Have you seen this cat? -panel discussion

The subject of the panel discussion are animals, especially cats, examined from the perspectives of art and visual culture.

Welcome to the panel discussion held at Galleria Becker, focusing on animals, especially cats, from the perspectives of art and visual culture. The panel discussion is an ancillary event to the exhibition by artist Tiitus Petäjäniemi, "Have You Seen This Cat?", on display at Galleria Becker from 14.3. to 8.4.2026. The exhibition features 76 cat-themed paintings, with many art-historical references. The panel discussion is organized in collaboration with Tiitus Petäjäniemi and the Department of Art History and Art Education at the University of Jyväskylä. Artist Tiitus Petäjäniemi will be present at the event and is also one of the panelists. The other panelists are Susanne Ylönen, a university lecturer in art education at the University of Jyväskylä who has researched cuteness in visual culture, Eveliina Perttuli, a master's student in art history who is examining Frans Toikkanen and his wife, graphic artist Anneli Klemola, in her master's thesis, and Heidi Tiusanen, a master's student in literature, who is studying Madeline Miller's fantasy novel Circe from an animal studies perspective. The panel will discuss cats and animals in art and research from the panelists' own perspectives, with a relaxed attitude. The discussion will be moderated by Laura Pitkäkari, a master's student in art history. Tiitus Petäjäniemi is known for his vibrant and playful paintings, with expressive and personable characters. In his exhibition "Have You Seen This Cat?", he has worked with a focused theme, concentrating on cats. Petäjäniemi states in an EDIT media interview that the cat figure is primarily a way for him to convey expression and emotion - how it feels to be human. Even a small gesture or expression can depict a variety of emotions. It is meaningful to Petäjäniemi that his works evoke a response in the viewer. What do you feel when you look at his cat paintings? You are welcome to join us on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 4:30 to 5:30 pm at Galleria Becker to listen to the panelists' thoughts and participate in the discussion on cats, animals, and art. Refreshments will also be available at the event.