Beware of Dawg 2: An Immersive Art Exhibit Celebrating Canines

Division 9 Gallery is hosting “Beware of Dawg 2” through August 23. The Andrew Barsoum (Abars) curated exhibition creates a vaguely familiar neighborhood on the gallery floor and walls. It evokes the densely populated suburban streets where dogs guard homes behind chain links and Chihuahuas roam free with fearless confidence far bigger than the dog itself.

The exhibition features collaborative works by Abars and artists such as Carlos Ramírez, Tofu, Upseto, Guez, and more. The artwork, which spans various media from paint on canvas to garage sale finds, evokes a sense of nostalgia and humor while paying homage to dogs’ serious and sometimes silly nature. There is some kitsch, but it is clear that the dog is being given its due space and resting on the lap of human society.

Art is documentary evidence of the deep and ancient connection between people and puppies. As long as there has been art, dogs have been the subject of art, from medieval dogs on the throne of a potentate to dogs donning visors playing pool. We include dogs in our art because dogs are important in our lives.

If you are looking for perfect technique and polish, there is probably another dog art exhibit that may better suit you. If you’re looking for a fun look into a complex cultural connection between humans and (in my opinion) humanity’s most important partner, the dog, stop by Division 9 in the next couple of weeks.