Edwardian artist Louis Wain, renowned for his depiction of whimsical, anthropomorphized felines, achieved significant acclaim and was referred to as the "best PR cats have ever had."
In the heart of London, the Chris Beetles Gallery is set to host The Cat Show, an annual exhibition returning from August 9-23 [2][4]. This year, the show will feature the works of renowned British artist Louis Wain, alongside contemporary artist Lesley Fotherby [1].
Louis Wain (1860–1939) is celebrated for his anthropomorphic and later psychedelic paintings and illustrations of cats. His art significantly transformed the public perception of cats in Victorian and Edwardian England from mere pest controllers to beloved companions [3].
Wain's career took off in 1886 with "A Kittens’ Christmas Party," a piece that depicted cats in human-like festive scenes [1]. Initially, his cat depictions were naturalistic, but they quickly evolved into cats engaged in human activities such as playing instruments, dressing up, and attending parties [1].
As his career progressed, Wain’s cat art grew more colourful, intricate, and abstract, eventually adopting psychedelic qualities with kaleidoscopic patterns and surreal, wide-eyed feline forms [1][3]. These later works are often interpreted as visual reflections of his deteriorating mental health, as he was diagnosed with schizophrenia and spent the last 15 years of his life in mental institutions [1][3].
Lesley Fotherby, an artist who specialises in painting cats, dancers, and horses, will be exhibited alongside Wain at The Cat Show [1]. Fotherby appreciates Wain's individualism in his cat depictions, finding it a source of inspiration for her own work [6]. Her black cat, Pippin, serves as a constant muse [7].
James Fisher, owner of a Maine Coon/Birman cross named Ted, finds cats to be adorably cute and ridiculous, yet nature's most perfect killing machines [8]. He believes that cats remind us that the very good things in life need to be earned [9]. Fisher also emphasises that cats do not award unconditional love [9].
The Cat Show will feature 24 previously unseen works by Louis Wain, offering a unique opportunity to discover his artistic innovation and complex personal history [2]. The exhibition also pays homage to Wain's significant contribution to the cultural iconography of the cat [3].
The film "The Electrical Life of Louis Wain," starring Benedict Cumberbatch, was released in 2021, further highlighting the artist's life and work [5]. For those interested in exploring Wain's whimsical feline world, The Cat Show at the Chris Beetles Gallery is not to be missed [2][4].
References:
- Chris Beetles Gallery. (n.d.). The Cat Show. Retrieved from https://www.chrisbeetles.com/exhibitions/upcoming/the-cat-show
- The Art Newspaper. (2021, August 9). The Cat Show returns to the Chris Beetles Gallery. Retrieved from https://www.theartnewspaper.com/news/the-cat-show-returns-to-the-chris-beetles-gallery
- Tate. (n.d.). Louis Wain. Retrieved from https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/louis-wain-1160
- The Guardian. (2021, August 9). The Cat Show, Chris Beetles Gallery, review – whimsical feline fun. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2021/aug/09/the-cat-show-chris-beetles-gallery-review-whimsical-feline-fun
- The Electrical Life of Louis Wain. (2021). IMDb. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10268332/
- Lesley Fotherby. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.lesleyfotherby.com/
- Fotherby, L. (2020, March 25). Pippin. Retrieved from https://www.lesleyfotherby.com/pippin
- Fisher, J. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com/jamesfisherart/
- Fisher, J. (2021, April 13). The Cat Paradox. Retrieved from https://www.thecatparadox.com/
- At the Chris Beetles Gallery, the annual event The Cat Show, showcasing artwork by Louis Wain and Lesley Fotherby, offers an exploration into the transformation of cats' public perception in Victorian and Edwardian England, as well as a glimpse into the world of whimsical feline art.
- The Fashion-and-Beauty and Pop-Culture enthusiasts, alongside Entertainment lovers, should take note that the film "The Electrical Life of Louis Wain," starring Benedict Cumberbatch, offers a compelling portrayal of the life and work of the renowned cat artist.
- Books about Louis Wain and his evolution in cat art depict cat paintings that range from naturalistic to abstract, with psychedelic qualities, making them an ideal choice for anyone interested in understanding the impact of cats on lifestyle, including the contemporary art and cultural landscape.
