William Wegman’s iconic dog photos now on display at two Upstate NY art galleries

William Wegman and some of his famous photos of his Weimaraner dogs are part of a collaboration now showing at two Upstate New York galleries.

The exhibition, titled “Representation & Experimentation: The Photography of William Wegman,” showcases a selection of Wegman’s iconic canine photos, renowned for their whimsical and thought-provoking depictions of his pets.

At the Arnot Art Museum in Elmira, visitors to the Southern Tier can explore the whimsical side of Wegman’s dog portraiture (Representation), while The Rockwell Museum in nearby Corning features photos of dogs as art (Experimentation).

Arnot’s exhibit will last until August 20 and Rockwell’s portion will be on display until September 3.

One of Wegman’s “postcard paintings” will also be on display amongst The Rockwell’s permanent collection.

Wegman, a pioneering figure in contemporary art, began photographing his Weimaraners in the 1970s. His use of props, costumes and settings elevated his work beyond traditional pet photography, transforming it into an exploration of the human condition, identity and playfulness.

By the late 80s and early 90s, his gray ghosts, namely Man Ray, Fay Ray and Flo had exploded into popularity and pop culture. Their photos were on calendars and greeting cards. Videos of the dogs were seen on “Saturday Night Live” and soon “Sesame Street” teaching kids the alphabet, how to count, and even how to make bread.

Now more than four decades later, Wegman has worked with several Weimaraner models, a sporting breed nicknamed the “gray ghost” for both its foggy fur color and light-colored eyes, as well as its sneaky and furtive hunting style.

In addition to the photos at The Rockwell, visitors will find multiple interactive stations, including the “Design Your Own Weimaraner Dog Portrait” station.

Visitors who explore both the Arnot and Rockwell can also pick up an “Art Hunt” at galleries’ Admission Desks and complete the activitiy for a fun and fuzzy prize.

See more details about the exhibit at The Rockwell Museum website.

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