Cats have held a significant place in various cultures throughout history, celebrated as sacred beings, cherished companions, and subjects of artistic expression. Their undying mystique continues to inspire artists, as evidenced by the current exhibition titled Magnum O-Pspsps, now open at Cornell University’s Olive Tjaden Gallery in Ithaca, New York, running until September 25.
The exhibition showcases the talent of over 40 artists with a feline theme curated by Cornell MFA candidates Michael Morgan and Elina Ansary. The duo drew inspiration from two primary sources. Morgan’s initial spark came from reading The Pussycat Princess, a whimsical 1922 fairytale by Edward Anthony featuring images of elegantly dressed cats portrayed as royalty. In contrast, Morgan also explored the life of British illustrator Louis Wain, recognized for his anthropomorphic cat drawings that made cats beloved household pets during the 20th century.
“In Renaissance art, cats often appear lifeless, void of expression,” Morgan observed. “However, in Wain’s illustrations, there’s an abundance of life, emotion, and character. He turned to cats during a challenging period in his own life.”
Adding a personal touch to the exhibition, Morgan has a gray Siamese cat named Rauru, after a character from the game Zelda, which he adopted upon moving to Ithaca for his studies. “I was a dog person previously, but Rauru, being so dog-like, has transformed my perspective,” he reflected. “This made me ponder about the deep bond between artists and their cats.”
It appears many artists indeed view their feline companions as inspirational muses. As Morgan reached out within the Cornell artistic community, he quickly amassed an overwhelming number of submissions, affirming the cats’ influence on creative expression.
“Cats symbolize a unique blend of feminine and queer energy, which made it easy to engage others in this artistic endeavor,” he explained. “This exhibition enables introverted cat lovers within the art community to connect and showcase their passions.”
Painter Erika Ranee, despite her severe cat allergies, found delight in contributing a breathtaking collage portrait of a captivating cat lady adorned with crystals and feathers. “I crafted this piece without any sneezing episodes!” she chuckled. “It captures her magnificence, complete with a festive touch from her feline sibling.”
Some artists used this platform to commemorate beloved felines who, though passed, continue to inspire their work. Lisa Lebofsky shared an abstract piece showcasing an aluminum canvas. Its reflective quality mirrors the unique fur pattern of her late cat Fileseffer.
“Cats have always been my creative companions, guiding me with their presence,” stated Lebofsky. “They sit by me, ensuring I stay focused on my craft, sharing their warmth and support.”
Art professor at Cornell, Leeza Meksin, presented a yoga mat, lovingly marked by her recently departed tuxedo cat, Katya. This piece stands as a poignant collaboration between Meksin and her beloved pet. “Initially frustrated, I later recognized her gesture as a message, a reminder of our connection,” she shared.
Among the various memorial artworks submitted, Morgan was notably moved by a chrome cast of a gravestone dedicated to one of the contributing artists’ cats. However, not every submission could make it into the show; he had to draw the line somewhere. “One artist asked if their cat’s bones could be included, and I had to say no,” he explained.
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