In Subtle Lights

A photographic exploration of the delicate and often unnoticed layers of human experience. This series seeks to uncover the quiet, unspoken emotions that shape who we are, presenting these moments as a tapestry of connection and introspection.

Through intimate portraiture, In Subtle Lights invites viewers to step into emotionally resonant worlds, where every glance, gesture, and shadow holds a story. The series emphasizes the beauty of the in-between, the fleeting expressions, the pauses between words, and the quiet reflections that often go unnoticed in the rush of everyday life. The series aims to remind us of our interconnectedness, the silent threads that bind us together in understanding and empathy.In Subtle Light is not just a collection of portraits; it is an invitation to pause, to look closer, and to discover the profound within the seemingly ordinary. It is a celebration of the unseen layers that make us human.

In the Eye of Judgment: Finding Truth in Art and Identity

FEATURING AMADEUS FERNANDO PAGENTE
WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY AKIRA
NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Back in junior high, when Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis was a hit for urban dance covers, I stumbled upon a video of a bearded bride performing dramatically to the song. At the bridge, they "bled," creating a hauntingly vivid image that stuck with me for years. At the time, it felt eerie and unexplainable. Now, I’ve learned it was drag, a bold and creative art form.

However, today, the same performer is being condemned for portraying a religious figure in ways deemed offensive. Despite the judgment, they graciously allowed me into their personal space for a portrait session of them out of drag, showing a deeply personal and human side to their story.

Meeting them for the first time was like stepping into a world I hadn’t realized I needed to see. They welcomed me into their closet, barely enough space to turn around, with walls that seemed to close in, yet radiated something so expansive, so alive. This was their sanctuary, the place where their identity was forged, celebrated, and, at times, judged by others.
It wasn’t much, with limited ventilation, but every piece of fabric draped across the space seemed to breathe life, exhaling creativity and stories. Costumes, wigs, and foams, symbols of perseverance and passion. In this little room, they built their world, one that reflected the depth of their grit and the magnitude of their artistic vision.
They sat there, motionless for the camera, yet every word they spoke moved like poetry. The shutter clicked rhythmically as they shared their stories, each one an honest, unfiltered glimpse into their life. They spoke of battles fought and how they learned to rise above the noise, finding beauty and hope even in the chaos.
There was a calmness about them, a warmth in their demeanor that contradicted every judgment I’d carried into the room. They smiled, not mockingly but sincerely, as though they could see through the weight of my assumptions.
“People will misunderstand you,” they said, “but that’s their story, not yours. The only thing you owe yourself is to be honest with who you are and what you create.”

As they spoke, I felt my own walls crumble. Here was a person who had every reason to be bitter yet chose joy. They weren’t trying to provoke or diminish faith; they were living out their own, in a way that was raw, unfiltered, and deeply human. Their art, their identity, their words, all of it was a testament to hope, to staying true to oneself even when the world seemed set against you.
Their vulnerability was disarming. There they were, baring themselves fully to someone they barely knew, yet their openness felt as natural as breathing. Every sentence was laced with optimism, even when it was about hardship. They weren’t naive; they were resilient. Their words didn’t just inspire, they reminded me that hope isn’t an abstract concept but something tangible, cultivated through hard work and belief in oneself.

By the end of our conversation, as the final clicks of the camera echoed in the room, I realized they weren’t just someone who created art; they were art. Their life, their identity, their relentless optimism, all came together as a masterpiece of resilience. And somehow, in sharing their world with me, they sparked a sense of hope in mine.
Pura Luka Vega.

SEEING LIFE’S SUBTLE LAYERS THROUGH AN INTIMATE LENS.

AKIRA is a self-taught photographer from Cavite, Philippines. Stills from personal narratives, heavily inspired his artistic creation. His intimate approach to photography allows him to create images that invites viewers into layered, emotionally resonant worlds. Through his lens, he captures the subtle layers of human experience.After two years of self-guided practice in photography since 2021, his passion for the art form led him to pursue formal education. He is now working toward a bachelor's degree, further honing his skills and artistic voice.

Connect:

akirastudio.ph@gmail.com
Cavite, Philippines

Exhibitions and Publications

2024 What Comes After Glam?
A photo exhibition produced by DOST-PCIEERD and Benilde HiFi, dedicated to the alternative drag scene in the country.2024 CLAVEL Captures Exhibit: What’s Your Delusion?
A private group exhibition hosted by CLAVEL Media at 8 Rockwell, Makati City.2024 Benilde Open Design + Art
A group exhibition organized by De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in celebration of its 35th anniversary in partnership with De La Salle University, The Embassy of Switzerland, The Estate of Heidi Bucher, Philippine Airlines, Malayan Insurance, Power Mac Center and The Sage Group.2024 Exotic ARTs
A group art exhibit and car show organized by ArtX Philippines held at Exotic Motors Magallanes, Makati PH.2023 Ungodly Hour
First published photobook, and a solo exhibition in collaboration with es•pa•syo Creative Spaces- located at Dasmariñas, Cavite PH.2022 Panahon ng Paruparo
An art book project by Novice Magazine in collaboration with Creatives with Leni.2022 Lavender Linguistics
An online exhibition celebrating queer arts through a captivating dialogue between body and art.2021 Rapid Eye Movement
Inaugural online exhibition in collaboration with freelance artists and Arts and Design Track students from Cavite, PH.

Advocacy works

2023 A Photography Challenge
Organizer of a weeklong competitive platform for newbies and hobbyist photographers in collaboration with Lucent Designs Media International.2022 A- TEAM (The Exchange of Artistry Mission) Program
A program to support select small business owners in Cavite through a free product photography.2021 Rapid Eye Movement
Online exhibition to support the causes of Philippine Animal Rescue Team (P.A.R.T.) and Care for Paws Shelter and Sanctuary (CPSS).