CAT-alogueCAT-alogueVolume 1

artwork collection 2015/16 by merlin cheng

A Reflection of

Me

About This ZineThis zine is a collection of cat-related artworks done during my time as a freshman in the School of Art, Design and Media in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

This zine is splited into two parts - it is a reflection of how I see myself using cats’ attributes, and how the world perceive cats in general.

I dedicate this zine to my pet cats (Tom, Mars, Baby, Girl-Girl, and Putih) that has passed away. Rest in peace, kids.

An Ideal Me. 2015. Watercolor and technical pen. 21cm x 21cm.

An Ideal Me is a surrealist inspired watercolor artwork with cats as the primary subject matter. It is also inspired by children storybook’s illustrations with a child-like imagination.

The cat is used as a representation of who I am as I feel I can be myself when I am around felines.

AN IDEAL ME

HELLO,MY NAME IS...

and I am very sleepy... zzZ

MY NAME IS

and I am curious about the world :3

MY NAME IS

and I am careful about everything!

MY NAME IS

and I am wary abo... *hides*

MY NAME IS

My Name is Cat. 2016. Digital drawing on photographs, Krita and Photoshop. 21cm x 14.8cm.

This whimsical set of artworks is a graphical typography project where I represent a characteristic of myself through the usage of text and imagery.

I chose to combine photography and digital doodle as I find this approach more interesting than if the artwork was done purely through digital drawing.

“If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because

your lap is warmer.”

Alfred North Whitehead

These images are a set of graphical avatars that I design and drew on Photoshop during my free time.

The facial expressions are inspired by attributes that cat lovers adore in cats. I also find inspiration for their expressions from similar art style such as The Gamer Cat comic series.

The avatars were first designed and sketched out on paper before being outlined and colored digitally.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

NURSERY RHYMES

Pussy cat, pussy cat, where have you been? I've been to London to see the fair Queen.

Pussy cat, pussy cat, what did you there? I frightened a little mouse, under her chair.

Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat. 2015. Digital collage, Photoshop. 21cm x 21cm (each).

This collage art project is a modern take on the Dada art movement where I use clips of images that I obtained online and paste them all together to tell a narrative of a nursery rhyme.

I also try to portray the playful and silly attributes of cat using interesting action poses and expressions.

Community Cats vs Campus Cats. 2016. Digital drawings/mixed media, Photoshop. Varied sizes.

In this art project, I have to create artworks base on a point-of-view. I focus the point-of-view towards community cats and campus cats.

This mixed media work is made up of two bags containing brochure and postcards.

This project is a social commentary on the treatments of stray cats in Singapore. I hope to bring awareness on how our feline friends are mistreated in community areas and at home.

COMMUNITY CATS

CAMPUS CATSVS

About The ArtistMerlin has been an ailurophile since the beginning of time. He devotes much of his name learning, understanding and caring for felines - both in his community and in his home.

Merlin took his artistic training in Nanyang Polytechic, Singapore, studying Digital Game Art and Design.

He specialize in 2D digital arts and is currently pursing a Bachelor in Fine Arts in Digital Animation in Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

CAT-alogueCAT-alogueVolume 1

artwork collection 2015/16 by merlin cheng

A Reflection of

CATS