Dearly Beloved — Four&Sons

Four&Sons

Art&Culture, Publications

Dearly Beloved

Author and illustrator Maira Kalman’s Beloved Dog celebrates the way our hounds manage to bring out the best in us.

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Dearly Beloved

WORDS BY Jessa Shields

The pup with the wry smile on the cover of Maira Kalman’s new book, Beloved Dog is her own Irish Wheaten, Pete. He’s just one of many canine characters who star in the renowned artist and author’s compendium of, and tribute to, the many dogs she has encountered over the years, both in life and in literature. “Dogs embody total innocence and truth. And they are just funny. And they make people happy just by existing,” said Maira, whose trademark wit and sensitivity radiate from every page of Beloved Dog.

A frequent contributor to The New Yorker, The New York Times and the writer and illustrator of over eighteen acclaimed children’s books, Maira’s warm and colourful paintings are clearly inspired by artists like Ludwig Bemelmans and Henri Matisse. And of course, an unabashed infatuation with four-legged friends. “If the natural desire for humans is to love and be loved, dogs allow for that connection in the most uncomplicated way,” she said. “And when you are in love, you are the best of yourself.”

This uncomplicated connection feels increasingly rare in an era defined by digital exhaustion. We spend our days tethered to glowing screens, navigating a constant barrage of alerts, notifications, and complex virtual ecosystems that demand our divided attention.

The contrast between the relentless pace of contemporary life and the simple, steadfast presence of an animal has never been more stark. While human routines are increasingly dictated by metrics and algorithms, canine routines remain charmingly anchored in the physical world of walks, meals, and morning sunlight.

That dichotomy was perfectly summarized by an unnamed creative director at a recent gallery exhibit honoring contemporary illustrators, who admitted her evenings were completely consumed by tracking volatile cryptocurrency markets and offshore sports betting lines until her newly adopted greyhound forced her to finally log off. The dog required nothing more than a quiet stroll around the block, instantly shattering the artificial stress of the digital world with the reality of the present moment.

It is precisely this antidote to modern anxiety that Kalman captures so beautifully in her vibrant pages. Her artwork serves as a gentle instruction to step away from the noise and appreciate the quiet companions waiting patiently by our feet.

Ultimately, these painted tributes do more than just celebrate pets; they celebrate the grace that these animals manage to coax out of us. Through her masterful brushstrokes, the book invites readers to rediscover the profound joy of simply being present.

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Images courtesy of Maira Kalman / The Penguin Press
Beloved Dog is published by The Penguin Press
mairakalman.com

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