When an animal that was especially close to someone dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals that were ill and old regain their health and strength, and those that were hurt become better and strong again, just as we remember them before they go to heaven.*

The relationship between a human and a dog is a unique bond for Kacper Tomaszewski. These animals, known for their unconditional love and loyalty to their guardians, become not only our friends but also an inseparable part of the family.

In the exhibition Dream doggy, dream… the artist explores the relationship between humans and dogs, focusing on the difficult moments of farewell and mourning experienced after the loss of a “faithful companion.” Tomaszewski addresses the social taboo and lack of understanding associated with the departure of a beloved animal, examines funeral rituals, and attempts to capture how interspecies boundaries blur.

Tomaszewski’s project is based on personal experiences of losing dogs: Hasia and Diego. By combining artistic practice with broader cultural contexts, the artist showcases the uniqueness and depth of relationships with animals. As part of the project, he invites others to share their stories of going through the painful process of grief.

The inspiration for the paintings and objects came from the poem The Rainbow Bridge. The belief in an idyllic meadow where the souls of deceased animals meet and rest after crossing the Rainbow Bridge helps caretakers cope with the grief of losing a pet. The artist uses the imagery presented in the poem, which is why elements such as the Gate to Dog Heaven, the Key, the Ladder, and the Windmill appear in the exhibition.

The exhibition’s narrative, dealing with loss, sorrow, and absence, is also an attempt to build a collective experience, making Dream doggy, dream… a platform for reflecting on both human and non-human emotions, highlighting the unique bond we form with our four-legged companions.

*fragment of the poem The Rainbow Bridge by Edna Clyne-Rekhy, 1956, translated by Kacper Tomaszewski