A Doggy Do With Artist Andrew Baines

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Posted 2017-09-27 by Dave Walsh ⇒ follow

Fri 27 Oct 2017 - Sat 18 Nov 2017

Andrew Baines is an Adelaide artist with a reputation for surreal paintings and very odd public photo shoots. A lesser known fact about Andrew is that he is passionate about dogs. Especially small dogs. With short legs. And German accents.

Perhaps the photo shoot of Short Legged Dogs Unite at Henley Beach was a giveaway? About a hundred low flying dogs (Dachsunds) hustled their suited owners along for a day at the beach last year for an event that has now been immortalised on Youtube.

But Andrew Baines is not satisfied with merely making these beasts the subject of his artwork. He says
"Quite a few years back, I decided that Dachshunds needed some limelight, as they seemed to be overshadowed by the then trendy pocket dogs and the many larger breeds. I like to use my art to highlight the plight of minorities and I felt like Dachshunds were a good metaphor.

When I organised for 50 Dachshunds and their suited owners to march up and down Henley beach, the event was well received by the media (and of course the dogs and their owners). Before long, Dachshund races and other events began appearing in the media.

Last year, again I organised a dog walk but this time I opened it up to all short legged dogs. About 100 short stature dogs marched in solidarity through the streets of Henley Beach, across traffic lights and through public areas to the bemusement of onlookers. Inspired by this event, I decided to create a unique series of dog paintings.

In March, I had an art exhibition opening at Sydney's Soho Galleries especially for dogs. I even put out a red carpet and invited a few celebrity dogs. The world media turned up to cover the event. I was the first artist in the world to have an art opening especially for dogs!"

Inspired by the reception to his art exhibition in Sydney, Andrew Baines is now giving short dogs in his home town a chance to rub hindquarters with the rich and famous of Adelaide. He explains:
"At my Perth exhibition opening at Gallows Gallery, I decided to invite only Dachshunds. Over a hundred sausage dogs took over the gallery, it was bizarre but great. After the event I received many emails from other small dog breeds wishing they could've attended.

On Saturday October 28 at 2pm, I will cordially invite every short legged dog in South Australia to their own special opening, to view my latest series of dog paintings at my latest art exhibition. The creations have titles like Four Legs Good, Two Legs Bad, Small Dog Syndrome and Strangers are Friends Waiting to Happen."

Andrew Baines' new art exhibition is being held at BMG Art Gallery, 444 South Road Marleston from Friday 27 October to Saturday 18 November 2017. However short legged dogs (and their friends) are only invited to the opening day on Saturday October 28.

Attire: Humans - black suit, dogs - strong lead
Catering: four legged patrons - doggy bits & water, two legged patrons - wine
For more information please contact Andrew Baines via email [email protected]

NEWS FLASH: Celebrity Dachshunds Bella & Bailey who have 52,000 Instagram followers will be attending the Doggy Do with artist Andrew Baines. Autographs may be available on request.