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Thursday, March 13, 2008

If you come across stunning or artistic photos of Weimaraner dogs, chances are they are the works of the contemporary artist called William Wegman. Whatever your beliefs about Weimaraners, you cannot deny, that his photos are comical, and emotive. Many a time his Weims are dressed in tuxedos, baseball uniforms or even wedding gowns. For the sake of art it is amazing and can leave one wanting to see more of his awesome work (especially if you love a good combination of art, photography and dogs). I have been a fan of his for some time now, and feel he captures the surreal and funny side of that which is soooooo uncanine-like.

For all his genius, it was interesting for me to come across this statement, by someone who is very much against his art:

" I hope Wegman stays with his non-Weimaraner art. Wegman has HARMED this breed by making them a popular "fad" dog. People get one and THEN find out they are NOT easy dogs to own and required LOTS of exercise, time and attention. Thousands of Weims have been dumped on shelters and abandoned (and killed) by people who saw Wegman's photos and ran out and got a Weim. Weimaraners are not calm unless you give them hours of exercise or they are old."

Every coin has two sides. Thank goodness not everyone likes the same thing. It would be a boring world if everyone did. The same can be assumed about the Dalmatians. The "101 Dalmatians" created a stereotype about this breed, but in actual fact, they are also nervous dogs that need lots of exercise to be as calm and collected as the cartoon portrayed them to be.

Ultimately "To err is human; to forgive is canine." Please watch the two videos below and tell me your thoughts. I would love to hear your beliefs...If you are a proud owner of a Weimaraner and KNOW what this dog is like, would you say that art has indeed created a fad about this breed? Or no harm has been done and it remains comical and surreal to look at William Wegman's Weimaraner art which morphs that which is canine with that which is human?




Comments

What an interesting blog I must say! I was not familiar with this artist, so thank you for introducing Mr Wegman to me. It is certainly very interesting to say the least. Some I find a little kitsch, while others I really like. The baker is a classic!
It really is a unique and beautiful breed with that amazing colour. On a full moon night they can appear transparent and mysterious (hence their nickname, Grey Ghost).
I also agree this is a breed that needs an outgoing owner and one that will provide the correct discipline/training required. If not, it can be a nightmare and very tough to own with its free roaming spirit.

Ed

Posted by Ed at Friday, March 14, 2008 05:21:36

I have been familiar with Wegman's art for many years and have thought that it does possess significant aesthetic qualities, although can border on kitsch.
In regard to the statement about how Wegman's work "harmed this breed" I think that the guilt lies with the breeder or seller of these dogs and ultimately with owners who directly cause neglect. If anyone is harming the breed it's breeders or sellers that are not ensuring the proper fit between potential owner and animal. In my opinion, the artist is completely removed from the situation and in no way at fault. Perhaps the writer of this comment would also agree with statements like "the music made me do it."

Posted by Chris at Saturday, May 17, 2008 10:35:37

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