Cats are the greatest animals on this earth. Please: do not fight this fact. With their sumptuous fluff and formidable minds, they reign supreme over all of us; dominating our homes and hearts with an unphased flick of the tail.
East London photographer Joe Hart also loves cats. That’s why he went to Birmingham’s Supreme Cat Show – the most prestigious event on the UK’s feline calendar – for his latest photography project. “I figured it would be a good day out,” he tells Huck. “Plus who doesn’t love flashy photos of fluff?”
Hart had a good time, and was impressed by both the array of cat breeds on display and the variety in their size. “It was pretty amazing to see such a wide range of the same animal in one large warehouse,” he says, in reference to Birmingham’s sprawling National Exhibition Centre. “It was like an IKEA for cats.”
The photographer adds that the project – which is worlds away from his typical portrait work – was an opportunity to get out of London and broaden his thinking.
“There was a real mixture of people there,” he says. “A few that I met had travelled from quite far away – proper cat fans – but then there were also a lot of curious types like myself. Unsurprisingly, there weren’t many sneezing, cat-intolerant allergic folk in the crowd. The real juxtaposition, though, was the vaping convention that was in the arena next door. Two of the most far-removed sub-cultures in the same spot on a gloomy Saturday in Greater Birmingham.”
He adds: “I love using photography as an excuse to get myself into strange situations and speak to people I would never get the chance to… I find so much joy in trying to capture the niche hobbies and passions that most people aren’t aware of; capturing something entertaining in the removed or mundane. Also, I just like cats.”
See more of Joe Hart’s work on his official website, or follow him on Instagram.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Celebrating the art of making out on tour with Tove Lo
The Kiss Book — In the wake of the pandemic, photographer Kenny Laubbacher travelled around several countries with the Swedish pop star, capturing the joy and desire of kissing fans.
Written by: Zoe Whitfield
Vintage photos of London street life at the turn of the millennium
London 1995-2005 — In her new photobook, Joan Piekny reflects on a decade shooting the styles and subcultures of the UK capital’s streets, just before technology .
Written by: Miss Rosen
Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”
First lady — As the latest Artist-In-Residence of Huck 83, the London nightlife legend speaks to Josh Jones and provides a few recommendations and words of wisdom.
Written by: Josh Jones
A luminous portrait of Black life over six decades
Shared Memories — As staff photographer for The New York Times, Chester Higgins captured Black culture and spiritual connection like no other. A new exhibition celebrates his life and impact.
Written by: Miss Rosen
An intimate window into New York’s ’70s lesbian scene
We Others — An exhibition at The Photographer’s Gallery combines Donna Gottschalk’s unearthed photographs of LGBTQ+ activists and friends, along with Hélène Gianneccini’s written histories.
Written by: Miss Rosen
A tender portrait of life and ritual from Mexico City’s streets
Órale — For the last six years of his life, photographer, collector and designer Michel Hurst documented death rituals, street life and religious pageantry in contemporary Mexico. A new monograph showcases his work.
Written by: Roxana Diba
