Somerset House holds “Cute” exhibition
CUTE will be held at Somerset House, London from January 25, 2024. exhibition, explores the deep influence of cuteness in modern culture. From googly-eyed cats to adorable stuffed animals and doll-inspired costumes, this show brings together contemporary art pieces that explore the global embrace of cute culture. This exhibition, held in partnership with Sanrio, also commemorates Sanrio’s 50th anniversary. Hello Kittyone of the most iconic figures in cuteness, has a dedicated stuffed animal space, an immersive disco, and a display of products spanning decades, including rare and unique items.
The important role of cats in the culture of cuteness
Somerset House’s “CUTE” exhibition begins with a tribute to cats. World Wide Web inventor Tim Berners, who famously cited “kittens” as an unexpected use of the Internet. Inspired by his Lee quote, visitors will learn about cats in the rise of cute culture around the world. are encouraged to explore the central role of .
Visitors can explore Louis Wain’s famous cat illustrations from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This changed the public perception of cats from working animals to valued companions with unique human characteristics. Additionally, Harry Pointer’s small postcard series “Brighton Cats” from the 1870s played a pivotal role in spreading that cuteness to a wider audience through the advent of photography and mass production techniques. The exhibition also includes Andy Holden’s Cat Tarsis, a collection of more than 300 cat figurines inherited from the artist’s grandmother, reflecting the cultural importance of cats, and Karen Kilimnik’s The Blizzard. It also includes modern interpretations such as “A cat sitting in its favorite basket.” Himalaya embodies a modern sense of cultural authenticity and epitomizes modern cuteness while drawing inspiration from romantic paintings.
