DOGDOGS
Photographic exhibition by Elliott Erwitt in collaboration with Magnum Photos
DOGDOGS
Photographic exhibition by Elliott Erwitt
in collaboration with Magnum Photos
Palazzo Callas Exhibitions
March 15 – July 13, 2025
Opening: Friday, March 14, 11:00
“I take a lot of pictures of dogs because I like dogs,
because they don’t object to being photographed,
and because they don’t ask for prints.”
This famous quote by Elliott Erwitt encapsulates the essence of the exhibition that Sirmione dedicates to one of the great masters of 20th century photography and highlights his extraordinary ability to look at the world and life with great irony and at the same time with unsurpassed depth. After Martin Parr’s iconic beaches in 2024, the city continues its important collaboration with the Magnum Photos agency, presenting the famous exhibition DOGDOGS by Elliott Erwitt
DOGDOGS shows Elliott Erwitt through one of his most beloved and celebrated subjects, which he describes as follows:
“Dogs are honest. They don’t pretend to be something they’re not. They are what you see, and that’s what I try to capture.”
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Great photography that speaks to everyone
Born in France in 1928 and with a career spanning over 70 years spent traveling the world photographing, Erwitt has captured moments of everyday life and iconic characters with a unique touch and has devoted much attention to exploring the relationship between humans and animals. His photography is technically impeccable, but at the same time manages to speak to everyone’s heart, through images capable of touching anyone who observes them. Andréa Holzherr, Global Cultural Director of Magnum Photos, comments:
“The special and timeless bond between people and their pets is what Elliott Erwitt has been able to immortalize in his images full of humor and lightness. Through playful scenes, he has revealed a deep understanding of the relationship that we humans share with our animal friends. In his images, the extraordinary technical and compositional mastery merges with the distinctive trait of his way of seeing the world.”
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The special bond with Magnum Photos
With an increasingly rich schedule of courses, awards and meetings, Sirmione confirms itself as the Garda home of photography and strengthens its collaboration with Magnum Photos, consolidating its role as a point of reference for the world of photography. The mayor of Sirmione, Luisa Lavelli, comments:
“We are very proud of the collaboration with Magnum Photos, a bond that year after year has allowed us to have great names in international photography in Sirmione. After Paolo Pellegrin, Cristina de Middell, Richard Kalvar and Martin Parr, our Sirmione home of photography opens its doors to a giant of the 20th century with his amusing and acute images that give us surprising reflections on our daily relationships with animals and on our own lives”.
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A tribute to the relationship between man and animal
“Dogs are like people, only with more hair” (Elliott Erwitt)
The Councilor for Tourism, Riccardo Genovesi, expressed his satisfaction with the exhibition and emphasized: “We live in ever closer contact with our four-legged friends with whom we share daily experiences, travels and adventures, so much so that even dogs have now become tourists in all respects! This exhibition is a tribute to their constant presence at our side. Elliott Erwitt’s photographs offer us the precious opportunity to explore with acute amusement the relationship between us and our dogs, giving us new perspectives and details that often escape our gaze.”
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A film to explore Erwitt’s life and work
The visit to the exhibition is enriched by the possibility of seeing I Bark at Dogs, a film directed by Douglas Sloan that explores Erwitt’s life and work, alternating moments of comedy and reflection, to provide an intimate portrait of the creative genius behind the camera.
Number of photographs 1946-2004: 80
“I BARK AT DOGS” (2011) directed by Douglas Sloan (11min, 33s)
DOGDOGS: The Colophon, Poster, and Press kit (in Italian only)
Introduction to the exhibition and biographical note
Douglas Sloan: biographical note
Exhibition that comes, Exhibition that goes: the images of the installation
DOGDOGS
Mostra fotografica di Elliott Erwitt
in collaborazione con Magnum Photos
Palazzo Callas Exhibitions,
15 marzo – 13 luglio 2025
Inaugurazione: venerdì 14 marzo, ore 11:00
Opening hours
Every day 10:30-12:30 and 16:30-19:00
Friday and Saturday 10:30-12:30 and 16:30-22:00
Closed on Mondays, except holidays
Free admission
Info, Culture and Tourism Office: cultura@sirmionebs.it – 030 9909 184
