– Wow, says Nala (1) about the art around her. The little Doxipoo sniffs around at his first art exhibition. She is most interested in the sausage pieces decorated with cocktail umbrellas. – Thank you for being able to come, says artist Erik Pirolt to Nala and squats down. The dog jumps up eagerly and receives another piece of sausage. Nala got pieces of sausage from Erik Pirolt at his art exhibition. Photo: Per Tomas Govertsen – No, we have never done this before, says gallery owner Bernt Bisseth. He puts on “Who let the dogs out” at the facility and laughs. He is asked what it is like to open the doors for a gang of dogs. In a gallery with lots of valuable art wherever you stand, look or step. – It’s really fun then. But with white walls and new floors, I hope no one will splash around here, Bisseth says with a smile. Una (13) takes a little sniff at art, and then the thoughts turned to something else. Smells like your own ass The man behind this somewhat special experiment is artist Erik Pirolt. He has filled the gallery with sculptures of dogs in all possible shapes and forms. – Yes, dogs are very concerned about smelling in the ass. But this sculpture can also be a picture of being curious, or that you are self-absorbed, says Pirolt. He is known for using humor and thinking outside the box with his art projects. – I have long been motivated to invite dogs to a show with other dogs. This is a dream come true, says the artist. Pirolt has previously made the world’s largest marzipan pig. The fountain sculpture called “Grandma’s last while” engaged many. During the exhibition The Swan Song, Pirolt had made his own coffin with an outboard motor. At Christmas 2020, Pirolt made a corona Christmas ball that set the minds on fire. Anxiety about dogs As a child, Pirolt was attacked by a dog. Since then, he has always had a strong fear of dogs, especially large dogs. – When I see a dog, it’s very strange. I know there is nothing to be afraid of, but the body still reacts. This has resulted in Pirolt having worked a lot with dogs in his art, and now he wants to take dog anxiety seriously. He also encourages others who are afraid of dogs to come to the show. – It can be a very good feeling to dry and face the fear. And now I hope we can be more who can face this anxiety together, he says. Erik Pirolt in full swing to hang up his exhibition. Photo: Mairi Macdonald / NRK Most expensive exhibition we have had There are valuable dog sculptures in different sizes and shapes to be exhibited. According to gallery owner Bisseth, this is the most expensive exhibit they have had. In a double sense. – Sculptures are the most expensive thing you can make. So this production is expensive, says the owner of the gallery. – But what about the most expensive exhibition in a gallery full of dogs? – I feared chaos here, but this was an experience no one has had before. Real fun, says Bisseth.
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Artist Erik Pirolt has dog anxiety
