By Karim Hammam
The humble dachshund takes center stage at a new exhibition in Germany exploring the breed's history in art. "The Dachshund: An Icon off the Leash" opened Saturday at the Kunsthalle Bremen, showcasing artwork by dachshund owners and admirers including Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, and Andy Warhol.
Exhibition scope and highlights
Museum director Christoph Grunenberg said the show is believed to be the world's first dedicated to the dachshund in art rather than dogs in general. The exhibition includes paintings, drawings, photography, video, stuffed toy dogs, and numerous dachshund-themed objects. Loans have come from institutions in Edinburgh, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh, among others.
Artistic contributions
German artist Thorsten Brinkmann honored the breed's reputation as a "handbag dog" with a bronze sculpture featuring a handbag on dachshund legs. His colorful "Toxie Love" installation sets a playful tone, incorporating collectibles loaned by the Dachshund Museum in Regensburg.
Dog-friendly experience
For several hours on Thursdays and Saturdays, the museum allows dachshunds and other small dogs into three of its eight rooms. Conditions include a maximum shoulder height of 30 centimeters and an online time-slot ticket. A "Dachshund Lounge" serves as a waiting area where dogs can interact and explore.
Personal connections
Finnish photographer Elina Brotherus' 13-year-old dachshund Marcello, her model since 2013, previewed the exhibition. Brotherus described the dog as her "baby" after being unable to have children. Visitor Kelsey Crossman, originally from Florida, attended with her dachshund Leonidas, noting the breed's strong, stubborn attitude and portability.
