A Dog’s Life: Dogs in Art and Design

There are few relationships as universally understood as the bond between humans and dogs. Faithful companions, protectors, muses and members of the family, dogs have long occupied a special place in our homes, our memories and our culture. A dog’s lifethe ambitious traveling exhibition of 20-21 Visual Arts Centercelebrates this enduring relationship through an extraordinary collection of contemporary art, illustrations, sculptures, photographs and interactive experiences.

Bringing together more than 100 works by international artists, designers, illustrators and creators, the exhibition explores not only dogs themselves, but also the emotional, cultural and creative influence they have on our lives. The exhibition captures the humor, camaraderie, playfulness, loyalty and even therapeutic comfort that dogs represent, while demonstrating how deeply embedded they are in artistic practice across all disciplines.

A traveling exhibition connecting communities

Originally launched at 20-21 Visual Arts Center in 2024, A dog’s life has since become a major touring exhibition traveling across the UK, presenting audiences across the country with a vibrant and diverse celebration of canine-inspired creativity.

The exhibition journey so far includes:

• 20-21 Visual Arts Center — until October 26, 2024
• Kirkleatham Museum and Grounds — March 8, 2025 – June 29, 2025
• The Harley gallery — July 12, 2025 – September 21, 2025
• Run away — February 13, 2026 – June 14, 2026

The exhibition is expected to continue touring through the end of 2027, allowing even more audiences to experience its unique combination of art, storytelling and interaction.

In every place, A dog’s life has transformed gallery spaces into immersive environments filled with personality, humor and emotional resonance. The exhibition was particularly successful in welcoming a wider audience into the galleries – from families to dog enthusiasts to contemporary art enthusiasts – breaking down barriers and creating an accessible and joyful cultural experience.

Art inspired by man’s best friend

What makes A dog’s life the breadth of artistic responses to dogs as subject and source of inspiration is particularly compelling. The exhibition features internationally renowned artists alongside contemporary designers, photographers, illustrators and sculptors, each exploring the canine world from their own perspective.

Among the artists featured are Sophie Ryder, William Wegman, David Shrigley, Gerrard Gethings, Rafael Mantesso, Shauna Richardson, Sophie Gamond, Lazerianand many more.

The exhibition balances humor with deeper emotional narratives. French-American artist Sophie Gamond is known for photographing rescue pit bulls adorned with delicate flower crowns – work that has helped reshape perceptions around shelter dogs and helped find homes for many of the animals featured.

Meanwhile, Brazilian illustrator Rafael Mantesso rose to international fame after overcoming depression following her divorce by creating playful illustrations around her bull terrier, Jimmy Choo, in her all-white apartment. His imaginative drawings transformed his and his dog’s lives into an artistic collaboration and globally recognized social media phenomenon.

Elsewhere, visitors encounter the spirit of David Shrigleywhose instantly recognizable sketch-like works inject humor and absurdity into everyday observations, while ceramic artist Martha Todd explores society’s fascination with dressing dogs through playful sculptural forms.

One of the most notable installations in the exhibition is the life-size crocheted dog made by Shauna Richardsonwhose painstakingly crafted sculptures blur the line between textile art and realism, showcasing the extraordinary emotional presence that dogs can have in art.

Interactive, accessible and family-friendly

Beyond the works themselves, A dog’s life embraces interactivity and accessibility in ways that encourage visitors of all ages to creatively engage with the exhibition.

Throughout the route, visitors were invited to:

• Draw and display their own “dog paw traits”
• Take part in dog-themed courses and competitions
• Explore interactive digital tools that turn visitors into dogs
• Share stories about what dogs mean to them personally

HAS most placeswell-behaved dogs were even welcomed into the gallery space for the first time, reinforcing the inclusive and festive spirit of the exhibition.

The exhibition shows how contemporary galleries can become more engaging, playful and community-oriented without losing depth or artistic integrity.

Lazerian Man’s Best Friend Reassembled

Among the many works featured in the exhibition are: Lazerianthe sculptural piece of Man’s Best Friend Reassembled — a striking work of art exploring the relationship between camaraderie, technology, memory and material culture.

Inspired by Gerald, the iconic geometric dog that forms the foundation of Lazerian identity, the sculpture reimagines the canine form using reclaimed and pre-loved materials. The piece combines old electronics, tangled wires, worn soccer balls, and discarded signs to create a layered narrative around modern life and our evolving relationship with technology and animals.

The work reflects on how dogs remain symbols of authenticity, loyalty and emotional connection in an increasingly digital world. By assembling the sculpture from objects already rooted in the history and meaning of humanity, the piece becomes more than a physical representation of a dog: it becomes a portrait of contemporary life itself.

Elements such as stop-and-go signs reference the structured commands dogs are trained to follow, while worn soccer balls evoke shared play, nostalgia and human memory. Meanwhile, outdated electronics and cables symbolize the ever-present role of technology in modern society.

The sculpture was commissioned after the exhibition curator discovered Lazerian and Gerald, recognizing the connection between Lazerian’s geometric and material artistic language and the themes explored in A dog’s life. The resulting work fits comfortably within the exhibition while providing a distinctive commentary on the intersection between humanity, technology, and emotional connection.

More than a dog exhibition

Even though dogs are the focus, A dog’s life ultimately becomes an exhibition about people – about camaraderie, identity, caring, humor, resilience and creativity. The exhibition reveals how dogs profoundly influence our emotional lives and how artists continue to use them as symbols, collaborators and sources of creative inspiration.

As the exhibition continues to tour across the UK until 2027, it is a reminder of the power that exhibitions can have when they combine accessibility, emotional resonance and a strong curatorial vision. Whether through sculpture, photography, illustration or interactive experiences, A dog’s life celebrates the simple yet profound relationship between humans and their canine companions – a bond that continues to inspire artists around the world.

Photography by Alex Wilkinson Media, courtesy of the Harley Foundation.