Città vuota

“Era la mia città, la città vuota/all’alba, piena di un mio desiderio./Ma il mio canto d’amore, il mio più vero/era per gli altri una canzone ignota.” Sandro Penna

“Città vuota”, or “Empty city” in English, is a small series I shoot last October in London at the Barbican centre, following the suggestions of Hannah Zainuddin (that I thank for being again a wonderful model), as I was looking for an urban space with a minimal, modern and at the same time potentially desolated look where to work. The Barbican has all of it and still more. Sadly that day – mainly because of my train delay – I could not explore the area as much as I would have liked, but I will be there again soon to capture what the Italian poem above (that speaks about desolation, solitude, and love) is whispering to my mind.

©2015 Flavia Catena

Visiting the London Cat Village

Yes, I am a cat addict, I have to confess it, and as living in a rented house (especially here in the UK) does not make it easy to have a pet, I find myself happy as a little child when I discover a new cat cafe where I can book an afternoon tea and enjoy the company of some little balls of fur. The London Cat Village is the third café of this kind I visit, and I have to say I was impressed by the relaxing atmosphere of it and by the beautiful cats who were so comfortable interacting with people as they would have been at their own houses, seeking for the attention of their owner. Food there was also good, so much that one of the cat stared at my cake with a jealous look. Of course, I did not let him try a piece, and when he got tired of waiting and yawned I shot a picture.

©2015 Flavia Catena

In the City of London

During one of my latest visit to London, I took these photos to my friend Thu-Linh. We had such a nice time going around the City, from the lovely Leadenhall Market to the skyscrapers area, and having a lunch in an Italian pizzeria (yes, the pizza was good enough, and I confess I am an hypercritical person when it comes to food), that I am planning another photography trip to the capital. Maybe next time I will share some food photos of the delicatessen tasted too!

©2015 Flavia Catena