BENGALURU: The Museum of Art & Photography (MAP) in Bengaluru is paying tribute to one of art’s most enduring muses — the cat — through its latest exhibition, The Many Lives of the Cat. Curated by Khushi Bansal and inspired by *B.N. Goswamy’s The Indian Cat, the exhibition explores how this enigmatic creature has appeared with diverse meanings and symbolism across Indian art traditions.
“The idea was to use the cat as an entry point into Indian art history — breaking down time periods, artists, and materials that placed this creature at the centre,” said Khushi.
Making Indian art accessible and relatable
According to the curator, the exhibition aims to make Indian art feel less intimidating and more engaging. “We wanted to take something familiar and show that cats aren’t just internet icons — they appear across painting traditions, art history, and craft,” Khushi said.
The show features works by renowned artists including Jamini Roy, K.G. Subramanyan, and Arpita Singh, each interpreting the feline form in distinct ways. “Indian art isn’t daunting — it’s for everyone. People can find a bit of themselves in it,” she added.
The cat through the artist’s eye
Through paintings, sculptures, textiles, matchbox covers, and sketchbooks, the exhibition showcases how cats have been represented across eras and regions. “Jamini Roy’s cat, rooted in Kalighat art, symbolises cunning. K.G. Subramanyan’s cat is fierce, caught stealing a fish. Chandana Hor’s version is gentler — a quiet companion. Each artist reimagines the cat, showing how richly it prowls through Indian art,” Khushi explained.
The exhibit reveals how the feline — by turns graceful, mischievous, and mysterious — has inspired artists to explore themes of freedom, femininity, independence, and domesticity.
Bengaluru’s creative energy
Speaking about the city’s response, Khushi said, “Bengaluru blends calm and energy — people are always trying something new. With the city’s strong pet culture, we wanted to create a space where animal lovers could experience Indian art through cats. It lets people from all walks of life find something familiar.”
Visitors can expect an immersive experience that combines traditional and contemporary interpretations of the cat in Indian art — from royal miniatures to modernist canvases — revealing how the animal continues to charm and inspire across generations.