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Real name Thoma Vuille, the Franco-Swiss artist has been lining the walls since 1997 with his feline with a gaping smile. Born in 1972 in Switzerland, in the Canton of Neuchâtel, he began la peinture  from the age of 15 and studied at the Institut des Arts Visuels d'Orléans in 1995 to 2001, but will very quickly prefer the alleys of the city to create.

It was during a workshop attended by the future graffiti artist, at his school in Orléans, that the trigger came when a little girl began to draw animal pet. Thoma Vuille will then take over this illustration on his own and make it M.CHAT.

Making this enigmatic creature his trademark, or rather his artistic signature, he goes so far as to become inseparable from it. Who is Mr. CHAT? The work or the artist? Unless it is the work and the artist?

This feline, alone or accompanied, with or without wings, strolls through the streets of Orléans before arriving in the capital. It is an urban banner of joy and optimism, covering the subway or a wall in the street and addressing passers-by directly. The artist thought of it in a de  street art approach, of neighborhood culture and proximity.

By being refined, simple, with clear lines, this design has risen to the rank of symbol. An icon with such a pronounced identity that variations are allowed. M.CAT can then change colors and postures, he always remains faithful to who he is. One of the peculiarities of this city beast is to be represented in places that then seem inaccessible, thus explaining the usefulness for a cat of being able to fly.

With its cartoonish look, it reminds us of the mischievous character present in Lewis Carroll's novel, The Cheshire Cat, alongside Alice in Wonderland, with the same smile that never fails. A communicative smile, as the art of Thoma Vuile has become.