My portrait session with Andy Serkis is one of the latest additions to my ongoing project Selah. The series draws on the mood and dramatic lighting of the Old Masters, especially the tenebrism of Caravaggio and Ribera. For Andy’s sitting, I wanted to create a moment of quiet reflection—something raw, intimate, and rooted in a sense of personal pilgrimage.
When directing Andy, I asked him to imagine he had reached the end of a long journey, pausing to gather his thoughts before taking the next step. He embraced the direction instantly. His ability to shift into deep emotional space is remarkable, and within moments he carried the weight, humility, and contemplation the portrait required.
The final image reveals this beautifully. The chiaroscuro lighting falls across his face with a gentle intensity, drawing attention to his expression—thoughtful, grounded, and completely present. Andy’s performance brought a powerful emotional truth to the frame, giving the portrait the stillness and depth that define the Selah series.
I plan to complete Selah over the summer ahead of an exhibition in 2025. Projects like this rely on time and dedication, and I’m grateful to everyone who supports this work.
My wife, Sasha Lewis, and I continue to collaborate closely on these sessions, refining each image to capture a timeless and sincere human moment—something Andy delivered effortlessly.
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