Katherine Heigl’s Badlands Ranch Partners with Fotografiska New York for New Exhibition
Badlands Ranch, ultra-premium dog nutrition brand by Emmy-winning actress and animal activist, Katherine Heigl, has partnered with contemporary museum of photography, art and culture, Fotografiska New York for the upcoming ‘Best in Show: Pets in Contemporary Photography’ exhibition, a joyful celebration of pets and our undying love for them.
The sprawling exhibition, open from September 22, 2023 through January 2024, will feature the work of two dozen artists arranged across two museum floors, and will offer a deep dive into the role our furry (and feathered) friends have played in culture and how they stand in as representations of status, power, loyalty, compassion, and companionship.
“Animals and art are two things I am very passionate about,” said Badlands Ranch founder Katherine Heigl. “So I am excited to celebrate some of the world’s greatest photographers and artists while honoring our love for our pets.”
Among the works on view will be examples by William Wegman, famed for his portraits of his Weimaraners; Walter Chandoha, the world’s first professional cat photographer; Sophie Gamand, known for her touching, sensitive photographs of dogs taking baths; and Martin Parr’s satirical portrayals of pets across social classes.
“As a dog nutrition brand committed to nourishing our beloved animals with the very best ingredients, we are thrilled to be partnering with Fotografiska for their ‘Best in Show,’ exhibition, a dedication to not only our incredible pets but to the artists who capture what makes them so special,” says Somina Park, Brand Director of Badlands Ranch.
“Katherine Heigl has been a recognized animal rights advocate for many years. We’re proud to partner with her, Badlands Ranch, and the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation not only to share this delightful exhibition with US audiences but—equally—to provide philanthropic support for our furriest companions,” said Karolina Dmowska, Global Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships at Fotografiska.
Curated by Jessica Jarl, Fotografiska’s Director of Global Exhibitions, and arranged for its New York presentation by Meredith Breech, Associate Director of Exhibitions at Fotografiska New York, this exhibition acknowledges our constant companions. Over 130 works, from documentary photographs to arranged portraits to candid snaps, and video works will be included.
“During the pandemic, when this exhibition was conceived, pet ownership grew exponentially,” says Sophie Wright, Executive Director of Fotografiska New York. “It’s now rare to walk down a pavement in New York or any big city without passing several dogs and their devoted owners. And that’s not to mention most people’s daily dose of animal videos online—a soothing and often comedic counterpoint to the news cycle. Our mutual dependence leads to the question, who owns whom? This exhibition brings together celebrated New Yorkers such as William Wegman and Elliott Erwitt along with an international roster of contemporary practitioners to explore our relationship to our pets, in all its complexity.”
In total, the exhibition will feature 25 artists from around the globe including Akseli Valmunen, Areca Roe, Carli Davidson, Dolly Faibyshev, Elliott Erwitt, Gerrard Gethings, Heather Phillipson, Hellen van Meene, Jeff Koons, John Hiltunen, Kári Björn, Leila Jeffreys, Lisa Strömbeck, Martin Parr, Martin Usborne, Ralph Hargarten, Robert Bahou, Robin Schwartz, Sage Sohier, Sophie Gamand, Tim Flach, Visarute Angkatavanich, Walter Chandoha, William Wegman and Winnie Au.
Partial ticketing proceeds ($1 from every ticket sold) from the exhibition will directly support Badlands Ranch’s philanthropic partner, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation.
Badlands Ranch’s best-selling products including the award-winning Superfood Bites Beef Liver Treats will be available exclusively at Fotografiska’s gift shop for a limited time, with various give-aways and special offers throughout the duration of the exhibit. Be sure to follow @BadlandsRanchPets for the latest on upcoming deals and pet-friendly events at Fotografiska New York.