In Mr. Chat's workshop / NOV 2023 - APRIL 2024

November 24, 2023 - April 15, 2024

Mr. Cat, a graphic design by French-Swiss artist Thoma Vuille, has become a global street art icon since its appearance in 1997 in Orléans. This orange-yellow cat with an enigmatic smile, often depicted with white wings since 2003, has graced the walls of many cities around the world.

Mr. CHAT's career illustrates the evolution of street art over the past two decades. Initially confined to the streets of Orléans, the smiling feline quickly crossed borders. It can now be found in many European countries, from Paris to London, via Berlin and Madrid. Its influence has spread far beyond Europe, reaching metropolises such as New York, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Dakar.

In 2004, Mr. Cat gained notoriety thanks to Chris Marker's film "Cats in the Perches," which was screened at the Centre Pompidou. This event marked a turning point in Vuille's career, propelling his work into the sphere of contemporary art. That same year, a gigantic representation of Mr. Cat was painted on the forecourt of the Centre Pompidou, cementing his place in the Parisian artistic landscape.

Extrait d'une oeuvre de M.Chat

Despite this growing recognition, Thoma Vuille has long maintained his anonymity, true to the spirit of street art. It was only in 2007, during an arrest in Orléans, that his identity was revealed to the general public. This episode, far from hampering his creativity, contributed to the recognition of the artistic value of his works.

Over the years, Mr. Chat has established himself as a respected figure in the street art world, recognized by renowned artists such as Banksy and Space Invader. Vuille has successfully evolved his art, transcending the boundaries between street art, pop art, and land art.

Mr. Cat's career has not been without controversy. In 2016, Vuille was fined for painting his felines in a Parisian train station under construction. This incident highlights the persistent challenges facing street artists, even when they enjoy international recognition.

Today, Thoma Vuille's work continues to evolve and reinvent itself. Mr. Chat remains a symbol of joy and humanity in the urban environment, inviting passersby to take a fresh look at their daily lives.