The unique personality of cats has fascinated mankind for thousands of years, inspiring artists. In ancient Egypt, animals were seen as manifestations of their gods. Cats were regarded as a preferred companion, a pet, whose mummified body was also placed in the grave so that the relationship with them would continue in the afterlife. Some sculptures of cats were intended as votive offerings, but others depicted everyday life with cats. In the Egyptian belief system, the cat was also revered as a protector and a symbol of fertility.
In the early Middle Ages, cats continued to be held in high esteem because of their role in preventing the proliferation of rodents that threatened crops. But by the mature Middle Ages in Europe, many people saw them as harmful creatures, suspected them of being evil spirits, and associated them with witches and heretics. In the art of the period, especially in the codices, we find strange, grotesque, sometimes humorous and enigmatic depictions of cats. Over the centuries, the cat theme and motif itself has been reinterpreted in ever more varied forms, and has been enriched with additional layers of meaning.
The exhibition at the Hegyvidék Gallery aims to show, through the latest contemporary works, how cats can be depicted in a variety of ways, interpretations and styles, often reflecting on contemporary issues, raising topical questions or exploring personal connections and experiences with our velvet-skinned pets.
Exhibiting artists: Bencs Dániel, Demcsák Dóra Vanda, Domokos Ágnes, Elekes Károly, Gallai Judit Ágnes, Király Gábor, Maros Lili, Nagy Gabriella, Nemes Anna, Nyári Flóra, Ódor Bence István, Orr Máté, Rabóczky Judit Rita, Sipos Lilla Judit, Szalay Péter, Tayler Patrick, Töttös Kata, Verebics Ágnes, Wahorn András