In echo to Disco, the major exhibition by Vivian Suter—titled after the name of her dog—the Chambre des échos invites Elia David, a painter and professional canine portraitist.

To face the realities of an artist’s life, Elia David puts his skills at the service of pet owners seeking a portrait of their companion, much like the “needy painters” of the 19th century who took commissions from the bourgeoisie eager to decorate their living rooms with portraits of wives or cousins. Embracing this economic dimension—painting is also a profession—Elia David transforms the Chambre des échos into a promotional showcase for this practice, exploring the complex relationships between artists and their patrons, but above all between dogs and their owners. To be a canine portraitist is to be entrusted with touching stories of friendship and to meet high artistic and emotional expectations. While commissioned portraiture has often been dismissed by critics, who draw a line between “high art” and “paintings for living rooms,” Elia David reimagines the genre, offering painting that is both skillfully crafted and meant for people.

If you wish to commission a portrait, the artist is at your disposal to discuss the pose and format, thus involving you in the creative process. Though specialized in dog portraits, he will also gladly paint your cat, rabbit, gerbil, or bird.

The Chambre des échos [Echo Chamber] is a space at the intersection of programming and cultural mediation. It hosts exhibitions and events of varying scale and duration in the free-access area of the Palais de Tokyo. Designed as a flexible and responsive space, it is inspired by the principles of cultural rights—a movement that advocates for every individual’s or group’s right to participate in cultural life and to express their own culture.