Daniel Edwards "Memories of Sophie and Gracie: A Puppies’ Memorial"
Leo Kesting
This event has ended.
An exhibit dedicated to the memory of Oprah Winfrey’s late dogs opens in Manhattan’s west village, helping to promote pet safety awareness. A life-size monument depicts ‘puppy versions’ of Oprah’s Cocker Spaniel Sophie and Golden Labrador Gracie atop the head of the talk show icon by controversial sculptor Daniel Edwards.
“Memories of Sophie and Gracie: A Puppies’ Memorial” is inspired by the Oprah press releases that announced the passing of Gracie, who choked on a ball last year, and the passing of Sophie, who died in March.
“To represent Sophie and Gracie together, joined in Oprah’s memory as they were in life and in Oprah’s heart, the artist depicted them as conjoined at the hip and sharing a common tail,” says co-director John Leo. The dogs are shown standing on the flowing-maned golden likeness of Oprah’s head, in reference to how the dogs’ deaths may be weighing heavily on Winfrey’s mind. “Losing two beloved pets within a year is likely to take its toll on anybody.”
Last month, Oprah dedicated a show investigating abuses at puppy mills to Sophie, who died from kidney failure. "Sophie gave me 13 years of unconditional love," Winfrey said.
The Puppies’ Memorial also highlights the overlooked threat of accidental pet fatality by common household products.
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Schedule
from May 22, 2008 to June 08, 2008
Opening Reception : May 22, 7-10 pm.