The world of pets is full of wonderful, surprising, exciting stories… and sometimes a little sui generis. Such is the case with Dogumenta, an art fair exclusively for our furry friends. An initiative that began in 2017 in New York, naturally, and that will have a sequel this September, only this time in Los Angeles.
We have Jessica Dawson to thank for the idea, the mastermind behind this great (and crazy) concept, an art critic for years and the mother of Rocky, an adopted mixed-breed terrier. Inspired by «Documenta», the major art exhibition held in the German city of Kassel, Dawson thought she could emulate the major exhibition that sets the course for the art world… and create an alternative event in New York, although for a very different target audience.
And so, as a tribute somewhere between a prank and a joke, «Dogumenta» was born (a play on words combining dog + documenta). It was an exhibition that could be visited from the 11th to the 13th of the previous year, for which ten works were created specifically… for the pure enjoyment of the ARISTODOGS.
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At the time, the initiative had many detractors, but also many fans, who welcomed the news enthusiastically and rushed to visit the exhibition accompanied by their best friends. These loyal supporters witnessed their dogs looking happy and interested as they wandered among the works of art. They were the ones who encouraged Dawson to pursue her dream, take her project more seriously and present the exhibition as an annual event.
And so it has been. The new edition of «Dogumenta» is on its way, and Dawson says she remains faithful to her initial principle: «to treat ARISTODOGS and ARISTOCATS with love and respect». According to her, that is all there is to it. No schemes, no desire for notoriety, nothing of the sort.
As for the selection of the works, Dawson says there is no trickery involved there either. The person who selects them is Rocky, her best friend. The burden of choosing the works rests on his sense of smell, hearing and canine judgment. His work as an art curator is undeniable, as well as admirable, since every piece he chooses ends up provoking many emotions and memorable moments among the canine attendees of the exhibition.
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Regarding criticism of the works, Dawson says that the pieces displayed in the exhibition are not critiqued with words or published in The New York Times. The best criticism a work can receive… will always be an organic one. In other words, a lick or a nibble. Or it may even come in the form of urine, demonstrating that the dog loves the work and wants to mark its territory. Human interpretations therefore have no place here. Dogumenta is a fantastic doggy affair.
After all, some things should not be given more importance or be searched for deeper meaning. In this case, it is simply about giving pet lovers and pets themselves an opportunity to leave the house and make a plan together, while interacting with other owners and other pets. «It is an opportunity to meet people, have a good time and be surprised by the sensitivity and intelligence of pets», says Dawson. And that is all.