M.Chat

Thomas Vuille, born July 16, 1977, in the canton of Neuchâtel, is a Franco-Swiss street artist best known for creating the iconic M. Chat. Vuille, inspired by his painter grandfather, began painting with acrylics at 15 and later studied at the Institute of Visual Arts in Orléans (1995-2001). In 1997, he created M. Chat, a joyful orange-yellow cat with a broad smile, which quickly became a symbol of urban optimism and street art.

In 2023, Thomas Vuille, creator of M. Chat, expanded his global street art presence with a solo exhibition at Fondation Suisse in Paris. The show, which featured large murals and installations, emphasized his fusion of playful street art with cultural commentary. Vuille's 2022 Zurich mural project, showcasing M. Chat in his Swiss hometown, garnered international acclaim. These recent projects, alongside ongoing collaborations with global galleries, solidify Vuille's influence in street art, with M. Chat remaining a symbol of optimism and joy.

M. Chat's creation was sparked by a children's workshop where a young girl's cat drawing inspired Vuille. The character made its debut on the streets of Orléans, and soon spread to cities like Paris, London, New York, and Geneva, becoming a global street art icon. M. Chat embodies the positive energy and joy of urban life.

In 2003, Vuille added white wings to M. Chat, giving it a magical, angelic element. In 2004, Vuille gained international recognition when director Chris Marker dedicated the TV film Chats perchés to him, featuring a giant M. Chat mural at the Centre Pompidou in Paris. Vuille's notoriety grew further after his 2007 arrest for graffiti in Orléans, which only amplified his status in the street art world.

Vuille's distinctive style, with clear lines and refined details, adapts effortlessly to various surfaces, from street walls to trams. M. Chat's playful smile evokes the "grinning cat" of Alice in Wonderland, while Vuille's art integrates performance and local culture to create interactive experiences that make art accessible.

Beyond the streets, Vuille's art has expanded into institutional spaces, including hospitals and public installations, emphasizing art's role in communication and social connection. His works can be found in cities worldwide, including Paris, Orléans, London, New York, Hong Kong, and São Paulo.

Vuille is recognized by leading figures in the street art community, including Shepard Fairey, Banksy, and Space Invader. In 2021, Vuille completed a mural in Peru, depicting M. Chat with its feline friends, celebrating cultural ties between Peru, France, and Switzerland.