Pop Dogs

Pop Dogs is a mobile installation from artist Carlo Sampietro that takes the traditional popcorn machine and replaces its edible content with stuffed dog toys. Sampietro uses this project as a visual language to discuss the global issue of dog overpopulation. It was at Governor's Island as part of the annual FIGMENT, a participatory art event that took place last Saturday and Sunday within ferry distance of Manhattan.

Much like a popcorn machine left unattended, more dogs are bred daily throughout the world than can be properly cared for. The installation was inspired by the abandoned dogs Sampietro saw during his travels. Compared to the street dogs of Brazil, NYC dogs are pampered like children. The piece is designed to explore the contradiction that what we crave can become undesirable.