Goodwood set to host new ‘all things canine’ event
As Goodwood near Chichester counts down to its spectacular event Goodwoof, an exhibition of all things canine called DOG by Holly Frean is running at the Kennels, until May 29.
Holly is known for her quirky, humorous take on the subjects she paints, whether it is well-known figures from art history, zoological animals or, as in this exhibition, more specifically dogs.
One of the key pictures in the exhibition is Assembly – which measures a mighty 304cm x 183cm – but this terrific painting holds a riddle. Can you study it hard enough to solve the puzzle?
One of the dogs is facing the other way (the solution, if you cannot see it, is at the end of this article).
This exhibition will also coincide with Goodwoof, presented by Mars Petcare, an exciting new event in the Goodwood calendar which takes place at The Kennels on 28-29 May 2022.
Holly has collaborated with brands as diverse as Paul Smith, Burberry and Anthropologie.
Holly’s exhibition DOG comprises a collection of new paintings, each one a group of dog portraits, with a focus on the breeds associated with the Goodwood estate and the ancestral portraits within.
Holly said: “This is a collection of paintings in praise of dogs, with a focus on the breeds associated with the Goodwood estate and the ancestral portraits within: pekingese, spaniels, foxhounds.”
The Duke of Richmond and Gordon said of DOG: “We are delighted to welcome Holly Frean to The Kennels over Goodwoof. Holly has an exceptional vision, with her work drawing on the wit and humour that depict our fourlegged friends so beautifully, she is perfectly placed to create this brilliant show and help launch the inaugural Goodwoof event this year.”
The highlight of the exhibition is two large oilon-canvas diptychs, one of which is Assembly, showing a mixture of breeds, and the second is Dotty, a large group of dalmatians .
These are joined by six framed groups, each encompassing 49 individually painted canvases: English Sheepdog, Dalmatian, Labrador, Poodle, Hound and Lurcher.
Puzzle solution: Second row up from the bottom, and 19 dogs along from the left