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https://theconversation.com/cats-and-dogs-shaped-our-world-and-art-the-ngv-gives-us-the-definitive-exhibition-241365>
"After a new relationship with pets was forged during COVID lockdown and the
phenomenon of
Bluey, we now have the definitive cats and dogs show presented
by the National Gallery of Victoria.
Can there be an intelligent show about canines and felines that goes beyond a
collection of feelgood images of our favourite pets? This exhibition sets out
to achieve this and, at least in part, succeeds.
A central question concerning pets and people is how we position ourselves in
relationship to animals. If we adopt a Judeo-Christian position – that of Adam
naming and having power over all of the animals on earth – then there is the
power relationship of ownership.
Alternatively, as understood by many First Nations peoples, many Asian
civilisations and popularised by such writers as Joseph Campbell, there are
common animal powers that mystically unite humankind with nature.
The dogs and cats that share our lives are also our distant (perhaps not that
distant) ancestors. They understand us so intimately because they are part of
us and we are part of them.
Most pet owners already know this. We did not need Rupert Sheldrake to tell us
that dogs know when their owners are coming home, but, by him telling us, this
confirms in our minds we are not simply crazy.
Nomenclature also matters – “owners”. As pointed out in the excellent book that
accompanies this exhibition, dogs may have masters, while cats have only
servants.
Do we really own our dogs and cats or simply provide for their physical needs
while they support us in countless ways?"
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
