An art show called Uncaged: The Unbearable Weight of Genius Cat Art is coming to CatCon October 1-2, 2022. The convention, held this year in Pasadena, brings together cat culture and pop culture—a space Nicolas Cage also inhabits as a prolific movie star and self-described cat person. This year’s art show used that crossover as a theme and will feature seven original pieces of art inspired by Cage’s friendship with his cat Merlin, a fluffy black Maine Coon. Yes, a Nicolas Cage cat art show is real.
The four pieces of art previewed here represent a diversity of styles that will make up the Cat Art Show. There’s everything from wallpaper we expect to see in the next Wes Anderson movie to oil paintings that would be at home over any hearth. Plus, the show has an off-putting addition to the vintage Dick and Jane-style alphabet. Though maybe that one should be a 26-piece set and round out the full Nicolas Cage cat art collection.
Cage’s affection for Merlin (and vice versa) came to light on the press tour for his recent film The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent. “Nicolas Cage is an artist’s dream subject—he’s cult, he’s camp, and he DGAF,” says curator and founder Susan Michals. “Cats have many of the same characteristics—so why not combine the two and celebrate it on canvas?”
Tickets are on sale for the convention billed as Comic-Con for cat people. The art will be for sale, with 10% of the proceeds going to cat-related charities. Other than the art show, the show will have vendors and meet and greets with internet famous cats and their owners. You can even adopt a kitty at the con!
Melissa is Nerdist’s science & technology staff writer. She also moderates “science of” panels at conventions and co-hosts Star Warsologies, a podcast about science and Star Wars. Follow her on Twitter @melissatruth.
