Wegman art ruff to ignore
By:
ROSS RADER
Staff Writer
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"It's a Dog's Life: Photographs by William Wegman from the Polaroid Collection"
William Wegman
Through Nov. 4
Silver Center for Photography
1015 East Carson Street, South Side
(412) 431-1810
Man Ray, Fay Ray, Battina, Crooky, Chundo, Chip, Bobbin, Candy and Penny are very photogenic.
Oftentimes, they pose naked. From time to time, they wear black leather collars. What they do is unusual, amusing and shocking. And, they're all dogs.
William Wegman's Polaroid's are not just for dog lovers. They're original and startling snapshots that can be appreciated by many --- even cat lovers. The Weimaraners that Wegman captures have become renowned worldwide --- so much so that Man Ray, the celebrated dog in many of Wegman's photos, was named "Man of the Year" in 1982 by Village Voice.
The "Man of the Year," and his canine friends can be viewed at Pittsburgh's Silver Eye Center for Photography through Nov. 4. "It's a Dog's Life: Photographs by William Wegman from the Polaroid Camera," features 28 of Wegman's Weimaraner dogs.
In a number of his photos, Wegman captures his dogs in entertaining poses. For instance, in his Polaroid "Stud" Wegman photographs a dog getting fit on an exercise bike. In another Polaroid, "Serving Trout," dogs dressed in colonial-style clothing stand around a table.
In other Polaroids, Wegman captures the Weimaraner fixed in dramatic poses. In "Roadwork," a dog lies on an open plain with an expansive evening sky. A setting sun paints cirrus clouds with orange and yellow hues. In this particular Polaroid, Wegman stresses space and color as the Weimaraner becomes a minute object in the foreground, engulfed in the vastness of the sky and the colors of the setting sun.
Likewise, in "Floor Piece II," a Weimaraner dog lies on a black floor and in front of a dark backdrop, all of which are spotted with small white confetti. This image provides a contrast that draws the viewer into the photo. Many can admire the stunning illusions that contrast has on the eye.
Wegman began his work in Polaroids in 1979. He was invited to Cambridge, Mass., along with prominent artists such as Andy Warhol and Chuck Close, to try the new Polaroid 20×24-inch camera. Wegman brought his dog, Man Ray (named after the surrealist artist) and a new concept was born. What makes Wegman's artwork truly profound is the rarity of its production.
Only six Polaroid 20×24-inch cameras exist. This 5-foot camera weighs 235 pounds and produces large format prints. Unlike most photographs that have the capability of having an unlimited number of prints, the 20×24-inch camera produces only one print. There is no negative, only a single positive print --- the only image that exists of that particular photograph.
An immense amount of work is used for each photograph. Yet Wegman is still able to add small details that give each of his photos individuality and humor. In "Fay and Andrea," Wegman's photo assistant, Andrea Beeman poses with his dog. In the photograph, both the human subject and the dog look wide-eyed.
Attention is drawn to the eyes of both subjects because of the bold stares and colors. Looking closely, the viewer can see that Wegman has added long, fake eyelashes to Fay. In "Mantle," the focus of the Polaroid seems to be a large stone fireplace. But on closer inspection, two dogs lie on top of the mantle, blending into the dark stones behind them.
William Wegman continues to create photographs, drawings, paintings and videos in New York and Maine. His large format color prints have entertained audiences that range from Sesame Street to the Whitney Museum of American Art.
His photographs will be sure to entertain Pittsburghers as his "best friend" Man Ray --- the first canine Polaroid model --- is now on display at the Silver Eye Center for Photography.
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