The Cape Town-based art gallery Nel invites everyone to the Dog Show that starts on June 5, 2025. The exhibition has been planned for many years, almost since the moment of Nel’s launch in 2019, and has finally found a space within the gallery program this month. As the winter season in South Africa sets in, Nel welcomes fans of dog-related art and canine owners to a show with a difference.
A Cultural Tribute to the Tradition of Dog Shows
The upcoming show will present all kinds of art dedicated to dogs. Some artists create art for their dogs; some create art, being inspired by their dogs; some just love making canine sculptures or photographing their pets in a creative way. All of these art objects are included in the show, which will be of a malleable nature, meaning that new items will be added on the go.
Though advocates of high professional standards in dog shows may be skeptical about the arrangement, the exhibition takes a sympathetic and appreciative approach to every dog participant. Curators of the show set no preferences or eligibility criteria for the dogs’ breed or beauty. The only criterion for participation is not to be a cat; all dogs are invited!
The 2025 Dog Show: Every Dog Is a Winner
The exhibition opens on Thursday, June 5, with a preview available from noon and an official opening scheduled for 5.30pm. Amateur works of art, paintings, sketches, and photos will be displayed side by side with professional dog paintings by Luan Nel, Katherine Bull, and Anton Karstel, among others.
The main creative idea behind the Nel Dog Show is to give every dog enough visibility and pay tribute to its huge role in its owner’s life. Here, every dog is a winner, and every attendee of the show (whether in the form of artwork or personally) receives multiple Rosettes regardless of their competitive standing and compliance with aesthetic standards in the professional canine show world.
Besides, Nel is happy to announce an opportunity to win a Spa Day at Pet Spa in Gardens Center, which every dog can compete for. Let’s pay tribute to dogs and make them the heroes of this winter season at Nel, giving each pet owner a chance to tell a unique story about their beloved life companion. The exhibition will be on view at the gallery until July 31, 2025.