Île de la cité (2022) Printmaking by M. Chat

Thoma Vuille, known by his alias M. Chat, is a Swiss-French painter born in Boudry, in the canton of Neuchâtel, in 1972. He is renowned as the creator of the captivating M. Chat graphic series, featuring a grinning cat that playfully roams above the rooftops of Paris. The artist and the feline character have become inseparable entities, blurring the line between Thoma Vuille and M. Chat. 

At the age of 15, the artist embarked on his artistic journey, painting in the streets with acrylics, paying homage to his grandfather, who worked as a house painter. He studied at the Institute of Visual Arts of Orléans, but quickly discovered his passion for street art. The concept of M. Chat originated in 1997 when a young girl drew a cat during a workshop at a school in Orléans. Inspired by this innocent creation, he adopted the idea and brought his own version of M. Chat to life, initially wandering the streets of Orléans before making a permanent mark in the vibrant city of Paris.

With its simple yet distinct lines, the figure of M. Chat has evolved into an urban symbol that brings joy and optimism to the cityscape. The character's popularity has given rise to variations, displaying different colors and postures while retaining its powerful identity. The presence of wings symbolizes the unreachable places where M. Chat is often portrayed, adding an element of mystery and intrigue.

• Nationality: FRANCE
• Date of birth : 1977
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists, Represented by a Gallery,
• Groups: Professional Artist Contemporary French Artists Artists presented by a gallery