This is a portrait of Ghanaian model Kelvyn, whom I met by pure chance during a walk in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington. He had just returned from Paris Fashion Week. I didn’t know who he was — I simply stopped him and asked if he would pose for me.

He said yes, irresistibly so. Soon after he came to my studio in Manor House and struck the most extraordinary poses — one of them being this one.

Why the flowers?

To me they symbolise the duality and fluidity we carry inside: strength and softness, masculinity and grace, rootedness and bloom.

Painted entirely in oil on panel.

39 × 37 inches (100 × 95 cm).