M. Chat (Thoma Vuille)

Thoma Vuille, known by his artistic pseudonym M. Chat (or Monsieur Chat), is a Franco-Swiss street artist born in 1972. He began his artistic career in Orléans, France, in 1997, where the character of the smiling yellow cat first appeared on walls and in public spaces. The character, often depicted with wings or in various playful poses, quickly became recognizable and spread to many cities in France and abroad. Vuille’s work is characterized by its accessibility and positive imagery, aiming to bring joy and a sense of wonder to urban environments. His practice primarily involves painting directly on walls, but he also produces works on canvas, prints, and other media that translate his distinctive style into collectible formats. The artist’s identity was initially kept anonymous, adding to the mystery of the M. Chat phenomenon, although he was eventually unmasked in 2007. His career includes participation in numerous urban art festivals and exhibitions, solidifying his position within the contemporary street art movement.