More on KentOnline
Home Whitstable News Article
Kent street artist Catman has sprayed his latest work of art on a seaside block of loos.
Created in Whitstable last night, the new piece reimagines famous Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh as a graffiti artist.
Dressed in a hoodie and baggy trousers, he is depicted crouching and clutching a can of spray paint, beside a signed spray-painting of a sunflower - which the Dutch artist is well-known for having painted.
The new artwork, named Vincent, popped up overnight on the toilet block opposite Gorrell Tank car park by Whitstable Harbour.
On his Facebook page, Catman explained the meaning behind the piece.
He says it depicts Van Gogh "as a street artist born in this era, painting his iconic sunflower, trying to fit into the modern art world".
"Van Gogh struggled severely with his mental health and creativity was his escape, like it has been for many others during lockdown," he said.
Speaking to KentOnline, he added: "I produced [the piece] on canvas during lockdown and have since then been looking to get it painted out on the streets.
"I have read correspondence that Van Gogh wrote, where he complains about how hard he was finding being isolated and locked away as his mental health deteriorated - something over the past year a lot of people have suffered with.
"Creativity is something that was an escape for him, almost like therapy, and within the painting it was something I was trying to highlight might work for others."
The artwork has already drawn widespread praise.
Commenting on Facebook, Madie Bayford said: "Another wonderful joy you’ve brought to the town Catman and spot on with the message and the depiction. I love it."
Revival Café & Wellbeing wrote: "An amazing artwork and sentiment that is so important, particularly at the moment. Thank you for sharing it with Whitstable."
Others described the artwork as "wonderful" and "yet another masterpiece", and say they look forward to seeing it in person.
Catman has to date sprayed many pieces across his home town of Whitstable, and further afield.
His previous works include Whitstable's well-known “shop local” and “drink local” pieces promoting the independent shop scene, and an image of the Queen riding a hoverboard in the town.
Keeping his identity closely under wraps, he is often described as being Kent's answer to Banksy.