Fajardo is a documentary series on Filipino parloristas
Tsupet, a documentary series on Filipino parloristas, was featured at the 2nd Quanzhou International Image Biennial in China.
The exhibition showcased entries from 40 international institutions, exploring artists’ perspectives under different conditions. Organized by photography educators worldwide, it offered a broader perspective on diverse communities.
Young photographer Lou Russell Fajardo captures vibrant lives of Filipino parloristas, shedding light on their inspiring stories and advocating for recognition and LGBTQIA+ rights.
“Behind these individuals who are often found in public city markets are people who have had difficult childhoods full of abuse and discrimination,” he stated. “With the dream that one day the SOGIE Bill will be passed into law, they look forward to its success and the protection it can provide to the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Born and raised in Pangasinan, the aspiring photojournalist believes in the power of images to shed light on the struggles of the marginalized.
“Through my works, I wish people will see parloristas not as ordinary workers but also human beings molded by experiences,” he expressed.
The 2nd Quanzhou International Image Biennial likewise featured the works of fellow Photography students Jyllan Sydrey Bitalac, Macee Tingson, and Toni Rose Guinto, whose thought-provoking monochromatic works grace the exhibition catalog.
Participating institutions include prestigious art schools from around the world such as Accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna, Bandung Institute of Technology, Chiang Mai University, Columbia College Chicago, and more. The lineup also features renowned universities like University College London, Tokyo Polytechnic University, and Lomonosov Moscow State University, among others.
