Setsuko Harnesses the Enchanting Traits of Cats
**Exploring the Intersection of Nature, Myth, and Art in *Kingdom of Cats***
Set in Gagosian’s intimate Park Avenue gallery, the exhibition *Kingdom of Cats* by Setsuko Klossowska de Rola (better known as Setsuko) offers a poetic and immersive experience. The show invites viewers into a tranquil, almost mystical space where nature and craft intertwine, showcasing Setsuko’s unique blend of Japanese and European artistic sensibilities.
### **A Bridge Between Cultures**
Born in 1942 into a noble samurai lineage in Japan, Setsuko’s artistic style straddles two worlds: the delicate, organic forms of traditional Japanese art and the solidity and permanence of European aesthetics. After marrying the French-Polish painter Balthus, she lived in both Rome and Switzerland, experiences that enriched her artistic language.
Her ceramic sculptures, such as *Le serpent et la vigne* (2024), draw on the Edo-period’s intricate craftsmanship while incorporating the sculptural weight and detail characteristic of European art. Many of her works evoke Shinto spiritual traditions, wherein trees and natural forms are revered as sacred.
### **The Mystical Presence of Cats**
One of the exhibition’s most striking elements is its focus on felines—whether they appear perched on tree branches, in independent ceramic figures, or on painted canvases. Cats have long been associated with the supernatural in Japanese folklore, from the *maneki-neko* (beckoning cat) to the shape-shifting *bakeneko*.
However, Setsuko’s cats are ethereal and serene, appearing more as symbolic guardians than mischievous spirits. A highlight of the show, *Le grand chat au médaillon* (2024), a ceramic cat adorned with a gold medallion, echoes the imagery of lucky talisman figures. Meanwhile, *Le chat et la vie* (2024), a majestic bronze tree sculpture with a cat reclining peacefully in its branches, offers a metaphor for the interconnection of life and time.
### **Material and Process: A Balance Between Fragility and Permanence**
Setsuko’s deep engagement with materiality is evident in her sculptural techniques. She frequently works with dark terracotta, layering it with luminous white enamel glazes that create a soft, almost dreamlike surface. This contrast between rough and smooth, shadow and light, reflects her broader artistic philosophy: embracing transience while striving for permanence.
In addition to ceramics, the exhibition features Setsuko’s paintings, which often channel a quiet introspection reminiscent of Giorgio Morandi’s still lifes or Henri Matisse’s bold compositions. She even paints directly onto wooden palettes, integrating her medium into the artwork itself. These unique canvases depict impressionistic arrangements of flowers, fruits, and mystical figures, reinforcing the exhibition’s meditative tone.
### **A Meditation on Time and Transience**
Beyond its direct references to mythology and nature, *Kingdom of Cats* embodies a deeper reflection on time. The exhibition’s sculptures and paintings seem to exist in a liminal space, where the past and present merge—much like Setsuko herself, who moves fluidly between artistic traditions.
By blending Japanese folklore, European styles, and organic forms, Setsuko creates a dialogue between tradition and modernity, fragility and endurance. Her work invites viewers to pause, observe, and contemplate—a rarity in today’s fast-paced art world.
### **A Journey into a Timeless Realm**
*Kingdom of Cats* runs through March 1 at Gagosian’s Park Avenue location, offering a rare opportunity to step into a world where craftsmanship, mythology, and artistic vision intersect. In an era where rapid technological advancements dominate daily life, Setsuko’s art gently reminds us of the enduring beauty of nature, culture, and the quiet moments in between.