Kelvin Okafor

The series, Interludes explores moments of reflection and solitude, capturing the quiet essence of inner peace and stillness that radiates from each sitter.

I have always been fascinated with closed-eyed expressions, the sense of quietude they highlight, the mysterious character that they bestow. 

As a child I often used to question the reasons why we close our eyes while dreaming, visualising, praying or meditating. The possibility of seeing vivid images whilst our eyes were sealed shut completely enthralled me and made me wonder whether others had the same experience. 

I remember feeling as though everyone had the capacity to create and enter their own unique inner worlds that no other being had access to.  Later, despite understanding some of the logical explanations as to why we close our eyes at particular moments, I still feel inclined to imagine otherwise. 

Mystery is what has always inspired me and is what eventually led me to create this series of portraits.

Kelvin Okafor