In the field of contemporary cat art, few artists capture the quirky and enigmatic nature of cats quite like the cat art of St. After Cigs. I’m obsessed with this cat art and I can’t wait to share it with you all.
Known for his unique blend of humor, surrealism and biting commentary, Saint After Sigs has become a beloved figure in the art world, especially among cat lovers who appreciate the quirky side of feline life.
If you haven’t met PowPow yet, prepare to fall in love with the most irreverent and sassy cat on the internet. This grumpy black feline is the star creation of a Malaysia-based artist.
(My Otto thinks PowPow is a tuxedo, as does his/her buddy WowWow).
Who is Saint After Sig?
The enigmatic pen name “St. After Cigs” first appeared on social media platforms and quickly gained a cult following. The artist’s name itself alludes to the uniqueness of their work. Playful yet somewhat enigmatic, the name sets the stage for the surreal experiences their work offers.
Despite having many users on the internet, we only know of one account called “Studio After Cigs” that has won hearts of people all over the world with its unique “cat attitude”.
This artist is truly a mystery. We don’t know his name, age, gender, nationality, educational background, or anything else. Nothing! That’s all we know.
Artist’s Journey
Studio After Cigs’ artistic journey began in 2021 when they adopted a real-life cat that would go on to inspire the legendary PowPow.
By combining this lively feline personality with the cat’s own wry humor, the artist creates a hilarious illustration that celebrates the complexities of owning a cat.
Each piece takes 3-5 days from conception to completion. The artist’s skill is translating the unique mannerisms and moods of cats into PowPow’s highly expressive characters. The artist is extraordinarily prolific, and in less than three years has grown his Instagram following to 360,000.
He/she has taken a break from posting recently due to health reasons, and I have a feeling something interesting might happen.
Artistic style
St. After Cigs’ works are characterized by small, flat acrylic paintings on canvas with accompanying captions, often depicting cats in a variety of unexpected, whimsical, and frankly subversive scenarios.
Cats are more than just pets, they are the protagonists of surreal stories where each piece tells its own story. The artist’s style is characterized by vibrant colors, bold lines and a talent for capturing feline expressions that range from the absurd to the deeply introspective.
Themes and motifs
One of the most fascinating aspects of Saint After Sigs’ work are the recurring themes woven throughout it, which often explore the intersection of the everyday and the extraordinary, the humorous and the melancholic.
Cats are depicted lounging in dreamlike landscapes, engaging in human-like activities or simply gazing into space with an existential gaze that many viewers find amusing and deeply relatable.
These humorous jokes, combined with PowPow’s lovably grumpy facial expressions, have helped Studio After Cigs build a following on Instagram (@studioaftercigs), but upon closer inspection, you’ll find clever social commentary embedded in the illustrations.
Part of PowPow’s charm lies in her hilariously sarcastic inner monologue and total confidence: She’s comfortable with “fuck” and other dirty words, and isn’t afraid to share her thoughts unfiltered.
“Monday just reminds me that I have four more days to put up with humans.”
“I’m not antisocial. I’m just selectively social. There’s a difference.”
“The problem isn’t with my attitude, it’s with your perception.”
“I’m not lazy, I’m just in energy saving mode.”
“I’m not ignoring you, I’m just prioritizing my nap.”
PowPow proudly embraces body positivity and feminism from a cat’s perspective. His/her internet micro-celebrity persona lampoons our cultural obsession with commodifying even cats. Ultimately, this “cat art” has surprising depth beneath its surface cuteness.
Where to Find PowPow
I created a special board on Pinterest that features most of their work. Destructive cat art after Saint Sig
Whether you’re a cat lover looking for fun or an art fan with a penchant for clever satire, you’ll want to follow PowPow’s adventures. Explore Studio After Cigs on Instagram (Studio After Sigs), Website and Shop (In the studio after smoking a cigarette)
Get ready to welcome this amazing grumpy cat into your life, a fun “cat attitude” delivered with a wink and a “whatever” response.
And after all, aren’t they in tune with all cat opinions? Odin and Otto agree. What do you think?
