An unprecedented photographic record of cat creativity that will intrigue cat lovers and art lovers alike.
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Book Description
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Editorial Reviews
Review
The National Examiner featured “Pussycat Picassos” claiming that “feline paintings will make you paws” and calling the book “captivating.”
From the Publisher
• Pocket-size gift edition of the wildly popular book on feline aesthetics, distilling the best photos and writings from the original large-format book. • Includes full-color photos of cats painting.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
103 of 107 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
My undergraduate work was in Fine Arts and Art History so I found this book hysterical. The writing style mimics most art criticism and art history pieces, so if you're familiar with that genre, you'll appreciate the genius of this book. It pokes fun at art critism while playing on most people's bafflement as to what constitutes art. This book is a joke, although it's so flawlessly constructed you can't be sure at first. The cat metaphor makes a great commentary on the ridiculousness of much art writing. Even if you've never been forced to read ridiculous art criticism, you'll appreciate this book if you love cats. This review is in memory of "Teenie" (1992-2000), my little calico girl.
50 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Several theories of feline art have been put forward over the years, and this volume may serve as an excellent introduction to the uninitiated. Influential feline artists are discussed and their work reprinted in glorious detail. There is, however, a strong bias towards the mainstream of cat art. Important, indeed vital, underground movements are completely ignored. The street art of alley cats is sadly overlooked, perhaps reflecting the authors deference to the curators of that ivory tower, the Museum of Non Primate Art.
Also lacking is any serious discussion of Queer Theory, so vital in the deconstruction of any mammalian artistic representations.
Yet in spite of these flaws, Why Cats Paint remains an important and influential volume that no connaisseur of feline aesthetics can afford to ignore.
Also lacking is any serious discussion of Queer Theory, so vital in the deconstruction of any mammalian artistic representations.
Yet in spite of these flaws, Why Cats Paint remains an important and influential volume that no connaisseur of feline aesthetics can afford to ignore.
35 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The first time I saw this book, I thought it was such a riot that I couldn't stop laughing. But then, as the pages progressed, a small thought crept over me -- 'could this be serious?'
I am a person owned by cats - if one includes the kittens, I've had 19 cats officially (and another half-dozen stray hangers-on who know that food will be forthcoming). It had never occurred to me to give them paint! What would happen if I did?
The photography in the book is impressive. Working with children or animals in the best of settings is never easy for a photographer, but Heather Busch is to be commended for bravery, patience, and creativity that obviously rivals the cat-subjects of the text. Stunning colour shows not only the cats' creations, but the cats themselves, often matching their artistic styles in body as well as spirit (for example, Rusty, the orange tabby, likes to paint in a rustic manner; Wong and Lulu collaborate on interesting abstractions, etc.).
The text is written with ironic skill and creative flair by Burton Silver (cats may paint, but have yet to write...). Silver (the name of one of my cats, by the way) is a writer and art critic based in New Zealand, having written on subjects such as contemporary erotic Japanese paper sculpture.
In addition to going through a contemporary survey, the authors look at the history of cat art (including a Xois funerary discovery, ancient Egyptian art, medieval illuminations, and more). It also looks at the psychology of why cats paint (hence the title) -- the fascinating theory of Invertism is a case in point, which explains why cats lie on their heads looking at objects upside down approximately 3% of the day.
A funny book. A fascinating book. A beautiful book. My cats each give it paws up!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Go cat go!
As a cat lover, I know how amazing they can be.
But this book proves they can paint as well as the
best human artists. Read more
But this book proves they can paint as well as the
best human artists. Read more
Published 6 days ago by Shelley Bance
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great coffee table book
Guests love looking at it, first thinking it's silly but then realizing cats are quite remarkable animals. Read more
Published 17 days ago by S.Tim
5.0 out of 5 stars
What fun!
It's awesome! This is a book that I have given away as a thank you to
my neighbors for taking care of my cat when I travel.
my neighbors for taking care of my cat when I travel.
Published 1 month ago by Janet L. Hetterly
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hilarious
Hilarious. I have purchased this for several friends who are both artists and cat-lovers.
It is a huge hit...a fantastically funny spoof. Great!
It is a huge hit...a fantastically funny spoof. Great!
Published 2 months ago by Sarah W. Newman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure fun
Cat lovers must have this. I'm supposed to write more words, but nothing more needs to be said. It's a great gift boot.
Published 2 months ago by Sherree Rowland
5.0 out of 5 stars
tomtom
I have wanted this book for ages. I have the small book that came out at the same time, comprised of post cards with the pictures and the really great reviews. Read more
Published 3 months ago by tomtom
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fascinating
If you're a cat lover you might like this. I think I may have to see how my cats do.
Published 3 months ago by H. W. Miller Jr.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Clever
And very funny! Good captions, good photography and good stories. If you've ever had and enjoy art you will love this!
Published 4 months ago by Anne
4.0 out of 5 stars
Given as a gift
The recipient of this book loved it! She is an art teacher and has enjoyed sharing it with her students. She was thrilled to receive it!
Published 4 months ago by Clarissia Bent
5.0 out of 5 stars
Why Cats Paint
Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics
This is the funniest book which I have ever read. Read more
This is the funniest book which I have ever read. Read more
Published 6 months ago by FJM
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 3
books:
7
books
cite this book:
See all 7 books citing this book
- The Shock of the New by Robert Hughes on page 70
- Ancient Egypt (Arts & Crafts of the Ancient World) by Ting Morris in Back Matter
- Ancient Egypt by Neil Morris in Back Matter
- The Ape And The Sushi Master Reflections Of A Primatologist by Franz De Waal in Back Matter
- The Art of Childhood and Adolescence: The Construction of Meaning by John Matthews in Back Matter
- The Art of Childhood and Adolescence: The Construction of Meaning by John Matthews in Back Matter
- Cats' Most Wanted(TM): The Top 10 Book of Mysterious Mousers, Talented Tabbies, and Feline Oddities by Alexandra Powe Allred in Back Matter
- Healing and Holiness by Sondra Ray in Back Matter
See all 7 books citing this book
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