Interview with Kimba: My First Dog Selfie

Kimba shot and shared his first furry dog selfie. There may still be room for improvement, but perhaps it marks the beginning of experimental photographic art. Marion Friedl asked Kimba about his creation.

How did this dog selfie come about?

Kimba: It was pure coincidence. You put the camera on the floor, and I tapped it with my paw.

Did it work immediately?

Kimba: No. First I hit the flash, then I pawed the wrong side. Eventually, the thing you call a camera began making strange noises.

When did you realize you had created a work of art?

Kimba: When I heard those noises, I was afraid I had broken something. But you were so pleased that I knew I had done everything correctly—and created something special.

Are you satisfied with your dog selfie? You cannot really see yourself in it.

Kimba: That is the art of it.

Would you call it experimental photographic art?

Kimba: What is that?

You try something and end up with a great work of art that you show other people to make them happy. That is experimental art.

Kimba: Seen that way, it is exceptionally good experimental photographic art.

How does it feel to be a canine artist?

Kimba: Great—especially because I received a delicious fee for my work.

Selfies are popular. Would you like to take more and hold an exhibition?

Kimba: I do not like exhibitions. They are full of human legs, and every two meters I have to stop because people are staring at a wall.

They are looking at the pictures hanging there. They would do the same with your selfies.

Kimba: Then I would rather not take any more, so I do not have to attend the exhibition. If other people want to do it, they can hang a selfie of their own dog on the wall as a postcard or poster. It does not always have to feature me.

Perhaps an artist simply should not be pressured.

Kimba: Exactly. Pressure does not help, because nothing happens if I am not in the mood. Besides, dog selfies will eventually become boring. There are more important things: walking, eating, sleeping, playing and chasing the cat.

Kimba! Must you bring up the cat?

Kimba: Fine, let us drop it. But honestly, has the neighbor's cat ever taken a cat selfie? No. I took a dog selfie, so the cat can see who is in charge.

Could we change the subject and leave the cat alone?

Kimba: All right. I will not tell you what I am planning. Since we are changing the subject, how about a game of Frisbee? That is more fun than answering questions and taking dog selfies.

Then let us go. Thank you for the conversation.

Interview: Marion Friedl. Photo: Kimba.