New Field Museum exhibition explores the curious world of cats
The First Art Newspaper on the Net    Established in 1996 Wednesday, December 25, 2024


New Field Museum exhibition explores the curious world of cats
A caracal hunts fowls, frozen in time in Cats: Predators to Pets © MNHN F.-G. Grandin, 2023.



CHICAGO, IL.- Throughout history, felines have interested people as beloved pets, powerful deities, and ferocious predators. Cats: Predators to Pets explores the world of cats, shedding light on the physiological nature and cultural significance of this mysterious family of mammals. Striking videos paired with open-air taxidermied specimens show leopards, wildcats, lions, and more in a new light.

This exhibition was created by the Museum national d'Histoire naturelle in Paris, France. It explores the world’s 38 species of wild cats. A pageant of mounted specimens accompanied by films and touchable casts follows the past, present, and uncertain future of the world’s wild cats.

“It shows the Museum’s cats in a different way, moving many out of their normal locations in the museum and places them in a different context.” says project manager, Lauren Boegen. “When they’re on permanent display, visitors get to see these cats with a specific story. This exhibition provides an opportunity to be part of a different story, and to feature cats and the taxidermy from a different perspective.”

Cats also features the history of the relationships between cats and humans throughout the world, starting from the origins of the domestic cat in southwest Asia and northeast Africa, featuring cultural items including five from the Field’s collection. Anthropological and archaeological items tell these stories of cats across the globe.

“The most fascinating aspect of this section of the exhibition is the breadth of human experience we try to cover, and how our story overlaps with the story of felines,” says curator Bill Parkinson. “Up to this point in the exhibition, visitors will have only seen biological and natural content related to cats, but being able to answer the question, ‘How did felines become such a big part of our lives?’ feels the most valuable.”

The exhibition includes specimens and cultural items from the Museum national d’Historie natuerelle, the Field Museum, and specimens on loan from partnering museums. It also features original content and stories from Field Museum scientist Anderson Feijó, Assistant Curator of Mammals. His research has unveiled hidden diversity bringing new species to light, including the pampas cats which are featured in Cats. His work has led to the discovery and conservation of additional species of pampas cats.

“We are still learning about the true diversity of mammals worldwide, including charismatic groups like wild cats,” says Feijó. “The discovery of additional pampas cat species has motivated numerous conservation initiatives. It is a beautiful story of how from the Museum collections, a chain of events brought a lot of people together to work to save the species.”










Today's News

December 24, 2024

Asian Bronze in the Rijksmuseum shows heaven on earth

Marvel Comics Library brings Spider-Man's early adventures to life

Crescent City Auction Gallery announces highlights included in Important Estates Auction

Original art unveiled at the Santa María Huiramangaro Temple in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán

Exhibition offers a journey though time and biodiversity

The story behind Rodin's 'Study of a dressing gown for Balzac' at the Rodin Museum

The Renaissance Society at The University of Chicago presents Isabelle Frances McGuire: Year Zero

Kunsthaus Bregenz presents its 2025 program

The New Objectivity at Kunsthalle Mannheim

Sirius Arts Centre presents 'Alice Rekab: Clann Miotlantach / Mythatlantics '

MCA Chicago opens 'The Living End: Painting and Other Technologies, 1970-2020'

Jugendstil revolution: Exhibition explores Munich's role in the Art Nouveau movement

A journey through time: Flowers as symbols, motifs, and commodities

New York City's Museum of Arts and Design presents Barbie®: A Cultural Icon

421 Arts Campus presents its winter 2025 program

Exhibition reveals the dynamic ways nature communicates through colour

New Field Museum exhibition explores the curious world of cats

Walk&Talk - Bienal de Artes in the Azores announces its first edition

Associazione Culturale Dello Scompiglio presents Nexaris Suite by Agnes Questionmark

'Bruno Zhu: License to Live' on view at Chisenhale Gallery

Kunstmuseum Magdeburg presents Leyla Yenirce: SPLITTER

Joris Van de Moortel's new exhibition on view at Galerie Nathalie Obadia

'Painted with Silk: The Art of Early American Embroidery' on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts

PILAR at the VUB presents 'Nom de Dieu: criticism, blasphemy, satire...?'




Museums, Exhibits, Artists, Milestones, Digital Art, Architecture, Photography,
Photographers, Special Photos, Special Reports, Featured Stories, Auctions, Art Fairs,
Anecdotes, Art Quiz, Education, Mythology, 3D Images, Last Week, .

 



Founder:
Ignacio Villarreal
(1941 - 2019)
Editor & Publisher: Jose Villarreal
(52 8110667640)

Art Director: Juan José Sepúlveda Ramírez
Writer: Ofelia Zurbia Betancourt

Royalville Communications, Inc
produces:

ignaciovillarreal.org juncodelavega.com facundocabral-elfinal.org
Founder's Site. Hommage
to a Mexican poet.
Hommage
       

The First Art Newspaper on the Net. The Best Versions Of Ave Maria Song Junco de la Vega Site Ignacio Villarreal Site
Tell a Friend
Dear User, please complete the form below in order to recommend the Artdaily newsletter to someone you know.
Please complete all fields marked *.
Sending Mail
Sending Successful