Cult Hairdressing is immersed in creativity — from our vibrant East London neighbourhood to our dynamic team and inspiring clients. We’ve always seen the salon as more than just a place for exceptional hair services. It’s a space designed to restore, connect, and spark inspiration - where every detail, from the lighting to the artwork, is intentional.

That’s why the pieces on our walls were never going to be an afterthought. And what better way to reflect our creative community than by showcasing the work of multidisciplinary artist, photographer, and filmmaker Mark Arrigo?

This month, we turn the lens on Mark, whose poetic, cinematic approach brings new depth to the visual identity of Cult Hairdressing. His series, now on display in the salon, captures the poetic and emotional textures that define his work. We caught up with him to talk fine art, visual storytelling, and why sometimes, it’s the project that chooses the medium.

As a photographer, you're well known for your work in the world of high fashion and beauty campaigns, but increasingly, your fine art work is gaining attention. Can you expand on this for readers?

I think this has always been what I’m chasing, trying to reach something deeper. I’m constantly pushing my work to the edge, seeing how far it can go, how surreal I can make it without losing its meaning. Especially in photography, I’m always trying to push the image away from just being a replica of reality. I’m not here to document or recreate what already exists. I want to use reality as a raw material, to shape it into an emotion, into a feeling.

When exploring topics outside of fashion, what sets the mood creatively for you? Does the subject come first, or is it more conceptual?

It always starts with a tone, a feeling, a narrative, a story. If the work involves a person, then it's a character. But all of it comes from that central question: what is the story? That’s always the beginning.

Your collection “Corolla” - on display at the salon is technically quite complex. Can you give us some insight into how it was created?

Flowers are incredible to shoot, they carry so much symbolism: beauty,  fragility, desire. We’re so familiar with their visual representation, from classical paintings to modern photography, so the real challenge is how to present them in a way that feels true to me. With 'Corolla', I pushed the images to their absolute limit, to the point where they began to break down, pushing them into this hyperreal version of their original form. 

Your photography leans toward fine art. Do you have favourite inspirations from that world?

So many. But I often draw inspiration from cinema, especially directors like David Lynchand and Alejandro Jodorowsky. Their work stays with me and always lights something up creatively.

Your collection Her was exhibited to great response, and you've just published your first book Courtship. Is this the direction you’re intentionally moving in, or is it more organic?

 I’ve also written a children’s picture book called 'Adnan', which I never imagined would be part of my path. None of it feels deliberate, they just find their way into my life. I’ve always believed that the project chooses the medium. So yes, I’m a photographer, but I’m also an author, filmmaker, writer, human… I’m open to whatever shape the work needs to take. I’d love to do more exhibitions and photo books, but the project will always dictate the form.

I’ve seen a glimpse into your back catalogue — it’s amazing. Do you have a number-one, all-time favourite image? Or is it like children — you can’t choose just one?

Exactly that. I don’t see my work as individual images. Each piece is part of a larger whole. If I’ve put it out into the world, then it belongs.

Many big fashion photographers cross into celebrity portraiture to build their profile. Is that something you’ve avoided?

I’ve shot plenty of celebrities, but like I mentioned earlier, for me it’s always about story and character. I actually love working with actors because they understand how to build and play with character, they’re open to exploring, and that's what excites me. 

Let me know if you have any more questions.

Interested in taking a piece home? Mark Arrigo’s artwork is available to purchase at the salon — just ask a member of the team for more information.