CATNIP
Venue • 44AD artspace • BA1 1NN • click for map
Opening night • Fri 23 May • 6pm until late
Open 11am to 6pm daily • 24 May to 7 June 2025
CAT RAVE • Weds 4 June • 8-11pm • The Bell Inn click for details
CATNIP is a playful art exhibition that explores the relationship between humans and cats, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to connect with fine art in an accessible and meaningful way.
Cats have long been muses for artists, reflecting our changing values, emotions, and identities. From sacred figures in ancient Egypt to the stars of ironic internet memes, cats have quietly accompanied us through the centuries, appearing in artworks and media that reveal much about the human experience.
To help set the scene, we’ve created a historical timeline that highlights some of our favourite feline moments in art history. The exhibition itself features a vibrant selection of contemporary works by both emerging and established artists.
Immersive elements throughout the space encourage curiosity and play, creating an environment that is welcoming, whether you’re a seasoned gallery-goer or visiting an exhibition for the first time.
At its core, CATNIP is a celebration of cats in all their forms, the connections we share with them, and the belief that art is something that everyone can enjoy.
Exhibiting Artists:
Ash Manganaro, Bella Ramsay, Cecilia Rouncefield, Dave Fareham, Dave Webb, Emily Brooks Millar, Georgia Green, Gerrard Lindley, Hal Camplin, James Frew, Jan Benjamin, Katie Baird, Maia Matthews, Melanie Wickham, Patrick Baker, Perry Harris, Sam Bryan, Steph Garratt.
Dave Farnham, Mouse (Printed on 3D Systems P660 plaster powder printer infiltrated with Cyanoacrylate)
Curated by Jasmine Barker and Nigel Fryatt
Jasmine is a creative producer, Festival Director of FilmBath, and co-director of Bath Arts Collective. She has a passion for audience development and collaborating across different sectors to bring entertaining and meaningful experiences to everyone.
Instagram: @jasbarkercreates
Nigel is a creative technologist and the founder of POLYMATHIC, a studio producing immersive experiences that combine art, play and technology. As a generative artist working under the name “datarav3,” he uses computer programming as a tool for visual expression. Nigel is also a committed mentor, quietly championing the next generation of creative practitioners and supporting them in building sustainable, long-term careers.
Instagram: @datarav3
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nigel-fryatt
Website: www.datarav3.art
Curators Jasmine Barker (l) and Nigel Fryatt (r)
Together, they create inclusive, playful exhibitions that challenge traditional boundaries, inviting audiences to connect with fine art in unexpected and meaningful ways.