Melbourne is set to host the first-ever official art exhibition dedicated to the iconic Doge dog, Kabosu. This unique showcase transcends traditional boundaries, uniting fine art, internet culture, memes, social action, and the cutting-edge world of web3/NFTs.
Kabosu, a Shiba Inu born in a Japanese puppy mill around 2005, faced euthanasia after the mill’s closure. She was rescued by kindergarten teacher Atsuko Satō. Satō had a blog showcased Kabosu’s photos and, in 2010, one of them gained popularity on Reddit, inspiring the “Doge” meme.
By 2013, Doge memes flooded the internet, leading to the creation of the cryptocurrency Dogecoin. In 2021, the original Doge photo was auctioned as a unique NFT, bought by PleasrDAO for $4M USD. The image was fragmented into $DOG tokens, forming the decentralized OwnTheDoge community for collective governance and positive impact initiatives.
The exhibition opening at OSHI Gallery in Collingwood on 22 February, features eight original images of Kabosu the Doge, accompanied by a captivating historic timeline detailing her life journey.
It also delves into the fascinating online communities that have sprouted around Kabosu, exploring their digital projects and real-world impacts. Attendees can also marvel at physical artifacts from Kabosu and those close to her.
There will be the opportunity to purchase official prints of Doge, authorised by her guardian, Atsuko Sato, and the online community, OwnTheDoge, with 50% of the proceeds to be directed towards supporting local dog charities.
The event promises a week-long celebration, welcoming both humans and dogs. A weekend beer garden, a collaborative mural dedicated to the Doge, and a free meme-art workshop by local digital artist Lambie on Monday add a fun and inclusive dimension to the exhibition.
Doge, symbolizing “Do Only Good Everyday,” has garnered a global following of fans, affectionately known as Shibes, committed to making a positive impact. This world-exclusive exhibition brings Doge’s legacy to life, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in the magic of Kabosu’s story and the cultural phenomenon she has inspired.
Tickets are available here.
