Introducing Dogman and Rabbitgirl

[AdamGT]

Caption: Dogman and Rabbitgirl having their morning coffee on the St Kilda Beach Promenade (LG: @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!