When Dogs Become Art: A Curator’s Playful Rebellion Against the Ordinary
There’s something undeniably captivating about an art exhibit that dares to take itself lightly while still digging deep. Michael Morgan’s Deus Ex Bark-ina at the Ely Center of Contemporary Art in New Haven is exactly that—a show that, on the surface, seems like a whimsical celebration of dogs, but beneath the bark (pun very much intended), it’s a thoughtful exploration of how we project meaning onto our four-legged companions. Personally, I think this is where the exhibit shines: it’s not just about dogs; it’s about us, our obsessions, and the stories we tell through them.
The Title: A Masterclass in Subtle Provocation
Let’s start with the name. Deus Ex Bark-ina is a clever riff on deus ex machina, the ancient theatrical device where a god swoops in to resolve a plot. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Morgan ties it to the role of dogs in our lives. Dogs, he argues, are our modern-day saviors—not in a divine sense, but in how they rescue us from loneliness, anxiety, and even our own humanity. In my opinion, this is a brilliant way to elevate the exhibit beyond mere cuteness. It’s a reminder that dogs aren’t just pets; they’re symbols of loyalty, protection, and, yes, even divinity. After all, as Morgan points out, ‘dog’ spelled backward is ‘god.’ Coincidence? I don’t think so.
Curating with a Short Leash: The Art of Boundaries
One thing that immediately stands out is Morgan’s strict curation process. He deliberately avoided the trap of turning the exhibit into a pet memorial. No photos of fluffy Fidos or sentimental portraits allowed. Instead, he focused on artists who use dogs as a vehicle for deeper exploration. This raises a deeper question: Why do we so often reduce dogs to mere subjects of affection rather than catalysts for artistic innovation? From my perspective, Morgan’s approach forces us to see dogs not as objects of nostalgia but as complex, multifaceted muses.
From Greco-Roman Heroes to Modern Companions
What many people don’t realize is how the portrayal of dogs in art has evolved over centuries. In Greco-Roman times, they were depicted as symbols of heroism and loyalty. Today, they’re more likely to represent community and groundedness. This shift is both cultural and psychological. If you take a step back and think about it, it reflects our own changing relationship with dogs—from working animals to emotional support systems. Morgan’s exhibit captures this beautifully, showcasing how artists across eras have used dogs to mirror societal values.
The Artists: A Pack of Visionaries
The diversity of work in Deus Ex Bark-ina is staggering. Emilie Louise Gossiaux, a blind artist, creates pieces inspired by her seeing-eye dog, blending vulnerability with strength. Kati Gegenheimer’s Mars at the Door is deceptively simple—a colorful painting of a rescue dog on a welcome mat—but it carries a subtle tension, like a modern-day ‘barbarians at the gate.’ Then there’s Douglas Degges, who transforms chewed dog toys into art, and Hyunjin Park, whose skeletal assemblage Three Bodies of Cerberus is both haunting and thought-provoking. What this really suggests is that dogs aren’t just subjects; they’re mediums through which artists explore life, death, and everything in between.
The Ely Center: A Space in Transition
The exhibit’s venue adds another layer of intrigue. The Ely Center, a 60-year-old institution, recently relocated from its historic home to a temporary space. This transition mirrors the exhibit’s theme of adaptability and resilience—much like dogs themselves. In my opinion, this juxtaposition is no accident. It’s a reminder that art, like life, thrives in flux.
Will Dogs Attend? The Irony of Exclusion
Here’s a detail that I find especially interesting: Morgan isn’t sure if dogs will be allowed to attend the exhibit. Yet, the closing reception plans to feature adoptable dogs. This irony isn’t lost on me. It highlights the strange disconnect between how we celebrate dogs in art and how we treat them in reality. What this really suggests is that while we elevate dogs to symbolic heights, we often fall short in our treatment of them.
Final Thoughts: Why This Exhibit Matters
Deus Ex Bark-ina isn’t just a dog-themed art show; it’s a cultural commentary wrapped in playful cleverness. It challenges us to rethink our relationship with dogs, with art, and with ourselves. Personally, I think it’s a testament to Morgan’s vision that he’s managed to create something both accessible and profound. If you’re in New Haven, go see it—not just for the art, but for the questions it leaves you with. After all, as Morgan himself might say, the best art isn’t just about what’s on the wall; it’s about what it stirs within you.
