A Collaboration between photographer Asia Kepka and writer Lynn Dowling

On a hot July day, we dressed ourselves up with masks borrowed from a friend and started shooting self-portraits. We were fascinated by these characters and immediately named them Horace and Agnes.

Once we gave them identity, their story began to unfold. They met through random circumstance and their love for each other is literally blind. They exemplify a fairy tale of what would be like to fall in love with the right person…just because.

Horace and Agnes, along with their friends, are inspired by people and stories from our past and present. Sometimes by family members and sometimes by strangers we have encountered. The photographs are memories brought to life once again- recreated with as much detail possible to make the viewer become immersed in this magical and unique world.

The process of creating each photograph can vary–sometimes it is a spontaneous accident and other times it is a painstakingly long process of wardrobe selection, set building and prop collection.

The identity of each person behind the mask is kept secret. It is an amazing and eclectic group of people throughout the country. It’s been fascinating to watch people being transformed almost immediately once they put on the mask and clothing. The characters they portray can be the complete opposite of who they are in real life. Sometimes a simple mask can give one the opportunity to embrace and challenge their usual selves.

Asia Kepka and Lynn Dowling