- Paperback: 96 pages
- Publisher: Weidenfeld Nicolson Illustrated; First Printing edition (22 Sep 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0297833510
- ISBN-13: 978-0297833512
- Product Dimensions: 27.4 x 23.9 x 1.3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 467,820 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Product Description
In this reprint of a classic book the theory of feline art is taken seriously, showing its infinite variety and setting it within a coherent framework from ancient times to the present day. As well as being a photographic record of the artistic cat at work, the authors also explain many aspects of everyday cat behaviour.
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First Sentence
In 1990 a dramatic discovery was made by an Australian archeological team working in the tomb of Vizir Aperia, just beyond the west bank of the Nile. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
In 1990 a dramatic discovery was made by an Australian archeological team working in the tomb of Vizir Aperia, just beyond the west bank of the Nile. Read the first page
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 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.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I ordered this book as a gift and received a tiny 4" hardback book, totally misleading from the large book in the pictures. Disappointed!!
4 of 5 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!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Disappointed in the tiny size of the hardback version
I own a paperback copy of this book, which is 11 inches by 9 inches, so I was very disappointed to receive the tiny hardback version, when I ordered it for a friend's birthday. Read more
Published 18 months ago by MISS JILL C TIPPLE
Item never arrived, my query never answered
The title says it all. How nice to be ignored. Still, at least they took the payment,eh?
Published 22 months ago by melodility
Delicious book! A lot of humor for art people.
Humorous book,imitating art books.
This is a wonderful book, with very nice photos. The art world jargon is very believable. Read more
This is a wonderful book, with very nice photos. The art world jargon is very believable. Read more
Published on 23 Dec 2007 by Elise (plt)
The cat's meow
Like the other reviewers, I thought this was a spoof - and remain convinced that it is. It puts one in the eye to all the art-critics we love to hate, with its coy descriptions... Read more
Published on 16 Nov 2007 by Mrs. D. Milward
Painting Cats - [...]!
I thought this was a joke at first, but it does look like the evidence is there to suggest the pussies have a sense of aesthetics. Read more
Published on 25 Jan 2007 by Josie Henley-Einion
a bit of a delusion!
We tried this out on a Saturday morning with my friend, her three kids and their cat.
I can only describe the results as "messy"! After kitting ('scuse the pun! Read more
I can only describe the results as "messy"! After kitting ('scuse the pun! Read more
Published on 13 Feb 2003
Redefining the concept 'art' in a Gaiea sphere
How often do we see the other typified by race or gender? How heated do the debates run with regards to the respective merits or demerits of modernism, postmodernism, post... Read more
Published on 13 Aug 2001 by nurgeloid@aol.com
A must for any Cat Fanatics
This book takes a rather serious view of a light hearted subject. It combines research and history to provide an insight into cat psychology. Read more
Published on 23 Jun 2000
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