from chubby cats to plush toys, somerset house explores cuteness in contemporary culture

somerset house presents ‘cute’ exhibition

From January 25, 2024, Somerset House in London presents the CUTE exhibition, which explores the profound impact of cuteness in contemporary culture.  From googly-eyed cats, to adorable plushie toys and doll-inspired outfits, the show brings together contemporary artworks that delve into the global embrace of cute culture. Presented in partnership with Sanrio, the exhibition also celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty, one of the most iconic figures of cuteness, with a dedicated plushie space, immersive disco, and a display of products spanning decades, including rare and unique items.

heart installation in the CUTE exhibition at Somerset House | all images courtesy of David Parry PA for Somerset House, unless stated otherwise

the pivotal role of cats in cuteness culture

The CUTE exhibition at Somerset House (find more here) begins with a tribute to cats. Drawing inspiration from a quote by Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the World Wide Web, who famously cited ‘kittens’ as an unexpected use of the internet, visitors are encouraged to explore the central role of cats in the rise of cuteness culture worldwide.

Visitors can explore Louis Wain’s cat illustrations from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, which transformed the public’s perception of cats from working animals to cherished companions with distinctly human traits. Additionally, Harry Pointer’s The Brighton Cats series of small postcards from the 1870s played a pivotal role in spreading cuteness to broader audiences through the advent of photography and mass production techniques. The exhibition also features contemporary interpretations such as Andy Holden’s Cat-tharsis, a collection of over 300 feline figurines inherited from the artist’s grandmother, reflecting on the cultural significance of cats, and Karen Kilimnik’s The cat sitting in its favorite basket out in the blizzard, the Himalaya, which draws inspiration from Romantic painting while embodying a contemporary sense of cultural authenticity, emblematic of modern cuteness.

heart installation in the CUTE exhibition at Somerset House

delving into kawaii culture

CUTE also investigates the development of kawaii culture, showcasing rare artifacts from the Yayoi Museum in Tokyo. These include printed materials, figurines, and more from the 1910s to the 1950s, depicting a romanticized version of girlhood with Western motifs. The exhibit highlights Japan’s female illustrators of the 1960s, who added fun and flirtation to their work, challenging traditional notions of innocence. Moving into the 1980s and 1990s, the exhibition examines the fusion of Japanese, US, and UK cultures, portraying a girl’s bedroom display that reflects a shift towards a darker and more critical tone of cuteness, as seen in the music of Jun Togowa, Courtney Love’s band Hole, and Babes in Toyland.

monster installation in the CUTE exhibition at Somerset House

hello kitty’s 50th anniversary

The exhibition will culminate with a tribute to Hello Kitty’s 50th anniversary, celebrating her global appeal and multifaceted charm. Visitors can immerse themselves in a dedicated Hello Kitty space featuring a plushie collection from avid fan Amy-Louise Allen, along with a Hello Kitty disco complete with a mirror ball.

Andy Holden’s cat collection on display in the CUTE exhibition at Somerset House