This catalog was published on the occasion of the exhibition #catcontent at Kunstpalais from April from 18 until June 21, 2015.

Animals populate the internet: in social networks pictures of grumpy looking cats or sneezing pandas receive millions of clicks and comments, are viewed or shared over and over again. On the basis of key works from Erlangen’s Municipal Art Collection, the exhibition #catcontent examines the diverse forms of the depiction of animals in art. In the shape of images, animals have served as metaphors or symbols for human traits for many centuries. A new outlook on the multifaceted relationship between humans and animals can be found in contemporary approaches that examine the use of digital images to raise questions about the way nature is represented. Many contemporary positions in art involve animals in order to show their perspective, thus calling for a change of perception. Therefore, animals are presented as active participants capable of making situational decisions in their environment and as protagonists taking action in the artistic production process.

The extensive catalog documents the exhibition and contains interviews with the participating artists. Next to the art works, the publication includes scientific contributions stemming from the interdisciplinary conference, which was held at Kunstpalais during the exhibition #catcontent. These essays introduce different perspectives on the innovative field of Animal Agency, seen from diverse scientific backgrounds such as history and aesthetics, literature studies, musicology, philosophy, and behavioral science. (blurb)