Photographic exhibition by Elliott Erwitt in collaboration with Magnum Photos

DOGDOGS
Photographic exhibition by Elliott Erwitt
in collaboration with Magnum Photos
Palazzo Callas Exhibitions
March 15 – July 13, 2025

“I took a lot of photographs of dogs because I like dogs,
because they don't object to being photographed
and why don't they ask for the photographs to be printed"

This famous quote by Elliott Erwitt encapsulates the essence of the exhibition that Sirmione dedicates to one of the great masters of 20th century photography and highlights his extraordinary ability to look at the world and life with great irony and at the same time with unsurpassed depth. After Martin Parr's iconic beaches in 2024, the city continues its important collaboration with the Magnum Photos agency, presenting the famous DOGDOGS exhibition by Elliott Erwitt .

DOGDOGS shows Elliott Erwitt through one of his most beloved and famous subjects, which he himself describes as follows:
“Dogs are honest. They don’t pretend to be something they’re not. They are what you see, and that’s what I try to capture.”

• The great photography that speaks to everyone

Born in France in 1928 and with a career spanning over 70 years spent traveling the world photographing, Erwitt has captured moments of everyday life and iconic characters with a unique touch and has devoted much attention to the exploration of the relationship between man and animal. His photography is technically impeccable, but at the same time manages to speak to everyone's heart, through images capable of touching anyone who observes them. Andréa Holzherr , Global Cultural Director of Magnum Photos , comments:
“The special and timeless bond between people and their pets is what Elliott Erwitt has captured in his humorous and light-hearted images. Through playful scenes, he has revealed a deep understanding of the relationship we humans share with our animal friends. In his images, extraordinary technical and compositional mastery merges with his distinctive way of seeing the world.”

• The special bond with Magnum Photos

With an increasingly rich schedule of courses, awards and meetings, Sirmione confirms itself as the Garda home of photography and strengthens its collaboration with Magnum Photos , consolidating its role as a point of reference for the world of photography. The mayor of Sirmione , Luisa Lavelli , comments:
“We are very proud of the collaboration with Magnum Photos, a bond that year after year has allowed us to have great names in international photography in Sirmione. After Paolo Pellegrin, Cristina de Middell, Richard Kalvar and Martin Parr, our Sirmione home of photography opens its doors to a giant of the 20th century with his amusing and acute images that give us surprising reflections on our daily relationships with animals and on our own lives”.

• A tribute to the relationship between man and animal

“Dogs are like people, only with more hair” (Elliott Erwitt)
The Councillor for Tourism , Riccardo Genovesi , expressed his satisfaction with the exhibition and underlined:
“We live increasingly in close contact with our four-legged friends with whom we share daily experiences, travels and adventures, so much so that even dogs have now become tourists in all respects! This exhibition is a tribute to their constant presence at our side. Elliott Erwitt's photographs offer us the precious opportunity to explore with acute amusement the relationship between us and our dogs, giving us new perspectives and details that often escape our gaze.”

• A film to explore the life and work of Erwitt

The visit to the exhibition is enriched by the opportunity to see “ I Bark at Dogs ”, a film directed by Douglas Sloan that explores Erwitt’s life and work, alternating moments of comedy and reflection, to provide an intimate portrait of the creative genius behind the camera.

DOGDOGS
Photographic exhibition by Elliott Erwitt
in collaboration with Magnum Photos
Palazzo Callas Exhibitions,
March 15 – July 13, 2025
Opening : Friday 14 March, 11:00 am

Opening hours
Every day 10:30-12:30 and 16:30-19:00
Friday and Saturday 10:30-12:30 and 16:30-22:00
Closed on Mondays, except holidays

Free admission
Info, Culture and Tourism Office: cultura@sirmionebs.it | 030 9909 184