Cassandra McMahon, Parts of a Dog (BLACK & WHITE 2025)

What do we think of when conjuring up images of ‘man’s best friend’? Our relationship with dogs has developed over a period of thousands of years, however, it appears that our connection has been refined and distilled considerably in recent history. Our ability to selectively breed and cultivate the world around us has had a profound impact on the domesticated animals we are familiar with today. We have effectively designed certain breeds to promote skills and attributes that we find useful or attractive. What does this mean to the agency of our four-legged companions? Without genetic intervention, would we, as separate species, still have this profound connection? Would herding dogs still herd? Would scent hounds still track? Would hunting dogs still hunt for us or lap dogs still wish to keep our laps warm? How much domination should our species have over the natural world? Is it our right to breed out traits that we find less desirable and enhance those that we do? Or is it an act of sincere guardianship that contributes to this relationship? “Parts of a Dog” is an interrogation of this influence. Taking into consideration the cultural, historical and ethical elements of our shared evolution, the series endeavors create conversation surrounding ethical breeding practices and the contemplation of perspectives other than human.

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