Dogs on display!

AN exhibition of dog themed art has opened at the Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries .

‘A Dog’s Life’ 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.

It features pieces by Brazilian artist, Rafael Mantesso, who uses photography and illustration to create imaginary scenes around his beloved bulldog, Jimmy Choo; Sophie Gamand, a French artist and photographer living in Los Angeles, who makes flower crowns for Pit Bull rescue dogs; Sophie Ryder, will be showing a bronze sculpture entitled ‘Dancing Dogs’, along with a stunning portrait of one of her dogs; London based Martha Todd has created four ceramic sculptures which explore our obsession with putting clothes on dogs; while 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.

The exhibition also includes a selection of artworks from dog-themed children’s books created by well-known illustrators.

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.

It runs until September 5.