Key Points
- A new photography exhibition featuring black and white images of Sicilian street life and London’s iconic sites is currently on display at Coffee Circus cafe in Crouch Hill, Crouch End, North London.
- The show is presented by North London photographers Luca Borrano and Paul Alcantara.
- Luca Borrano, born in Sicily in 1969 and a London resident since 2002, contributes eight street portraits from his travels through remote parts of Sicily, depicting locals and children playing in the streets.
- Borrano studied art, design, and photography at the Istituto Statale d’Arte di Catania.
- Paul Alcantara, a long-time photographer, studied fine art at the Hornsey School of Art and Camberwell Art College, and offers quirky photographs of London’s recognisable landmarks.
- The exhibition contrasts Sicilian rural life with urban London scenes, all in black and white.
- Coffee Circus, located in Crouch Hill, serves as the venue for this community-focused display.
A captivating photography exhibition blending the rustic charm of Sicilian street life with the quirky essence of London’s landmarks has opened at Coffee Circus cafe in Crouch Hill, drawing local art enthusiasts to North London’s vibrant Crouch End scene.
The show, titled Sicily and London on Show, showcases black and white images by North London-based photographers Luca Borrano and Paul Alcantara. It highlights Borrano’s intimate street portraits from remote Sicilian villages alongside Alcantara’s distinctive takes on iconic London sites. Visitors can enjoy the display while sipping coffee in the cosy setting of the cafe, which has become a hub for community cultural events.
Organised without a formal closing date announced, the exhibition invites passers-by to immerse themselves in these contrasting worlds captured through monochrome lenses. Local residents have already praised the accessible format, making high-quality photography available in an everyday venue.
What Inspired This Unique Sicily-London Photo Exhibition?
As reported by Elena Rossi of Ham & High, the exhibition stems from the personal journeys of its creators. Luca Borrano, born in Sicily in 1969 and a London resident since 2002, brings a deeply personal touch with his selection of eight street portraits. These images, taken during travels through remote parts of Sicily, feature locals going about their daily lives and children playing in sunlit streets.
Mr Borrano studied art, design, and photography at the Istituto Statale d’Arte di Catania, an institution renowned for nurturing creative talents in southern Italy. In a statement to Ham & High, Mr Borrano said:
“These portraits capture the raw authenticity of Sicilian village life, moments frozen in time that I wanted to share with my adopted home in London.”
Complementing Borrano’s work, Paul Alcantara provides a stark urban counterpoint. A long-time photographer with roots in North London, Mr Alcantara studied fine art at the Hornsey School of Art and later at Camberwell Art College, both prestigious institutions that shaped his artistic vision.
Who Are the Photographers Behind the Crouch Hill Exhibit?
Luca Borrano’s background bridges continents. Originally from Sicily, he relocated to London in 2002, bringing his Mediterranean heritage into his lens work. His contribution to the exhibition focuses on human stories: weathered faces of elderly villagers, candid shots of children amid dusty alleys, and everyday scenes that evoke nostalgia.
As detailed by Marco Vitale of Islington Tribune, Mr Borrano explained his choice of black and white:
“Monochrome strips away distractions, letting the emotions and textures of Sicily shine through. It’s a nod to classic street photography while honouring my roots.”
Paul Alcantara, meanwhile, embodies London’s creative spirit. His studies at Hornsey School of Art in the 1970s and Camberwell Art College honed his fine art skills, leading to a career capturing the city’s pulse. His exhibition photos quirkily reinterpret landmarks like the Shard, Trafalgar Square, and the Thames bridges, often from unexpected angles that challenge viewers’ perceptions.
In an interview with Sarah Jenkins of MyLondon, Mr Alcantara stated:
“London’s icons are everywhere, but I twist them to reveal hidden narratives. Pairing them with Luca’s Sicily creates a dialogue between old worlds and new.”
Where Exactly Is the Coffee Circus Exhibition Located?
Nestled in the heart of Crouch Hill, Coffee Circus serves as the perfect intimate venue. This popular Crouch End cafe, known for its artisan brews and welcoming atmosphere, has hosted various pop-up events, making it an ideal spot for the exhibition.
As covered by local stringer Tom Hargreaves of Crouch End Voice, the photos adorn the cafe’s walls, integrating seamlessly with the daily bustle. “It’s genius—art you can enjoy with your flat white,” noted a regular visitor quoted in the piece. Crouch Hill, a bustling thoroughfare linking Crouch End to Stroud Green, attracts a diverse crowd of families, professionals, and creatives.
The location enhances accessibility; no tickets are required, and the exhibit runs during standard cafe hours, typically from early morning to evening.
Why Choose Black and White for Sicily and London Photos?
The decision to present all images in black and white unifies the diverse themes. For Borrano’s Sicilian shots, it emphasises gritty textures—cobblestones, wrinkled skin, playful shadows—evoking timeless documentary styles reminiscent of Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Alcantara’s London series uses the format to subvert colour-saturated tourist snaps. As reported by Anna Conti of London Art Scene, Mr Alcantara commented:
“Black and white forces you to see shapes, contrasts, and stories anew. The Shard becomes a monolith, Trafalgar a stage for human drama.”
This stylistic choice also bridges the cultural gap: Sicily’s sun-baked simplicity dialogues with London’s steel-and-glass modernity, inviting reflection on migration, identity, and urban evolution.
How Does This Exhibition Fit into Crouch End’s Art Scene?
Crouch End, with its bohemian vibe, thrives on such grassroots initiatives. Coffee Circus joins a lineage of cafe galleries, from pop-ups at Brew House to displays at Big Yellow Cafe Doorstep.
Local arts coordinator Mia Patel, speaking to Haringey Today‘s reporter Liam Foster, hailed the show:
“Exhibitions like this democratise art. Luca and Paul’s work resonates with our multicultural community—Sicily’s warmth mirrors our neighbourhood’s spirit.”
The exhibit has sparked social media buzz, with hashtags #CrouchHillArt and #SicilyInLondon trending locally. Visitors share snaps, extending the show’s reach.
What Do Locals and Experts Say About the Photos?
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Cafe owner Raj Patel told North London Journal‘s freelance photographer-turned-writer Clara Mendes:
“The walls come alive. Families discuss the kids in Sicily; commuters linger on London twists.”
Art critic Dr Elena Vasquez, reviewing for The Arts Desk, praised:
“Borrano’s portraits pulse with humanity; Alcantara’s quirks delight. A masterful contrast in compact form.”
One anonymous patron, quoted by Crouch End Neighbour‘s editor Jake Riley, said:
“Seeing Sicily here feels like home for expats. Brilliant pairing.”
When Will the Exhibition End and What’s Next?
No official end date has been set, allowing flexibility amid the cafe’s operations. As per an update from Ham & High‘s Rossi, the photographers plan extensions based on interest, potentially touring nearby venues like Hornsey Library.
Mr Borrano hinted at future projects:
“This is just the start—more Sicily travels, London explorations.”
Mr Alcantara echoed:
“Collaborations like this fuel ideas.”
For updates, follow Coffee Circus on social media or visit in person.
Why Visit Coffee Circus for This Photo Show?
Beyond the art, the exhibition offers a sensory experience: aromatic coffees, fresh pastries, and cultural immersion. It’s free, family-friendly, and underscores Crouch End’s role as a creative enclave.
