The FURiends: Portrayals of Cats & Dogs exhibition explores the idea of pets as an artist’s companion and support system, and depicts their quirky personalities.
The gallery’s e-catalogue mentions that the inspiration for the subject of the exhibition comes from animals having played a significant role in the lives of many influential artists, including Frida Kahlo, who owned various exotic pets, and Andy Warhol, who had an affection for cats and dogs.
The gallery features works from 21 artists, and includes a range of styles, including photorealistic paintings and self-portraits, which truly document and define the connection that the artists have with their furry companions.
Local artist Fadilah Karim’s “Companion Since 2011” (2020), for instance, could be a self-portrait. The image is of a girl sitting with two cats, and there is an air of mystery looming over her as she looks towards an empty space not shown in the image.
For the observer, there is nothing in the painting that indicates the predicament that the girl is perhaps going through, but whatever it is, it is implied that she seeks comfort from the friendly felines that keep her grounded.