Cats & Dogs

From cattle dogs to lap dogs, divine felines to the black cats of superstition, Cats & Dogs explores humanity’s deep connection to these animals through more than 250 works of art and design.

Drawn from the NGV Collection and spanning all periods and media, this exhibition of cats and dogs in art and design reveals how our domesticated companions have long been a rich source of visual imagery – from ancient history to the present day.

The exhibition features works by contemporary and historical artists including Rembrandt van Rijn, Francisco de Goya, Albrecht Dürer, Pierre Bonnard, Eileen Mayo, David Hockney, Jeff Koons, Hulda Guzmán and more alongside celebrated Australian artists, including Claudia Moodoonuthi, Trevor Turbo Brown, Atong Atem, Charles Blackman, Grace Cossington Smith and Nora Heysen.

Presented thematically, with dogs on one side and cats on the other, the exhibition unpacks particular behaviours, cultural symbolism and art-historical motifs. These include: working dogs and cats; mythology; religion and spirituality; and cats and dogs in popular culture.

Traversing painting, prints, drawings, textiles, photography, sculpture, decorative arts and fashion, Cats & Dogs reveals the global appeal of these animals across borders and cultures, with works from Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Does your pet belong in the NGV? In Cats & Dogs, you’re invited to share photos of your prized pooch or curious cat for display in the exhibition – supported by Major Partners, DINE® and MY DOG®.

Celebrating the role cats and dogs have played in screen and pop culture, NGV and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) will present an exciting selection of cat and dog moments from film. Also included will be ephemera from the enduringly popular kids’ television program Felix the Cat, created by Australian illustrator Pat Sullivan.