'I like cats very much because of their independent character, alertness and understanding of human beings; I have feelings approximating to reverence for them. Cats have been regarded as psychic animals since ancient times, no matter in China or ancient Greece.' - A Weiwei.

This composition's fluid, sinuous lines depict two cats—Maple and Birch—belonging to the artist and his son, Ai Lao. Cats recur as motifs in Weiwei’s work, representing autonomy and quiet resistance and reflecting his admiration for their 'independent character'. Produced after his exile from China, Cats illustrates Weiwei’s ability to imbue imagery with layered political and philosophical discourse, bridging personal narrative and universal themes of freedom.