I almost didn't post about Brian Rubenacker's wonderful dog paintings today. Something about them -- their color palette, the dogs' heads under the graphics, the shape of the canvases – seemed too similar to the Nepalese dog art I featured on Tuesday. And I like to mix things up. Then, I remembered the art history class staple of the split screen critique where two styles of art are compared and contrasted. So today, I'm getting professorial and looking at Rubenacker's work in light of the Nepalese dog art tradition.
The dog art from Nepal might be classified as naïve art, defined as untrained, awkward, charming, and simple but no less powerful. Rubenacker's work could be called pseudo naïve, a term used to define a formally trained artist (Rubenacker is) who consciously ignores traditions of fine art. But I don't think it's quite the right classification for him. He doesn't exactly fall into the pop surrealist movement either, lacking the Boschian darkness common to it. So for Rubenacker, I'm coining a new classification: "Precocious Art."
His dogs are naughty and knowing. They are childlike with their toys, and as cool as Rat Packers with their martinis and highballs. They are up to no good, smoking cigarettes and getting into the cookie jar, but they are certainly not primitive in the naïve tradition, or terror-filled, hopeless, nihilistic and gruesome in the pop surrealist one. They are simply precocious. And judging from Rubenacker's success in this style, his work is found in private collections around the world, they are quite popular. Maybe "Pop Precocious" is a more accurate term to capture his unique style. Just remember you heard it here first. Class dismissed.
Rubenacker lives in Waterford Michigan with his lovely wife, René, and his two Boston Terriers. Visit his Etsy shop and his blog to learn more.
Oh wow! Great post. Love the Bostons. Keep at it kiddo and I think when you are like 60 you are going to be known as "THE" Dog Art Historian ... it could happen sooner, but we all like our Art Experts to be wrinkled,with glasses and comfortable shoes.
Posted by: Becca | May 01, 2008 at 09:14 AM
How adorable!
Posted by: WendyB | May 01, 2008 at 09:16 AM
LOL, Rebecca. I could be the Sister Wendy of Dog Art. But maybe not the nun part -- just the PBS shows traveling to all the great museums contemplating dog art.
Posted by: Moira | May 01, 2008 at 09:22 AM
I really enjoyed the article,
Thanks
Brian
Posted by: brian | May 01, 2008 at 11:01 AM
I love his work! Especially the Bostons, they are just so cute!
Posted by: liz | May 01, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Seriously, how do you find this stuff?! IT'S SO GOOD. That french doxie is my favorite. killer expression. You really will go down in history as "the dog art historian" i think.
Posted by: Grace | May 02, 2008 at 06:58 AM
Of course, as a Doxie owner, the beatnik Dachshund is my favorite too. It's called "Dachshund Cool Cat" Very groovy.
Posted by: Moira | May 02, 2008 at 07:30 AM
We LOVE LOVE LOVE the dachshund one and featured it a few months ago on our doxie news blog. Great stuff. Love the Bostons as well.
Joey and Maggie
The Long and
Short of it All
Posted by: Joey and Maggie | May 02, 2008 at 03:28 PM
hi moira!
i just love his bostons and pugs! what a great post!
:) melissa
Posted by: Melissa Langer | May 04, 2008 at 03:22 AM