Artbreakhotel Gallery invites you to A CAT MAY LOOK AT A KING OR QUEEN, exhibition of works by Matt Jensen.

Artist’s Reception Thursday, July 14th, 6-9pm
Exhibition remains open until July 31st, 2016

For more information email artbreakhotel@aol.com or call 212-679-0680.

Inspired by this 16th century proverb these collages celebrate the “lofty indifference of cats” and the “perceived equality of creatures to one another” (*Britton, 48).

The cat silhouettes are depicted in various positions looking upon images of European kings and queens.

The richly colored postage stamps become miniature royal portraits when set in gilded frames and hung in exuberantly wallpapered gallery halls.

The stamps are postmarked. They have made journeys within and beyond their countries. The frames are cut from brown paper bags and painted to look like gilded wood.

The use of ephemera – stamps, grocery bags, wallpaper samples – reflects the mortality of all creatures, be they exalted royals or aloof felines.

*Britton, Catherine. Puss in Books: Cat Illustration through the Ages. London: British Library, 2012. Print.