’t forget to bring them along!
Warm thanks to Lisson Gallery London, Sue Crockford Gallery Auckland, Kerlin Gallery Dublin, Emeil Van Der Pol, Torch Gallery Amsterdam, Kevin Kavanagh Gallery Dublin, Waterford City Council, Creative Limerick, Madlen Schering, Annabel Storm, Michael Beirne, and the eleven artists who have kindly exhibited their work for us to enjoy.
Admission is free and all are welcome.