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One of the camera cats returns from his mission... |
Kodak moments, as seen through the eyes of a cat
FIVE months ago a group of curious cat owners embarked on a mission to uncover the mysteries beyond the cat flap.
Arming their feline friends with lightweight collar cameras, they let their pets roam free, patiently waiting to discover what photographic rewards they would return with.
Now the project has reached international levels, with cats from all over the world turning snapper and their owners sending the results back to the headquarters in Islington.
The resulting cat’s eye view of the world will be revealed in an exhibition which begins next week at Manor Gardens Community Centre café.
Visitors will be able to buy prints of their favourite pictures or take home a collection in the form of a calendar.
Jessica Bavinton, who lives in Holloway and is one of the pioneers of the project, said: “We decided the most interesting ones are a cat’s view of the world. It’s all about the funny angles, pictures taken behind bins, cats staring out of the window. Very few of the pictures involve humans. While they may be the centre of our world, we are certainly not the centre of theirs.”
Most of the photos have no humans at all, although every now and then you may see a person’s toe or leg, or perhaps a quick glance at someone’s face from below.
Ms Bavinton, whose cat Sarty has taken hundreds of pictures, said the cats are much more helpful when it comes to learning about the neighbourhood.
She said: “Sarty’s been all over building sites. She’s brought back pictures of how the development across the road is going so I get regular progress reports of how the interior is going.
“All our local cats have become involved. We’ve had cameras out circulating around our friends and now it’s gone international, with cats form Germany, Copenhagen, Sydney, New York and The Netherlands taking part.”
The exhibition promises to reveal an unusual slice of life from cat-height.
Ms Bavinton said: “You get pictures of legs, bathrobes and hairy legs and nothing above that. The most curious one is of the cat taking a picture of another cat under a car. There’s a great one of a big shadow of a cat and a funny one taken by a cat watching a woman eat pasta.”
She added: “People will get an insight into what their cats get up to day-to-day. We’ve learned how long a cat can look out the window for.”
The group are looking for cats that live in unusual places, such as near the Emirates Stadium, significant Islington landmarks, interesting shops or in a barge.
They want to hear from anyone interested in buying or helping distribute their calendars. Donations of picture frames are welcome, as is the contribution of artists who would like to help hang the exhibition. They are also still searching for a sponsor to help with cameras, printing and exhibition costs.
n The group’s chosen charity, Pets as Therapy, will be at the exhibition, which launches on Wednesday, October 15 from 5.30pm to 8pm and runs to October 31. Further information from www.beyondthecatflap.org.uk or email beyondthecatflap@googlemail.com |
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