South Korean Illustrator Nyangsongi reinterprets daily life with a feline touch for her exhibition in Hong Kong called All About Catsssss
It’s not a myth. Watching cat videos is good for you and science has proved it. Various studies have shown that looking at images of cute animals, including cats, can help improve mood and productivity. This has resulted in a boom of cat imagery being uploaded across social media for those who need to relieve stress. And a new exhibition in Hong Kong titled, All About Catsssss is also here to do the same.
Nyangsongi, a Korean illustrator specialising in cat drawings is exhibiting heartwarming, funny and adorable caricatures of cats in moments inspired by our own daily life. She also created three special Hong Kong-inspired drawings for the exhibition.
Find comfort in the drawings whether it’s a recreation of how we feel on a weekday morning as we commute to work, the various ways we use an electric fan or how we can’t keep our eyes off our smartphone. Nyangsongi sits down with Tatler to talk about her exhibition and why she herself, loves cats.
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You specialise in cat drawings. What made you decide to focus on cats?
My love for cats grew when I started living with my own cat. Other animals definitely have their own charm, but I think a lot of people will be able to relate and be amused by the cat’s proud but quirky behaviour. As a cat owner, I have a close connection with cats and they are also a source for ideas for my drawings. Instead of expressing my emotions and my experiences by drawing a person, I think basing my experiences on cats is much more enjoyable. Cat owners can easily relate to the cat’s characteristics and feel comforted by their adorable behaviour.
How would you describe your drawing style?
I strive to draw witty and vivid chubby cats that can bring warmth to the viewers and I think everyone who sees my work will probably feel that too. I try my best to imitate the real shape of a cat in all my works so even people who are not familiar with cats will have no difficulties in appreciating the drawings. I use colour pencils which give a warm and cosy texture to animals and they are great for drawings that aim to convey a warm feeling.
Do you have a specific cat or scene that you like to draw?
I like drawing cats that look a bit fat and unflattering rather than a beautiful, fit cat that’s posing confidently. I think cats are so charming when they look a little odd, act a little foolish and just generally, look realistic. They have this quirky charm, just enjoying their own private place but also feel lonely easily. These feelings are familiar to me so I reference this a lot while I draw.
Where do you get inspiration from drawing the cats?
I get inspiration from interacting with cats and observing their habits and characteristics. A lot of people also share photos and videos of their pets’ daily life on YouTube and social media nowadays. I watch them every day and take references from them too. By doing so, I get a lot of ideas on how a cat acts at different moments.
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