A group exhibition titled "Magnum O-Pspsps" at Cornell University’s Olive Tjaden Gallery in Ithaca, New York, features over 40 artists paying tribute to cats through paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works. Curated by Cornell MFA students Michael Morgan and Elina Ansary, the salon-style show runs for 10 days through September 25, drawing inspiration from Edward Anthony's 1922 fairytale "The Pussycat Princess" and illustrator Louis Wain's anthropomorphic cat drawings. The exhibition includes works by artists such as Lisa Lebofsky, Tatiana Tatum, Steve Keister, Erika Ranee, Juan Hinojosa, Emily Weiskopf, and Leeza Meksin, with some pieces serving as memorials for deceased feline companions.
The exhibition matters because it highlights how cats have served as muses and companions for visual artists, fostering community among introverted, cat-loving creators. By centering on feline subjects, the show taps into broader cultural themes of feminine and queer energy, independence, and the emotional bonds between artists and their pets. It also demonstrates how a niche, playful concept can galvanize a wide network of artists beyond a local academic community, turning personal affection into a collective artistic statement.