Jandri Angelo Aguilor
Jandri Angelo Aguilor is a street and documentary photographer renowned for his passion for capturing the underground music and alternative scenes. His work vividly portrays the energy and raw emotion of live performances, offering an intimate look into subcultures that exist beyond the mainstream.
Through his lens, Angelo not only documents artists and their craft but also encapsulates the essence of community and connection within these vibrant environments. His photographs invite viewers to experience the heartbeat of the underground, celebrating the individuality and creativity that define this captivating world.
Previously, Angelo served as the head photographer for AKQA UAE, where he refined his storytelling skills through visual media. This role provided him with a unique perspective and technical expertise that he now applies to his personal projects.
@catnipkilledthecat
CATNIP Photography
Q&A
Q: Did you go to university, and if so, what did you study?
Yes, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and obtained my professional license in 2010. However, after only two months of working in a hospital, I realized I didn't see a future in the healthcare industry, as its unpredictable nature conflicted with my passion for hardcore punk gigs.
During university, I often skipped classes to visit the library or browse fiction and magazines at the local bookstore. Reflecting on this, I see how my exposure to hardcore punk and these experiences influenced my decision to pursue an alternative path. I turned to photography because it demands immediate reaction and spontaneity.
Q: Most inspiring moment in your career or person you have worked with?
There have been many inspiring moments, but some highlights include:
- Building friendships with Danabelle Gutierrez, WYWY, and other Dubai-based creatives.
- Collaborating with Raghd Coussa of L316 Records, who became the first editor of my written pieces.
- Participating in “SULYAP” by Tribe Creatives at The Theatre of Digital Art , where I recited two Bisaya poetry pieces and "Filipinas" by Jose Palma.
- Holding my first solo photography exhibit titled “Stray,” documenting stray cats in Dubai.
- Working as a Marketing Specialist at Fujifilm Middle East, despite having no prior marketing experience. I’m learning and grinding firsthand with the best team in town.
Q: Essential book to read, movie to watch, or artist to follow today?
Book: Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk, anything Neil Gaiman and Haruki Murakami
Movie: La Montaña Sagrada by Alejandro Jodorowsky, any movies made by Satoshi Kon and Akira Kurosawa and David Fincher
Photographer: Alex Webb, Tavepong Pratoomwong, Glenn E. Friedman, Bruce Gilden, Rania Matar, Josef Koudelka, Trent Parke and more
Bands: Touché Amoré, La Dispute, Modern Baseball, Motorhead, Immortal, David Boring, Sigur Ros and Merzbow
Support and embrace your local art and music scenes—they're a vital part of creative culture.
Q: Most underappreciated role in the creative sector?
Undiscovered artists, such as local coffee baristas or those who work on creative side projects, often get overshadowed by their roles as corporate designers or commercial talents.
Q: Is there one thing you would do differently if you could start your professional career again?
Yes, I would focus on financial literacy and overcoming impostor syndrome. Artists often think, act, dress, and spend in ways that might not serve them well. I could have used my early influence to break into the market more effectively, but I was uncertain of my own value. Addressing these two issues could have significantly changed my career trajectory early on.
Q: What other places in the world should the UAE look to for inspiration?
The internet is a fantastic resource, opening doors to places you might never have dreamed of. Reading books, mangas, comics, and other publications can also provide inspiration.
Otherwise, follow your passions. If you're into music, attend music festivals in Europe or Asia, whether they're large or intimate. For art, the same applies - connect with people through social media, meet them in person, and expand your network. Embrace the unexpected and let experiences shape your journey. Learning never stops.
Q: When did you realize that working in the creative sector was the right fit for you?
I decided to move to Dubai to escape my parents' insistence on advancing my education and pursuing a career in medicine. My choices were either to become a registered embalmer—a suggestion they immediately dismissed—or to remain in the Philippines, leading a mundane life in our old town. Both seemed to offer a future I could not foresee.
Photography, much like writing poetry, has been my escape. As an autodidact, I explore and experiment in this field until I find my niche. When I become too comfortable, I seek new curiosities to explore. Most of my personal work revolves around street photography, portraiture and documenting underground music gigs both in analog and digital formats.
