For centuries dogs have played the role of confidante, silent critic and muse to artists. With tireless devotion these four-legged companions sit quietly yet alert on studio floors while works are created. Artists Jason Benjamin, Lucy Culliton, Jason Fitzgerald, James Guppy, Claudia Greathead, Linde Ivimey, Rhys Lee, Adam Lester, William Mackinnon, Robert Malherbe, Guy Maestri, Leith Maguire, Ben Quilty, Monica Rohan, Martin Smith, Marina Strocchi, Deborah Williams and Heidi Yardley present ‘Dog Days’ in honour of their special friends.
Lucy Culliton owns several dogs. Her studio is scattered with mattresses for her five trusty studio assistants. Ben Quilty’s dog Betsy was given to him as a puppy by his friend and fellow artist Luke Sciberras and Rhys Lee’s dog Stan is a 15 year old Kelpie-Collie beloved by the entire family.
Speaking about her dog, Strocchi states: “Jaffa is our studio dog. She came to us at three months old from Yuendumu. The Warlukurlangu Art Centre at Yuendumu has run the dog adoption program Aussie Desert Dogs since 2007. They have adopted out over 500 dogs. The sweet puppy is now five years old and spends most of the day in repose”
Jan Murphy Gallery
Until 25 March, 2017
Queensland
Martin Smith, Johnny Presley, 2017, LP records, 30 x 60cm
Marina Strocchi, Jaffa, 2016, acrylic on linen, 65 x 81cm
Courtesy the artist and Jan Murphy Gallery, Queensland
