M.Chat

Thomas Vuille, born July 16, 1977 in the canton of Neuchâtel, is a Franco-Swiss artist, known for his emblematic character, M. Chat. He began painting with acrylics at the age of 15, inspired by his painter grandfather. After studying at the Institute of Visual Arts in Orléans from 1995 to 2001, Vuille created M. Chat in 1997, a joyful and caring figure representing an orange-yellow cat sporting a broad smile.

The idea for M. Chat was born during a workshop with children, where a little girl drew a cat which inspired Vuille. This cat became his emblem, and he began to paint it on the walls of Orléans, then in other cities such as Paris, London, Geneva, and New York. M. Chat quickly became a street art icon, symbolizing joy and urban optimism.

In 2003, white wings appeared on M. Chat, adding a magical dimension to his character. In 2004, director Chris Marker dedicated the TV film “Chats perchés" to him, screened at the Center Pompidou, where a gigantic M. Chat was painted for the occasion. However, in 2007, Vuille was arrested red-handed for graffiti in Orléans and received a suspended fine, an event which increased his notoriety.

Thoma Vuille's work is distinguished by its refined style, its clear lines, and its ability to adapt to different supports, from walls to trams. Mr. Cat, with his enigmatic smile, evokes the character of Lewis Carroll's "grinning cat" in "Alice in Wonderland". Vuille's art is a fusion of performance and local culture, making art accessible and interactive.

Mr. Chat has also crossed the boundaries of urban art to enter the institutional domain. Vuille has completed projects for various organizations, including hospitals and public spaces, emphasizing the importance of art as a means of communication and social connection. His works are present in many cities around the world, notably in Paris, Orléans, Rennes, New York, London, Hong Kong, and Sao Paulo.

Recognized by leaders of the street art scene like Shepard Fairey, Banksy and Space Invader, M. Chat has become a global symbol. Vuille is invited to participate in festivals and urban art events around the world, sharing his experience and inspiring a new generation of artists. In 2021, a mural in Peru, depicting Mr. Cat surrounded by his feline friends, celebrates the cultural links between Peru, France, and Switzerland.