Notes

On an autumn Sunday in Sydney, Pod was invited to a shrimp barbecue by an actress, her construction contractor husband, and their two rescue dogs. Given the state of universal misanthropy and suffering in the world, this complex family relationship made an impression on Pod. He always felt there was a message in it somewhere. As it turned out, the bigger dog, Oscar, had issues. The poor chap was totally neurotic, his deep psychological problems set off by pumpkins and washing machines. After numerous therapy sessions, the couple were advised by their pet psychologist that Oscar needed his own ‘pet’. And so, Rubin Jr joined the family. Not long after, Rubin Jr acquired his own pet, a well-chewed soft teddy. It is not in the painting.¹

1. Leo Podlaschuc (2019) quoted in Lizelle and Frank Kilbourn (eds), Satire and Irony: Robert Hodgins, Stanley Pinker and Alexander Podlashuc from the Kilbourn, Bloch, Wiese and Podlashuc Collections, Cape Town: Welgemeend, page 43.

 

Exhibited

Welgemeend, Cape Town, Satire and Irony: Robert Hodgins, Stanley Pinker and Alexander Podlaschuc from the Kilbourn, Bloch, Wiese & Podlashuc Collections & Almost Forgotten: Peter Haden a selection of works from Private Collections, August 2019, illustrated in colour on page 43 of the exhibition catalogue.