LeonLollipop brings his iconic Gloomie cat to Harbour City for first solo exhibition
See how the artist takes on da Vinci, Monet, and ancient warriors through a feline lens
If you share our insatiable love for cats, the upcoming exhibition by local artist Leon Lai, known as LeonLollipop, is sure to captivate you. Titled 'Gloomie Museum' and running until October 25 at Gallery by the Harbour, the show reimagines classical masterpieces through Lai's iconic chubby-faced Gloomie cat.
This marks not only Lai's first solo exhibition but also the debut of his 100th Gloomie portrait, 'Gloomie Lisa', a Kai Tak-inspired rendition of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. The remaining pieces draw inspiration from art history while incorporating familiar Hong Kong scenery, paying playful tributes to renowned artists like Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol.
Beyond the Western classics, Lai weaves in elements of his personal story and nostalgia. A traditional ink-style painting references his first-ever drawing of a shrimp, while a pop-art interpretation of the beloved local fried dace with salted black beans showcases his unique artistic style. Visitors will also encounter 17 Gloomie sculptures, seven of which recreate famous artworks in feline form, alongside 10 more pieces forming an adorable 'Kitty Army' of Terracotta Warriors-inspired soldiers.
For those interested in taking a piece of the exhibition home, the merchandise lineup includes blind-box keychains, tote bags, umbrellas, limited-edition vinyl art toys, and more. Purchasing any item or following Gloomie Cat on Instagram (@gloomie.cat) or Xiaohongshu (a popular Chinese social media platform) earns visitors two free limited-edition postcards. Visitors can collect these postcards at four stamp stations located throughout the gallery space, creating a special illustration as a small souvenir.
The exhibition, 'Gloomie Museum', is open from now until October 25, with gallery hours from 11am to 9pm. Located in Gallery by the Harbour (Shop 207, Level 2, Ocean Centre, Harbour City), visitors can stay informed by signing up for Time Out Hong Kong's free newsletter for the latest city news delivered straight to their inboxes.
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