Introducing Dogman and Rabbitgirl

[AdamGT]

These two larger-than-life bronze characters, Dogman and Rabbitgirl (who later became Rabbitwoman), have been seen in various places and in different forms around the world including Sydney and Melbourne, Australia and New York, NY at 237 Park Ave and 142 W 49th St. They were created in 2011 by Sydney based artist couple Marc and Gillie Schattner, lovers of conceptual contemporary artists like Jeff Koons, Banksy and Damien Hirst. Why a dog and a rabbit? Well as unlikely animal kingdom companions, together they tell the autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together to become best friends and soul mates. Gillie is Catholic and Marc is Jewish and the unlikely couple married seven days after they met, in a Hindu ceremony! As well as sculptures Gillie and Marc have won international awards for their contemporary paintings like first prize at the 2009 Biennale of Chianciano Tuscany, Italy for their painting, He’ll never be famous but he doesn’t give a damn, he’s a musician.

So as well as sabre fencing you’re likely to see some interesting characters at St Kilda Beach!

Caption: Another view of Dogman and Rabbitgirl having their a morning coffee on the St Kilda Beach Promenade (LG: @AdamGT )

Caption: The muscular Dogman with his morning coffee staring out onto St Kilda Beach (LG: @AdamGT )

Caption: The feminine Rabbitgirl with her morning coffee staring out onto St Kilda Beach (LG: @AdamGT )

Caption: A view of Dogman and Rabbitgirl with St Kilda Beach in the background (LG: @AdamGT )

Caption: A close up head shot of Dogman gazing out at St Kilda Beach (LG: @AdamGT )

Caption: A close up of the feminine Rabbitgirl with her morning coffee staring out onto St Kilda Beach (LG: @AdamGT )

Caption: Frontal view of the muscular Dogman with his morning coffee staring out onto St Kilda Beach (LG: @AdamGT )

Caption: Dogman’s feet and manhood all in bronze at St Kilda Beach (LG: @AdamGT )

As you will have seen in some of my earlier posts like Captain James Cook, the Architectural fragment and the Public purse, I love innovative public art and, as well as taking photos of these, always stop to ask myself ‘now what’s this all about?’.

Have you seen and photographed any innovative/contemporary public art in your travels?

[MAHBUB_HYDER]

Hi @AdamGT

So nice photography of statues

Thanks for sharing

[AdamGT]

Hi @MAHBUB_HYDER

I’m so happy that you were so quick off the mark and enjoyed them.

[MoniDi]

Wow @AdamGT ,

Thanks for introducing us to Dogman and Rabbitgirl. This is the first time that I see and hear about them but they seem like an attraction for the area. Thanks for telling their story. Do you know if any similar statues exist in your area?

I have seen many bronze statues but they are mostly of historical figures. However, when I visited Barcelona for the first time, I was impressed by the the abstract and pop-arty sculpture near the port. You can check some of the photos shared by other Local Guides on Google Maps here.

[AdamGT]

Hello @MoniDi

While I have seen other works by the husband and wife duo that created this contemporary piece, this was the first time that I saw Dogman and Rabbitgirl myself and this was during one of my first out of lockdown strolls along the beautiful St Kilda foreshore. I’ve read that Dogman and Rabbitgirl are even bigger hits in New York but I haven’t seen them there myself. Like you I have seen a countless number of traditional bronze statues mostly as you say of historical figures and yes they have a place but from my observation people usually just walk past them these days but abstract / pop-artyish styles like Dogman and Rabbitgirl seem to usually attract a crowd, they just seem to be more popular. Now Barcelona has many statues and as you have mentioned, there are many abstract and pop-arty sculpture near the port. I have been there several times in fact, I walked from Montjuïc Castle on the hill, passed the Casino and to the beautiful sandy beaches opposite Parc de la Nova Icaria, passing El Cap de Barcelona which is near the more traditional Columbus Monument on the way. This is now a beautiful part of Barcelona which I think was all cleaned up for the 1992 Summer Olympics!

[NyaiNurjanah]

@AdamGT

Can I sitting near the statue with my coffee cup ?

Look so nice

[AdamGT]

Hi @Nyainurjanah

There’s the Republica restaurant directly behind Dogman and Rabbitgirl and there are other cafes and eaters along that strip where you can have a meal and drink and can also get takeaway and sit along the promenade or boardwalk or even on the open lawn area or on the white sandy beach as many people do during the day and especially on warm nights to watch the sunset. I have to say that it is a beautiful place from where to see the sunset. I will at some stage take more photo there.

[KishorMali]

Wow!!

Funny post. @AdamGT

I think Dogman goes to gym everyday.

Nice Title.

Rabbitgirl

Rabbitwoman will more appropriate. .

Just kidding.

[AdamGT]

Actually @KishorMali I believe Rabbitgirl has now matured into and known as Rabbitwoman. Yes you are right Dogman is a gym junkie lol. I’m glad enjoyed the post

[MoniDi]

Hi @AdamGT ,

Thank you for replying back. I didn’t know all these facts about Barcelona so thanks for sharing them.

I am waiting for your next great post!

[AdamGT]

Thank you @MoniDi .

Barcelona as you have experienced yourself is one of those must-visit magical cities. There is just soooo much to see and each time you visit, even if it’s the same place, you just realize how much you missed the last time you were there! It truly is a tourist’s and Local Guide’s paradise. A next post, yes we have time as we’re only just slowly moving out of this lockdown here! In the back of my head I still have a traditional horse and cart polish wedding but now that you have me thinking about Barcelona, have you been to Montserrat?

[MoniDi]

Hey @AdamGT ,

Thanks for asking but I haven’t been to Monserrat yet. I was hoping to visit it the last time but I didn’t find the time. I am sure that I will visit Spain once again so this place is on my bucket list.

[NyaiNurjanah]

Lovely place @AdamGT .

Thanks for detailed

[TravellerG]

Good Photos & interesting text…

Yes, LG @AdamGT , The following is a statue of Hindu God Hanuman, which I shot. This photo is from Tirumala, Andhra Pradesh, India. There are many such statues of Lord Hanuman, in different parts of the World.

The tallest one I know is one in Vijayawada, India - 155 Feet or 41 Meters.

This statue, I believe is 60 feet (or so) - hope you all will like it.

@MoniDi , @Nyainurjanah and all…
Trying to be back with LG Connect, after a long break (we, few India Local Guides got busy with #TeamIndia mission for sharing knowledge with Global LGs - it is almost stabilised & progressing well).

Regards

[AdamGT]

Hello @TravellerG I did notice your absence in recent time so welcome back. I’m pleased that you like my photo and story and you have reverted by sharing a nice photo of Lord Hanuman. It looks smaller than 60 feet however still very impressive so I can’t begin to imagine how impressive the 155 feet (41 meters) statue in Vijayawada would be! Is this the Hanuman known as the god of wind?

[NyaiNurjanah]

Hi @TravellerG sir yes I’m back to LG connect after a while, happy to connect with you sir and all local guides

[TravellerG]

Hello friend, @AdamGT

You wrote:
“…I did notice your absence in recent time so welcome back…”

Thank you very much…

I am sorry for my mistake - yes, the man standing even if he is a 6 footer …

I wrote it from my memory, where it was registered as 60; next time when I visit, I shall correct it.

The Lord Hanuman with 155 Feet height is in Google Map, Here.

“…Is this the Hanuman known as the god of wind?..”

Yes, friend… You are almost correct… Lord Hanuman is the spiritual son of Lord Vayu - the God of Wind.

Regards

[FaridTDF]

Hermosas fotos @AdamGT y una historia interesante sobre las parejas,

[Ewaade_3A]

The second shot is my most favorite.

From the first photo, I was dying to see if the ‘girl’ would match the guy’s “unlooking” glare, I am not disappointed.

The first time I heard about “Tuscany”, it was for a famous “international writing prize competition”, I am glad to read about Tuscany in this post and the fascinating story of this couple! @AdamGT