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Icons of the World but Chihuahua

Local creative and one of the creators of the Artstronaut interactive AI sessions, Jomiro Eming, launches his first book of illustrations,Icons of the World but Chihuahua.

The book is a beautifully illustrated collection of chihuahuas represented as famous figures from history and fiction. It also includes an opportunity for readers to create their own custom chihuahua with a detailed 'Draw your own' guide in the book and QR code to a custom online chihuahua generator.

The aim of the book is to allow people to explore human impact and legacy through the whimsical lens of a chihuahua, separate from race, gender, culture, etc, with an aspect of humour.

The book features 55 chihuahuas in total, including some popular figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Darth Vader, Snow White, Nelson Mandela, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Malala Yousafzai, Cheikh Anta Diop.

The launch features discounted books and chihuahua art prints on sale. R5 of each sale on the day goes to Aid for Animals in Distress. Complimentary pastries will be served with coffee and teas on sale at the barista.

Author’s foreword:
I dislike chihuahuas... quite a lot, actually. But... I love them enough to have dedicated a book to them.
Here’s why:
Chihuahuas perfectly represent one of humanity’s greatest impacts on the world: The ability to contort genetics in all sorts of ways, and create new kinds of things that would probably never have existed, let alone survived, on their own in nature.

And yet, here we have a teeny tiny dog, with a squished face and bulging eyes, unlikely to safely give birth without human assistance.

That’s human impact if ever I saw it. Society has also created an impact throughout history in the form of iconic figures, both fictional and not. Think Gandhi, Genghis Khan, Oprah Winfrey, Harriet Tubman, Snow White... Energies that have changed the world and inspired millions of people. Not all in the greatest of ways, mind you, but arguably necessary ways for humanity to improve (sometimes even if just in terms of what not to do).

And thus, I’ve decided to juxtapose some of the largest personalities of humanity with one of the smallest dog breeds humanity has created. Both represent the big impact that humans can have on the world, but only one has tons of health issues and can fit inside a handbag.

Looking at humanity’s impact through the lens of a chihuahua (has that sentence ever been written before?) also allows us to depoliticise things for a minute. That’s not to say that gender and race politics aren’t important — in fact, I believe they’re more important than ever — but we are hit with these political discussions from all sides in the 21st century. And balance is also important, I believe.

I think it’s healthy to laugh a little, and to be able to appreciate some of humanity’s iconic figures for their legacy as opposed to their skin colour, gender identity, or background. Even if just for the brief moment you open this book and flip through its pages.

It’s my view that taking life a little less seriously every now and then would make everyone a little less angry, and a little more open to those harder, more uncomfortable conversations.

“Humour is the great thing, the saving thing after all. The minute it crops up, all our hardnesses yield, all our irritations, and resentments flit away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.”

– Mark Twain

So, let yourself be challenged at points. Let yourself be amused at others. And, if the mood takes you, start a conversation with someone about something you see. Humanity needs a little more conversation these days, and a little less ego. Listen, learn, and - above all else - love. Unconditionally.

The book launch is held on Saturday, 30 September. Entry is free but registration by 15 September is required. Books, as well as other items, will be sold at a discount. A cash bar is available with light snacks provided.


Date: 30 September

Time: 3pm - 5pm


Venue address: Dinkel Bakery, 91 Kloof Nek Rd, Gardens

View map

Wheelchair accessibility: Unknown


Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukgudstudio/

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