Leonardo da Vinci once wisely observed, “The smallest feline is a masterpiece.”
Great or small; orange, black, or white (or all three); purebred, mixed, feral, or domestic — each cat really is a work of art (and biological engineering). From their amazing ears to their tightrope balance to their perfectly adorable faces, cats are an inspiration. They’ve been providing creative impetus to artists throughout the centuries, starting with the ancient Egyptians, who saw otherworldly power in their bright green eyes. They’ve been immortalized in both literary and visual art, creeping into their own subculture of Internet humor. When the apocalypse happens and aliens dig through our remains, they’ll wonder what these creatures were who seemed to rule us.
For Latvia-based artist Rihards Donskis, the cuteness of cats inspires lush, cosmic imagery, which evokes the ethereal side of cats. Looking at Donskis’ images, it’s easy to imagine the cats within them padding quietly through outer space on delicate paws, as hushed as an autumn breeze. The artwork is also just indulgently cute, playing up the wide-eyed look of kitty concentration that brings us to our knees every time.
Check out Donskis’ website for more images, and like his Facebook page for updates (and to find some smartphone cases featuring his adorable art).
Via Cuded, images via Donskis’ Facebook page
