Chongqing—From April 26 to August 3, renowned cartoonist Gao Youjun, also known as Tango, will present an immersive AR interactive art exhibition, Gravity of Cats, at the Times Art Museum in Chongqing.

From April 26 to August 3, renowned cartoonist Gao Youjun, also known as Tango, presents the immersive AR art exhibition Cat Gravity at the Times Art Museum in Chongqing. (Photo/Zou Fei)

Centered around the theme of cats, the exhibition blends heartwarming comics with augmented reality technology to encourage public interaction. Visitors can use their smartphones to experience dynamic AR scenes, such as catching a "shower of gold coins" inside a lucky cat's home or playing doctor with a virtual "cat physician."

Liu Jia noted, "My daughter didn't want to leave the 'gold coin rain' AR game. She kept 'catching' virtual coins while giggling. Seeing an exhibition that's fun for all ages is rare."

Tango shared that his inspiration comes from his three pet cats at home, aiming to convey warmth and imagination through the feline perspective.

Adding a meaningful twist, the exhibition incorporates a "pet-friendly and public adoption" model to help stray cats find new homes. Giant photographic portraits of more than 20 rescue cats from the Chongqing animal welfare organization, Wangwang Home, are also on display, each accompanied by its own moving story. Among them: Ali, who endured injuries to protect her kittens; Captain, who lost an eye but charms visitors with his signature head tilt; Tianjiao, a fighter who overcame serious illness; and Computer Bag, who recovered from severe wounds to start anew.

Zhang Wei, a local office worker, was moved by the stories of stray cats. "The photo of 'Captain' winking with his one eye made me tear up. I'm seriously considering applying to adopt through the exhibition's program."

From April 26 to August 3, renowned cartoonist Gao Youjun, also known as Tango, presents an immersive AR interactive art exhibition, Gravity of Cats, at the Times Art Museum in Chongqing. (Photo/Zou Fei)

The exhibition is also running an adoption program in conjunction with the display, calling for increased social attention to stray animals. Volunteer from Wang Wang Home shared, "Over 30 visitors have asked about adoption today alone. Tango's art isn't just beautiful—it's changing lives for these cats."

Tango, who holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Shanghai Jiao Tong University and a master's degree from Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts and Design, has touched millions with his "one drawing a day" project.

Through Gravity of Cats, he hopes to offer a healing experience for urban dwellers while promoting compassion for stray animals. Many visitors have brought their cats and dogs to the exhibition, and the unique combination of public welfare and art has sparked widespread interest.

(Wang Shuyun, as an intern, also contributed to the report)