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Vertical Gallery presents Lost and Found, the debut US solo show from British artist My Dog Sighs. Inspired by the beauty of urban decay, My Dog Sighs upcycles old cans and other objects, and adorns them with beautifully detailed faces. The artist’s work forms a narrative based on counterpointed poignancy that resonate with those that have the opportunity to find them. Moments of loss and then being found echo the materials used. My Dog Sighs’ Lost and Found is September 6 – 27, 2014 with an opening reception with the artist on Saturday, September 6, 6-10PM.
Painting on recycled materials is a signature of My Dog Sighs’ work, most recognizable are food, drink and spray cans, which are twisted, crushed and hand painted. Each has its own character, be it melancholic clown or aggressive punk. After working quietly but fervently on the streets for the last ten years, honing his craft, My Dog Sighs has this year finally found himself strapped in to a well-deserved meteoric rise. With an incredible international following in Israel, Japan and the UK, a number of sold out shows under his belt, and a strong following of staunchly loyal fans on social media; My Dog Sighs is fast becoming an important figure on the contemporary art scene.
My Dog Sighs’ style is characterised by the combination of melancholic and often naive portraiture with the use of found materials including used spray paint cans or abandoned food cans; an unusual choice when considering traditional street art ideas of painting or pasted walls. Initially stemming from the desire to interact with the true public without causing permanent damage to public and private property this transient work is not concerned with permanence or mass audience, but a beautiful desire to communicate quietly with a single participant. Why cans? By recycling already ‘lost’ and abandoned materials, the cans add a layer of humanity and fragility echoing the solitary moment the ‘finder’ discovers this lost soul.
My Dog Sighs focuses the relationship and emotional discourse which arises between the work and the audience. Melancholic figures left on the streets pull the unsuspecting viewer into a confusing moral dilemma; where the guilt of ‘taking’ is directly opposed with the desire to nurture and protect.
Vertical Gallery 1016 N Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
