Canis Major: Andy Warhol’s Dogs and Cats (And Other Party Animals.)

Andy Warhol (Artist, with his dog Archie), 1973, Photograph © Jack Mitchell

I think The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh is one of the true gems of the art world. Its intimate size, the context of the city he was born in, and the comprehensive yet wildly creative displays make it a sheer pleasure to visit.

Now, The Warhol has mounted a show that’s right up my alley and I wish I could blink my eyes and be back in Pittsburgh this week to experience Canis Major: Andy Warhol’s Dogs and Cats (And Other Party Animals). Oh, and in my wish I’d take all my Dog Art Today readers too.

Since a giant field trip to the ‘Burgh is impossible, here are some examples of the pets who passed through Warhol’s life and work.

Portrait of Maurice by Andy Warhol, painting-silkscreen, 1976

Dog (Great Dane) painting by Andy Warhol, 1976

Dachshund (Archie), 1976, synthetic polymer paint and silkscreen ink on canvas. (Via The Long and Short of it All.)

One Blue Pussy by Andy Warhol, 1954

Red Sam by Andy Warhol, 1954

Andy Warhol and Archie sit for a press photo in New York. (Via The Long and Short of it All.)

Dog photograph by Andy Warhol

Dachshund Photograph of Archie by Andy Warhol, 1976

Portrait of Andy Warhol by Jamie Wyeth, 1976 (via Art Dog Blog. I’m not sure if it’s in the show, but I had to include it here — wonderful!)

There is also an awesome interactive element to the exhibit. Weekend visitors are shown how to paint Warhol style portraits of homeless animals from the Animal Friends shelter in Ohio Township in order to help the animals find homes. Already several dogs and cats have been adopted.

Portraits of a rabbit, a cat, and a dog from Animal Friends were painted in Warhol style for the exhibition.

This exhibit that combines Andy Warhol’s passion for animals, a chance to make your own Warhol portrait, and, quite possibly, adopt a pet in need of a home is a brilliant tribute to the man who once wrote, “I never met a pet I didn’t like.” I didn’t think I could admire Andy Warhol more. I was wrong. I love that he loved pets so much and I love that his foundation continues to think like he did. What a truly awesome legacy!

Read more about the exhibition in Linda Wilson Fuoco’s Pittburgh Post-Gazette article, “Animal Magnetism: Warhol Museum Going to the Dogs…and Cats.” The exhibition runs until May 4, 2008.

P.S. Learn more about Warhol’s silkscreening process here.