Artists
Angela Bartram
Angela Bartram's works investigate how we respond to the unusual or inappropriate, particularly where we, as viewers, become unwilling participants.
In Licking Dogs, Bartram enthusiastically returns dogs' licking. A wholly natural act for the dog, related to hierarchy and feeding behaviours, it becomes unacceptable when performed by a human.
This is because of our association between sexual affection and open-mouthed kissing - something that would be unthinkable between humans and dogs.
This highlights an aspect of our contradictory relationship with animals. Pet owners may talk of 'loving' their animals and train them to behave in ways that are acceptable to us. Yet to imagine replicating natural animal behaviour, that in any way may be seen by us as sexual, crosses the lines of propriety.
Licking Dogs