William Wegman | Polaroids and editioned photographs

William Wegman's collaboration with his dogs began in 1969 with video shorts that often incorporated elaborate set preparation. Wegman and his first dog, Man Ray, were so inseparable that his video shoots were constantly being interrupted, cut short, or physically destroyed. The artist soon accepted the fact that it would be easier to film Man Ray than to film around him. So began a close, respectful, and loving collaborative effort.

Since 1980, Wegman has focused his work on 30 x 22 inch format (24 x 20 inch image size), unique Polaroid photographs of his Weimaraners Man Ray (his first Weimaraner) and Fay Ray. Fay's offspring Battina and Chundo, and a litter of velvet-grey puppies recently joined the artist's collection of canine models. The artist's photographs have come to resemble a family photo album as the dogs matured from their tiny puppy stage. His photographic work covers the development of their lives from newborns to full-sized adults.

Greg Kucera Gallery mounted the first exhibition in the Northwest to showcase Wegman's unique altered works that he began in the early 1970s.

"When Fay first came into my home at the age of 6 months she was afraid of her shadow. I didn't see this at first. Seduced by her looks, I didn't realize how fragile she was. Any grating metal sound would send her groveling and foaming in fear. I thought often about sending her back to Jeanette in Memphis. Now she has great command and power. Meaningful work has given her stature. The photo flash, the studio setting, the repeat performances, the presence of her friends, assistants and encouraging onlookers all contributed to her ascendancy.

Working at Polaroid, it was not until I made Fay tall that it really took off and became interesting. She appears to be six feet tall when using the vertical format of the Polaroid camera. I must have had some subconscious wish to enter the top part of that frame that was just there. When I put that dress on Fay she would appear to be standing. That made the power of that image, the anthropomorphic image, more assertive and less silly, less like you're ridiculing someone. I'm very very cautious about appearing to make fun of a creature, human or animal." - William Wegman