Check out Fotografiska New York Stage Best in Show, a Tribute to Pets Everywhere, This Fall With 25 artists, 131 photographs, and accompanying video installations and sculpture Best in Show: Pets in Contemporary Photography explores the intimately personal relationships between pets and their owners.
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| Do You Look Like Your Cat (4) © Gerrard Gethings.jpg |
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| FRANCE. Paris. 1989 © Elliott Erwitt a MAGNUM PHOTOS.jpg |
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| The Tweets, 2019 from series High Society © Leila Jeffreys.jpg |
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Fotografiska New York opened in September of Best in Show: Pets in Contemporary Photography (September 22, 2023 through January 2024), a joyful celebration of pets and our undying love for them. The sprawling exhibition, featuring the work of two dozen artists arranged across two Museum floors, is a deep dive into the role our furry (and feathered) friends have played in culture and how they stand in as representations of status, power, loyalty, compassion, and companionship.
Among the works on view are examples by William Wegman, famed for his portraits of his Weimaraners; Walter Chandoha, the world’s first professional cat photographer; Sophie Gamand, known for her touching, sensitive photographs of dogs taking baths; and Martin Parr's satirical portrayals of pets across social classes. Curated by Jessica Jarl, Fotografiska’s Director of Global Exhibitions, this exhibition acknowledges our constant companions. Over 130 works, from documentary photographs to arranged portraits to candid snaps, and video works are included.
“During the pandemic, when this exhibition was conceived, pet ownership grew exponentially,” said Sophie Wright, Executive Director of Fotografiska New York. “It’s now rare to walk down a pavement in New York or any big city without passing several dogs and their devoted owners. And that’s not to mention most people’s daily dose of animal videos online—a soothing and often comedic counterpoint to the news cycle. Our mutual dependence leads to the question, who owns whom? This exhibition brings together celebrated New Yorkers such as William Wegman and Elliott Erwitt along with an international roster of contemporary practitioners to explore our relationship to our pets, in all its complexity.”
Best in Show includes several special sections that offer viewers tactile experiences. One area of the show, featuring a video by artist Leila Jeffreys of birds, includes an installation with a bench and trees to mimic the experience of sitting in a park and enjoying nature. Another area features a wall covered in faux fur and portraits of people with their animals, offering a delightful contrast between forms.
Alongside a robust lineup of programming, Fotografiska New York has partnered with pet nutrition brand Badlands Ranch, the ultra-premium dog nutrition brand by Emmy-winning actress and animal activist Katherine Heigl. Partial ticketing proceeds ($1 from every ticket sold) from the exhibition will directly support Badlands Ranch’s philanthropic partner, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation. "Animals and art are two things I am very passionate about,” says Badlands Ranch founder Katherine Heigl. “So I am excited to celebrate some of the world's greatest photographers and artists while honoring our love for our pets.”
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| Calvin, Cone of Shame, 2017 © Winnie Au.jpg |
In total, the exhibition features 25 artists (six based in New York) from around the globe including Akseli Valmunen, Areca Roe, Carli Davidson, Dolly Faibyshev, Elliott Erwitt, Gerrard Gethings, Heather Phillipson, Hellen van Meene, Jeff Koons, John Hiltunen, Kári Björn, Leila Jeffreys, Lisa Strömbeck, Martin Parr, Martin Usborne, Ralph Hargarten, Robert Bahou, Robin Schwartz, Sage Sohier, Sophie Gamand, Tim Flach, Visarute Angkatavanich, Walter Chandoha, William Wegman, Winnie Au.
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| Pooches-41 © Kári Björn.jpg |
For more information, visit Fotografiska, a destination to discover world-class photography, eclectic programming, elevated dining and surprising new perspectives..
Source: Fotografiska Press Release (Photos Courtesy of Fotografiska)
Note: Kitty & Doggie News is looking forward to visiting this exhibit dedicated to pets and photography, two of our favorite topics. In our own pet sanctuary, we have Shalom the cockapoo; Blessing and Esperanza, the cats; and Peace and Lovely, the budgies. They are regular models.
#kittydoggienews #clariselphoto #petphotography #photography #animallovers
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