Sarah Okeke

Artist Statement

I love music. To me, photography is a form of music, and both transport me into the world of art. Eyes differentiate color tones, and ears evaluate pitch. Hands create melodious symphonies with instruments and masterpieces with paper and ink. Mouths communicate emotion, which is itself art. At a young age, I was drawn to the relationship between art and emotions. Before I owned a camera, on daily walks I would come across gorgeous glitters of light that accentuated shapes and brought out certain tones. I would automatically think, “This could be an album cover.” I would always associate visually captivating moments with music.

I was born and raised in New Haven by my Nigerian mother and father, who greatly inspire me in all I do. As I discovered ways to communicate how certain images made me feel, I learned the infinitely expressive potential of photography. I learned to cultivate an environment of artistic expression with my camera, focusing on street and portrait photography. Looking at people and experiencing my community is how I fell in love with photography. I like to focus on symmetry and emotion when capturing an image; my goal is that whoever views my work will connect with me and share my feelings. The View From Here helped me refine my approach to photography and allowed me to think of ways I could uplift my community through art.

—Sarah Onyinyechukwu Okeke, Achievement First Amistad High School 

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