Smoke Filled Mirror

In Smoke Filled Mirror, Keiran Perry brings to life the vivid and transient world of a traveling circus, a project spanning two years across the UK and Scotland. Immersing himself fully in the nomadic rhythm of the performers’ lives, they reveal a raw and intimate portrait of community forged in the margins.

Set against the backdrop of a post-pandemic world, the book captures moments of shared humanity that emerged in a time of widespread isolation. Through Perry’s lens, the circus becomes more than a spectacle—it transforms into a symbol of resilience, connection, and the beauty of lives lived on the road.

The images move between the surreal and the everyday: sequins glint in darkness, hands roughened by work build homes out of canvas, and fleeting moments of quiet reveal the tender strength of this unique community. Smoke Filled Mirror draws viewers into a space where illusion and reality blur, offering glimpses of a world that is as fragile as it is extraordinary.

This work reflects Perry’s deep commitment to process and presence, embedding himself within the fabric of the circus. His photographs don’t simply document—they illuminate, weaving together the grit, grace, and soul of a group of people bound not by place but by purpose.

This captivating work invites you to rediscover the power of community in unexpected places.