This public art installation is located outside the iconic Pullman Building, originally known as the Hilton Hotel, opposite the MCG Stadium.
These bronze sculptures consist of two life-sized human/animal hybrid figures, sharing a coffee together representing a moment with a loved one, or a friendship that has guided you through life and is an expression of the bond two people have together, enjoying the simple moments in life.
It was designed by the artist couple, Gillie & Marc. The two artists have been exhibiting their works since 1993 with worldwide success and commissions.
There most famous and iconic characters from the duo are the Dogman & The Rabbit, which as taken form in a majority of their work over the years, telling a different story in each piece.
This is not the only Dogman and Rabbitgirl sculpture located in Melbourne, the other “Larger” set of the figures is located in St Kilda overlooking the beach.
Originally the artistic duo was based out of Melbourne before moving on to America, Singapore and then back to Sydney. They married in Nepal in 1990, seven days after meeting in Hong Kong during a film set.
The couple have been commissioned to do a number of substantial works over their 30+ year careers, including bronze statues of
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg
- Pink
- Opera Winfrey
- Nova Peris
They are most well known for their subjects of animals such as Rhinos, Gorillas, Koalas, enormous Crabs and even Crocodiles.
Animals have played a big part in how the artists have expressed themselves, all showcasing a playful nature with also a story behind them.
You will also find oil paintings done by the couple with series’s consisting of animals, hybrid humans, and portraits of famous stars like John Konrads, which was submitted for the Archibald Prize.
This statue depicts the dogman and rabbitgirl sharing a coffee while seated, but you can also find other alterations of this subject in different places in Australia, Belgium and New York, depicting paparazzi, scooter riding, surfing, bike riding, skiing, on safari and even the iconic white dress scene of Marilyn Monroe.
The figures are standing around 3.5ft high and are both signed on the bottom left. Both figures are beautifully detailed with a great patina and have a very natural-looking form to them.
Their location is outside the Pullman Hotel, right next to Fitzroy Gardens facing east towards Richmond.
Gillie & Marc are known for their expression of love and affection in their work and you can see that with these figures they have given us here. The two look so friendly and comfortable with each other and I feel as though they wish to be together. Maybe they are just catching up on life for a coffee.
Love is always expressed through looks, gestures and body language. As such, Gillie & Marc do such a great job at capturing this expression here.