Museum of the Moving Image is celebrating internet cats

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a person in possession of an internet connection must be in want of a cat to look at. That's the way it's always been, and that's the way it always will be. But why did our feline friends, who have always been so content to share our laps and living rooms, decide to claim full control over the world wide web? And how did we just sit back and let it happen? A monumental new exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image is determined to find the answers to these pressing questions.

The brainchild of heroic curator Jason Eppink, "How Cats Took Over the Internet" presents a broad survey of the history of cats online, the exhibition promising to "Take a critical look at a deceptively frivolous phenomenon." Expect all your favorites to be included on the fun: Grumpy Cat, Keyboard Cat, Pusheen, 'Lil Bub, that Japanese cat who's always hiding inside of boxes, and untold numbers of other kittens who have unknowingly accomplished more with their lives than most of us ever will. Running from August 7 to January 31 in MoMI's amphitheater space, the video installation will touch on concepts like "anthropomorphism, the aesthetics of cuteness, the Bored at Work Network, and the rise of user-generated content." This is sure to be a very cerebral exploration of the digital dynamic between human and cat, so only those with a serious cultural interest in the matter need attend.

And, in case you need a preview of what's in store, here are a few videos. When in Rome...