But the exhibition itself was a pure theme of the dog itself in contemporary art. Participated were a number of well-established as well as less noticed artists. They wanted to show a breadth in different techniques and expressions. Many invited artists, but also some works of art from the municipality’s own collection. With the painting “Bruno” a tribute to Bruno Liljefors, they wanted to pay tribute to the artist Hans Wigert who passed away in 2015. Works were also borrowed from “Älskas … Ätas. An exhibition about animals to love and animals to eat ”. A basic exhibition from Östra Sörmlands museum in collaboration with Sörmlands Naturbruk, which was shown at Nynäs castle-Tystberga. www.sormlandsmuseum.se

Paying attention to the dog in art was perhaps no coincidence as several of the art gallery’s employees have for many years been great dog lovers and participants in dog clubs or competitions, as well as organizers of collective dog walks in Södertälje. Given the staff’s many contacts with dog experts, there were of course a series of lectures, demonstrations and workshops inside the exhibition. Everything from art shows with the artists, to more practice – good to know about the dog’s care. The art gallery hosts were involved in the manufacture of dog toys during opening hours. The dog is probably one of the most depicted pets in art, not least as a symbol of fidelity in older paintings as in Jan van Eyck’s “Arnolfini’s betrothal” from 1434.

Source: HIGH TAIL GUARD – the dog in art, Kristina Möller, sum-up by Anneli Karlsson.