An Art Practice Exploring the More-than-Human World

The Practice

Canine Quirks is the art practice of Swagata Bhattacharyya, exploring animal behaviour, connection and ways of being through contemporary representational art.

Rooted in close observation of the natural world, the practice considers animals not simply as subjects of depiction, but as participants in a shared world. Their movements, behaviours, relationships and individual character become points of departure for exploring connection, coexistence and different ways of inhabiting the world.

Through observation and interpretation, the work considers how instinct, adaptation, social connection and coexistence shape different ways of being. Animal narratives become a means of looking outward at the natural world while also turning inward, prompting questions about belonging, relationship and our own place within the more-than-human world.

An Evolving Practice

The practice began with an exploration of dogs and their individual characters and has gradually expanded to encompass a wider range of animals and encounters within the natural world.

Works

Through Canine Quirks, Swagata Bhattacharyya presents original artworks and archival fine-art editions, alongside ongoing bodies of work developed through the practice.

Animal Support

Alongside the studio practice, Canine Quirks endeavours to support animal welfare initiatives through pledges from proceeds.