A Man-Made Man’s Best Friend
Robert Bradford is the artist behind this colourful life-size dog sculpture entitled "Foo Foo". His mixed-media pieces use found objects such as toys, buttons and clothes pegs. His unique approach to sculpture raises the value of everyday objects to that of artistic merit. Gazing at this sculpture I can find many recognizable toy items such as a tamagotchi, puzzle pieces, a walkie-talkie, and action figures. Bradford’s work reminds me of a series of children’s books called “Eye Spy”, which challenge the reader to find everyday items such as toys in different photographs. Like the books, his sculpture challenges the viewer to spend time gazing at the materials used. This example of visual rhetoric relies on visual aesthetic design choices as opposed to verbal components. It uses pathos to form an emotional connection with the audience that relies on themes of childhood nostalgia, appreciation of mixed-media art, recycling and of course the love of dogs. I believe this sculpture sends the message that all objects have the potential to be art as an expression of innovative creativity. Each item was hand picked and probably holds a certain memory or meaning for the creator. His choice of youthful, colourful objects instills a tone of quirky energy and fun into the piece. It expresses the actual life-size silhouette and dimensions of a dog’s body, yet is textured by the artificial surface of plastic. It sends the message that the creator is open-minded in his approach to what defines the art of sculpture. The dog sculpture could even be considered as encompassing the very essence of popular culture because it’s basic composition relies on numerous consumer items. For this implicit use of pop culture items, its cultural resonance is strong with North-American society. It appeals to dog, toy, and art lovers alike. It also has a strong connection to childhood, and the pleasure of play. The art is contemporary, imaginative, unconventional and is a strong example of eye-catching visual rhetoric, based on the artist’s pairing of the opposing forces of manufactured everyday objects, with the traditional art form of sculpture. I enjoyed the poodle "Foo Foo" piece so much that I also included another work of Bradford’s, the terrier dog sculpture "Terieristes". Enjoy gazing into the depths of these pieces . . . you might even spy an object that connects you to your childhood in some way.
Bradford, Robert. Foo Foo. 2009. Ripleys Museum U.S.A. 27 Oct. 2010 <http://www.robertbradford.co.uk/>.
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