Best in Show: Pets in Contemporary Photography

SEPTEMBER 22 - JANUARY 27, 2024

Fotografiska New York

Henry and Hope ©Gerrard-Gethings 

Explore the role our furry (and feathered) friends have played in culture and how they stand in as representations of status, power, loyalty, compassion and companionship through the perspectives of 25 global artists.

Among the works on view are examples by William Wegman, famed for his portraits of his Weimaraners; Walter Chandoha, the world’s first professional cat photographer; and Sophie Gamand, known for her touching, sensitive photographs of dogs taking baths.

With this exhibition we want to celebrate and acknowledge our constant companions, their presence in Western art and popular culture, and our multifaceted relationship with them. We place these animals on a pedestal, and consider them from all perspectives: as life partners, status symbols, friends and family members, and as works of art.

Our mutual dependence leads to the question, who owns whom? This exhibition brings together celebrated New Yorkers and an international roster of contemporary practitioners to explore our relationship to our pets, in all its complexity.

Sophie Wright

Executive Director, Fotografiska New York

THE ARTISTS

Akseli Valmunen/ Areca Roe/ Carli Davidson/ Dolly Faibyshev/ Elliott Erwitt/ Gerrard Gethings/ Heather Phillipson/ Hellen van Meene/ Jeff Koons/ John Hiltunen/ Kári Björn/ Leila Jeffreys/ Lisa Strömbeck/ Martin Parr/ Martin Usborne/ Ralph Hargarten/ Robert Bahou/ Robin Schwartz/ Sage Sohier/ Sophie Gamand/ Tim Flach/ Visarute Angkatavanich/ Walther Chandoha/ William Wegman/ Winnie Au 

Fotografiska New York is the NYC location of the renowned Stockholm-based destination for the world’s best photography. Founded in 2010, Fotografiska was built on the foundation of photography as a haven for inclusivity and free expression.

Our goal is to inspire a more conscious world through the art of photography. We showcase the greatest photographers, whether they’re emerging artists or already established internationally.

The building is a registered landmark built in 1894 and originally named “The Church Mission House”. We’ve renovated this iconic jewel to be a new experience of world-class art, cultural events, retail, and epicurean dining, in an awe-inspiring space.

https://www.fotografiska.com