ANYONE / ANYWHERE, A Different Kind Of Photo Show

Summer in New York is a labyrinth that can lead you to the sea, an empty street, a mask-less rave, or a collaborative photo show named ANYONE / ANYWHERE. Organized by the Filipina-American photographer Anjelica Jardiel, the 8th edition of this nomadic exhibition will take place on Sunday, August 1st, from 5pm-10pm at Magick City in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

We spoke with Anjelica (@anjelicajardiel / @anyone___anywhere) to learn about her roots, her experience, and the challenges of surviving the 21st century as an independent creative.

_{“I started ANYONE / ANYWHERE in December of 2017 out of a personal frustration with the fine art world. To me, it felt inaccessible and pretentious, and I wanted to create something based in a community that could uplift and connect people all over the world.” Anjelica Jardiel}

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m Anjelica Jardiel, a first-generation, Filipina-American, twinless twin who grew up in Los Angeles, CA and is currently based in Brooklyn, NY. Professionally, I shoot portraits and fashion photography. My personal work is heavily informed by my Buddhist practice. I’m an avid traveler and scuba diving enthusiast.

I started ANYONE / ANYWHERE in December of 2017 out of a personal frustration with the fine art world. To me, it felt inaccessible and pretentious, and I wanted to create something based in a community that could uplift and connect people all over the world. HUMANITY is our next show, coming up on Sunday, August 1st, from 5pm-10pm at Magick City in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

What's your experience as a professional photographer and curator?

The idea of pursuing a creative career was not initially supported by my family, because it simply seemed like a “side job” or a “hobby,” which I think is a common thread in immigrant families, so I first pursued marketing and communications. When I realized that definitely wasn’t the route for me, I decided I’d rather try and fail than never make a real effort, and that’s when it all began. It hasn’t been a straight road, nor an easy one, and I’m still nowhere near where I want to be, but when I look back, I’m so grateful for this path I’ve chosen for myself. There’s definitely a shift that happens when your passion becomes your means to make a living, because often, the things you love to photograph aren't necessarily the things that make money. ANYONE / ANYWHERE was my way to balance that out and make sure I’m still contributing to society.

What is Anyone/Anywhere? What's the meaning of the name?

The original name was “Could Be Anyone, Could Be Anywhere,” but I shortened it to make it easier to remember. Simply put, it's an opportunity for anyone anywhere, regardless of where you're from or your experience level with photography. With the exception of this upcoming show, HUMANITY, all of the past images have been facially anonymous. I wanted pictures of people to be able to represent anyone. I wanted the viewer to be able to look at a photo and see themselves in it. I wanted pictures of people to be representative of the collective, rather than just the individual.

How do the exhibitions work? What makes this show different from other shows?

People all over the world, regardless of level of experience, are invited to submit their work to ANYONE / ANYWHERE open calls that always have a specific theme related to the things that are universal to being human things like Pleasure, Roots, Feelings and Bodies. The selected images are printed 4”x6” and labeled with the artist’s name on the back. The prints are displayed side by side in a grid format that makes narrative sense and guests can take their favorite print off the wall and take it home with them. There is always a section dedicated to artist bios, with ways to connect with them. These shows are more about the collective than the individual, and the art isn't as precious as it would be framed and priced for purchase. It’s really more about sharing stories and perspectives. All shows are donation-based, but no one is turned away for lack of funds. It's an art show for everyone.

How was surviving the pandemic as a freelance photographer? What are your impressions about how the freelance community is experiencing it?

I feel I got very lucky in this regard. Over my 7.5 years in NYC as a freelancer, I’ve gotten quite accustomed to inconsistent income. Not once have I ever had the opportunity to receive unemployment, so I took full advantage of government aid and small business loans during the pandemic. The industry shut down for several months and remained slow until late summer. I took advantage of the lull and found ways to continue working on my portfolio safely and intimately. I actually took a leap of faith to stop working as a photo assistant and digital tech and establish myself exclusively as a photographer. The timing felt right, and since the beginning of 2021 I’ve had the opportunity to work with several new clients on projects I genuinely care about.

As far as it goes for other freelancers, I think it’s a mixed bag. The more established freelancers, like my boyfriend, have gotten back into the groove of working daily, while other friends are still struggling to find work.

Art and tech are at the core of Galaxia 2000. What innovations in the field either in the way we communicate what we do, or thinking about your technical tools, are you enjoying? Are there other aspects of art and tech that disturb you?

I’m actually in the process of learning about the NFT space, Ethereum and contemplating my means of entry into that art world. I’m about to invest in underwater housing for my mirrorless camera, so I can start documenting ocean life when I scuba dive, and perhaps that’s my angle as an NFT artist. I like the idea that NFTs put the control back in the hands of creators. Social media has always disturbed me to a certain extent. The psychology behind it and the fact that every 3 posts on my Instagram feed are now ads. I do recognize that the community I’ve built through ANYONE / ANYWHERE stays connected through Instagram, and much good has come from the platform, especially for small businesses, but there’s still something unsettling about it…

Can you highlight some artists included in the show?

There are so many I want to highlight, but for now, I’ll choose 3… Finnish-born Sonja Venäläinen (@awesonja) has been a contributor to these shows since the beginning and is currently based in England. She shoots emotional landscapes and depicts her connection to nature. Lugao Kasberg (@lugaokasberg) is an indigenous social artist, representing the Mangyan tribe of the Philippines here in the United States. Cindy Trinh (@cindytrinh.photo) is a Vietnamese-American, non-binary photojournalist and activist, whose work centers on uplifting marginalized communities.

This is going to be the 8th ANYONE / ANYWHERE show. Are you collaborating with more people or are you a one-woman show? What have you learned so far?

It’s going to be the 8th show, and I can’t believe it! I definitely have to do something extra special for the 10th show, when we get there. I’m mostly a one-woman show, but I have collaborated with some folks in the past. ROOTS was done in collaboration with Sari Sari Studio during Fil Am Heritage month in 2019. I just recently worked with Secret Friend on the LEFTOVERS show, where they handled music and I handled visuals. I’ve been getting better at delegating tasks and asking for help, but I love doing these shows and have connected with so many people as a result.

What’s next for Anyone/Anywhere?

What I hope for next is more shows outside of NYC! The goal since inception was to do these events all over the world. After HUMANITY, I will have done 7 shows in NYC and 1 in Barcelona. The running list of dream locations includes: Los Angeles, Oakland, Mexico City, Bangkok, Beirut, Bali, Jakarta, Manila, Tokyo and Osaka, to name just a few!

Would you like to add something?

Follow @anyone___anywhere!

︎ MY LOVE TO DISTORTION BY SHIS UNUSUAL

ANYONE / ANYWHERE, A Different Kind Of Photo Show

“I started ANYONE / ANYWHERE in December of 2017 out of a personal frustration with the fine art world. To me, it felt inaccessible and pretentious, and I wanted to create something based in a community that could uplift and connect people all over the world.” Anjelica Jardiel

_{“I started ANYONE / ANYWHERE in December of 2017 out of a personal frustration with the fine art world. To me, it felt inaccessible and pretentious, and I wanted to create something based in a community that could uplift and connect people all over the world.” Anjelica Jardiel}