Kamwei Fong is a Malaysian artist, he’s especially known for his recurring use of cats in his artwork, which has become one of his signature motifs. His feline illustrations often explore themes of solitude, introspection, and the complex nature of identity. The cats in his work are typically depicted with intricate line work and patterns, reflecting both the delicate and strong aspects of the creatures.
Kamwei’s cats are more than just cute creatures; they’re often deeply imbued with meaning and emotion, adding layers of depth to his work. The cats in his artwork are symbolic, representing his personal experiences, as well as broader ideas of freedom, independence, and even the complexity of human emotions. Many of his pieces capture the tension between being playful and being contemplative, mirroring the multifaceted nature of human life. The cats themselves are more than just charming subjects, they embody a range of human emotions and experiences, mirroring Kamwei’s personal journey and his broader reflections on society and culture.
When Kamwei began The Furry Thing series in 2009, he didn’t have a cat. In the end of 2021, he and his fiancée rescued and adopted a stray kitten. Today, they have several cats, and they play a significant role in his life and work. His personal connection to cats is reflected in the way he portrays them in his art. Kamwei has often mentioned how his own cats inspire his artwork, providing both companionship and a source of emotional resonance. In fact, his affinity with cats is more than just a visual motif, it’s also a part of his daily life and creative process.
His cats represent much more than pets; they are almost like muses, guiding him through moments of reflection and creativity. They show up in his illustrations as characters with rich personalities and a deep sense of presence. It’s cool to think that his own experiences with his cats directly influence the way he interprets and represents them in his art.
Kamwei has collaborated with globally renowned, award-winning publishers. His first book, The Furry Thing, was published in Italy by Becco Giallo. Most recently, his debut children’s book, Shibu’s Tail, was released in the United States by the internationally acclaimed publisher Levine Querido. The book has received four starred reviews in the United States to date and is set to be translated into multiple languages, including Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and more.
Kamwei's artwork has received global recognition including the exhibitions at Salon des Beaux Arts in Paris (2019, 2023), Art Expo Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur (2018, 2019), Art Fair Asia Fukuoka 2025 in Japan, BAMA (The Busan Annual Market of Art, 2024), Solo exhibition at the Next Museum in Seoul, South Korea, as well as collaborating with worldwide fashion giant Uniqlo (2020, 2022). He was recently featured in the 6th and 7th editions of Britishpedia – Successful People in Malaysia and Singapore. Kamwei has been invited once again to exhibit his work at the Salon des Beaux Arts in Paris in December 2025. He had the honour of accepting an invitation from the late Michel King, former President of the Société Nationale des Beaux Arts (SNBA), to serve as a committee member. Additionally, his work will be included in SNBA’s permanent collection.
His original artworks, prints, merchandise, and books are currently available in boutique shops, bookstores and galleries across the United States, Japan, South Korea, France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Canada, Ireland, and more.
Here are a few key ideas that his cat art, The Furry Thing series, represents:
Solitude and Introspection: Kamwei's cats are often portrayed as contemplative or alone, which embodies moments of personal reflection or the experience of being an outsider. In this sense, they represent us, as human, on how we navigate loneliness or seek deeper understanding of ourselves.
Freedom and Independence: Cats are symbols of independence. By incorporating them into his art, Kamwei expresses on the desire for freedom of thought, movement, and expression. This reflects his exploration of personal autonomy, especially in relation to cultural and social norms.
Emotional Complexity: Just like how cats can be playful, affectionate, or aloof, Kamwei’s cat art explores the range of human emotions. The intricate line work and flowing patterns used to depict the cats illustrates the complexity of feeling whereby emotions can be tangled, subtle, and nuanced.
In short, Kamwei’s cat art serves as both a personal exploration and a broader commentary on the themes of human experience, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own emotions and sense of place in the world.
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BOOK:
2025
Shibu’s Tail
Published by Levine Querido, Hoboken, United States
Order at:
Amazon
Bookshop.org
Barnes & Noble
2023
Contributing Artist for
“Felinity – An Anthology Of Cat Illustrations From Around The World”
First Published by Viction Workshop Ltd (Victionary)
Hong Kong
2021
Kamwei Fong – The Furry Thing
First Published by BeccoGiallo, Bologna, Italy
For Europe, order at: http://www.beccogiallo.it/the-furry-thing-preorder/
For countries outside Europe, please write to [email protected]
2019
Contributing Artist for
“Cats Rock – Felines In Contemporary Art And Pop Culture”
Edited by Elizabeth Daley
First published by Cernunnos an imprint of Dargaud
Paris, France
EXHIBITIONS:
2025
“Kamwei Fong by Gasbook”
Iwataya Life with Art
Art Fair Asia Fukuoka
Fukuoka, Japan
2024
“The Furry Thing by Kamwei Fong”
Solo Exhibition
Next Museum Gallery
Seoul, South Korea
The Busan Annual Market of Art (BAMA)
BEXCO
Busan, South Korea
2023
Salon des Beaux Arts 2023
Réfectoire des Cordeliers
Paris, France
2022
The Mayor's Residence Art Salon
Taipei, Taiwan
2020
Kamwei Fong Solo Exhibition
Mintprints / Light Yard Cafe
Taipei, Taiwan
2019
Salon des Beaux Arts 2019
Carrousel du Louvre
Paris, France
Art Expo Malaysia 2019
Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2018
Art Expo Malaysia 2018
Matrade Exhibition & Convention Centre (MECC)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
2017
"Be Happy. Be Childlike. Be Ridiculous."
Free Art Space, Isetan The Japan Store
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
3rd solo exhibition
"Kamwei's Ridiculously Happy Animalerie In Paris"
Galerie Club Sensible
Paris, France
2nd solo exhibition
"Celebrate Diversity. Introducing 50 Colours."
Colorplan Malaysia Launch Event and Exhibition
PAM (Malaysian Institute of Architects) building
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
"Be Happy. Be Childlike. Be Ridiculous."
Addstudio
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
1st solo exhibition
2015
George Town Festival 2015
Penang, Malaysia
“Bespoke Chemistry: A Remix Of Art And Progress" Art Tile Exhibition
APW Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Marina Mall, Straits Quay, Penang, Malaysia
Archidex 2015, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Malaysia
2012
KL Design Week
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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The Furry Thing
Artworks copyright solely owned by Kamwei Fong.
For artwork enquiry, please email to [email protected]
Links:
FB / IG @kamweiatwork
www.kamweifong.com
www.etsy.com/shop/kamweifong
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© Copyright of the artworks are solely owned by Kamwei Fong.
For artwork, collaboration and pet portrait commission enquiries, please email to [email protected]
Purchase Kamwei’s art prints at:
www.etsy.com/shop/kamweifong
Follow Kamwei’s social media for his latest projects and artworks:
Instagram @kamweiatwork
Facebook @kamweiatwork
Facebook account: Kamwei Fong
TikTok @kamweiatwork