Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics

“Why Cats Paint: A Theory of Feline Aesthetics” emerges as an exquisitely peculiar and magnificently whimsical exploration into the art sphere, masterfully crafted by Heather Busch and Burton Silver. This book presents itself as a tongue-in-cheek critique of both the art industry and cat culture, adorned with a plethora of photographs, schematics, and comprehensive examinations of cats turned artists and their distinct creative expressions.

Among its pages, readers will find an array of distinguished cat artists like Misty (Misty Isadora Aengus Oge Woolf), championed as a “Formal Expansionist,” alongside the collaborative “Duo Painters,” Wong Wong and Lu Lu, who clinched the esteemed “Zampa d’Oro” (Golden Paw) accolade. Not to forget Princess (Princess Wrinklepaw Rothkoko), hailed as an “Elemental Fragementist,” known for distilling her work to an almost sacred simplicity.

Crafted with the tone and gravitas of scholarly essays on artistry and critiqued exhibitions, the book’s content meticulously mimics the seriousness of art critique, while the visuals of cats proudly sitting beside their abstract creations—paws dipped in paint—inject a dose of humor and absurdity that is both captivating and bewildering.

Delivered with footnotes, historical allusions, references to galleries and museum catalogs, and interviews with so-called experts, the book artfully dances on the thin line separating reality from fabrication. While it leaves readers to discern the genuine from the invented, this feature only adds to its charm and mystique.

“Why Cats Paint” is bound to spark discussions and ignite a mix of laughter and bemused wonder. It might even lead you to ponder the hidden artistic prowess of your own feline friend. For those with a penchant for the peculiar and a taste for satire, this book promises to be an indispensable addition to your library, offering a fresh perspective on the creative capabilities of our four-legged companions.