Since adolescence, I’ve yearned for a deeper grasp of life and self. Raised as an only child, by an abusive mother with an absent father in the neighborhood of Echo Park, I was compelled to turn to photography as a means to comprehend and escape my reality. Themes such as family dynamics, particularly the bond between mother and child; relationships consisting of friendship and romance; body image depicted in my self-portraits; and the exploration of identity through portraits of fellow queer, Asian, and Latinx individuals, serve as a reflection of my deepest wounds and desires.
Through photography, I’ve forged connections with a multitude of individuals who invite me into their sacred spaces, allowing me to witness them authentically and explore the ever-changing landscape of Los Angeles. This process alleviates the inevitable loneliness of young adulthood, bringing me closer to my community and home. Fragments of ourselves are scattered in the images we’ve created: the tenderness of skin as the warm sun hides in the distance, possessions and traditions rooted in our identities binding us together, and the ancient alleyways and sidewalks we’ve traversed countless times.
In my journey as a photographer, I have fallen in love with its hardships and the lessons it has taught me. I strive to connect with more people and myself, delving into the intricacies of what makes us human. I aspire to create more memories to hold onto and honor myself and my subjects for who we are.
Gabriel Sapiandante Lopez, is a queer Mexican and Filipino artist, who resides in his hometown, Echo Park, a culturally diverse neighborhood in the east-central region of Los Angeles, California. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in documenting and storytelling through portraiture, creating visual narratives that extend beyond his personal experiences. Dedicated to amplifying the voices of BIPOC individuals, Lopez captures the essence of those seeking belonging in spaces not inherently their own.
Educated at the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in Downtown Los Angeles, Lopez studied the fundamentals of photography. However, his true creative expression flourished outside the confines of traditional classroom settings. Photography, for Lopez, serves as a powerful medium to articulate vulnerability and explore his connection with himself and his community.
Drawing inspiration from various lived experiences and meaningful interpersonal relationships, Lopez molds his identity and livelihood through the lens of his camera. As an artist, Lopez places a high value on respect, authenticity, and a compassionate understanding of communities of color grappling with the nuanced challenges of loneliness and belonging. In his photographs, Lopez not only captures precious moments in time but also fosters a profound sense of empathy and connection within the broad spectrum of human experiences.
Email - gabrielsapiandantelopez@gmail.com
Instagram
Select Clients
The Cut
New York Magazine
Los Angeles Times
W Magazine
Converse
Press
(2024) Michael Arceneaux for LA Times
(2023) Delfin Finley for LA Times
(2023) Dominique Fishback from “Swarm” for New York Magazine
(2022) Fav Photos in 2022 by Booooooom!
(2022) Review of the Year 2022: Top 25 Photography by It’s Nice That
(2022) GloRilla for New York Magazine
(2022) Maria Maea and Rafa Esparza for LA Times
(2022) Nicole Byer for W Magazine
(2022) Coco Jones for The Cut
(2022) Gabriel Lopez on the healing power of photography for It’s Nice That
(2022) Scotty, Mika, Hannah, and Ricki for Converse Pride 2022
(2022) Star of Netflix’s ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Manuel Garcia-Rulfo for LA Times
(2022) Finalists for Palm Studio’s Palm Photo Prize on i-D Magazine
(2022) Shortlisted for Palm Studio’s Palm Photo Prize
(2022) Sara and Alyssa for Latina Magazine x Converse
(2022) The Costume Designer of ‘Zola’, Derica Cole Washington for The Cut
(2022) i-D Magazine’s February 2022 in photos
(2021) i-D Magazine’s August 2021 in photos
(2021) i-D Magazine’s April 2021 in photos
(2021) Gabriel Lopez x Tótem Magazine
(2020) i-D Magazine’s 2020 in photos
(2020) Plant based label, LAZ for Subvrt Magazine
Exhibitions
(2023) WEBBER Gallery, Staring into the Sun, curated by Chantal Webber and Yudo Kurita
(2023) Stay Arts, Local Group Show 5, curated by Juliana Canty and Gabriel Enamorado
(2023) Illuminate LA: Collective Memory Installation at Grand Park, curated by LA County Department of Arts and Culture
(2023) Tlaloc Studios & Superchief Gallery, Demasiado Group Exhibition, curated by Ozzie Juarez, Edward Zipco, and Bill Dunleavy
(2022) 10 14 Gallery, Palm* Studios Group Exhibition, curated by Lola Paprocka
(2022) Tlaloc Studios, Retrato Group Exhibition, curated by Ozzie Juarez
Awards
(2024) Aperture Portfolio Prize 2024 Longlist
(2022) Palm* Studios Photo Prize Finalist and Special Mention
Through photography, I’ve forged connections with a multitude of individuals who invite me into their sacred spaces, allowing me to witness them authentically and explore the ever-changing landscape of Los Angeles. This process alleviates the inevitable loneliness of young adulthood, bringing me closer to my community and home. Fragments of ourselves are scattered in the images we’ve created: the tenderness of skin as the warm sun hides in the distance, possessions and traditions rooted in our identities binding us together, and the ancient alleyways and sidewalks we’ve traversed countless times.
In my journey as a photographer, I have fallen in love with its hardships and the lessons it has taught me. I strive to connect with more people and myself, delving into the intricacies of what makes us human. I aspire to create more memories to hold onto and honor myself and my subjects for who we are.
Gabriel Sapiandante Lopez, is a queer Mexican and Filipino artist, who resides in his hometown, Echo Park, a culturally diverse neighborhood in the east-central region of Los Angeles, California. His artistic journey is deeply rooted in documenting and storytelling through portraiture, creating visual narratives that extend beyond his personal experiences. Dedicated to amplifying the voices of BIPOC individuals, Lopez captures the essence of those seeking belonging in spaces not inherently their own.
Educated at the Ramon C. Cortines School of Visual and Performing Arts in Downtown Los Angeles, Lopez studied the fundamentals of photography. However, his true creative expression flourished outside the confines of traditional classroom settings. Photography, for Lopez, serves as a powerful medium to articulate vulnerability and explore his connection with himself and his community.
Drawing inspiration from various lived experiences and meaningful interpersonal relationships, Lopez molds his identity and livelihood through the lens of his camera. As an artist, Lopez places a high value on respect, authenticity, and a compassionate understanding of communities of color grappling with the nuanced challenges of loneliness and belonging. In his photographs, Lopez not only captures precious moments in time but also fosters a profound sense of empathy and connection within the broad spectrum of human experiences.
Email - gabrielsapiandantelopez@gmail.com
Select Clients
The Cut
New York Magazine
Los Angeles Times
W Magazine
Converse
Press
(2024) Michael Arceneaux for LA Times
(2023) Delfin Finley for LA Times
(2023) Dominique Fishback from “Swarm” for New York Magazine
(2022) Fav Photos in 2022 by Booooooom!
(2022) Review of the Year 2022: Top 25 Photography by It’s Nice That
(2022) GloRilla for New York Magazine
(2022) Maria Maea and Rafa Esparza for LA Times
(2022) Nicole Byer for W Magazine
(2022) Coco Jones for The Cut
(2022) Gabriel Lopez on the healing power of photography for It’s Nice That
(2022) Scotty, Mika, Hannah, and Ricki for Converse Pride 2022
(2022) Star of Netflix’s ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ Manuel Garcia-Rulfo for LA Times
(2022) Finalists for Palm Studio’s Palm Photo Prize on i-D Magazine
(2022) Shortlisted for Palm Studio’s Palm Photo Prize
(2022) Sara and Alyssa for Latina Magazine x Converse
(2022) The Costume Designer of ‘Zola’, Derica Cole Washington for The Cut
(2022) i-D Magazine’s February 2022 in photos
(2021) i-D Magazine’s August 2021 in photos
(2021) i-D Magazine’s April 2021 in photos
(2021) Gabriel Lopez x Tótem Magazine
(2020) i-D Magazine’s 2020 in photos
(2020) Plant based label, LAZ for Subvrt Magazine
Exhibitions
(2023) WEBBER Gallery, Staring into the Sun, curated by Chantal Webber and Yudo Kurita
(2023) Stay Arts, Local Group Show 5, curated by Juliana Canty and Gabriel Enamorado
(2023) Illuminate LA: Collective Memory Installation at Grand Park, curated by LA County Department of Arts and Culture
(2023) Tlaloc Studios & Superchief Gallery, Demasiado Group Exhibition, curated by Ozzie Juarez, Edward Zipco, and Bill Dunleavy
(2022) 10 14 Gallery, Palm* Studios Group Exhibition, curated by Lola Paprocka
(2022) Tlaloc Studios, Retrato Group Exhibition, curated by Ozzie Juarez
Awards
(2024) Aperture Portfolio Prize 2024 Longlist
(2022) Palm* Studios Photo Prize Finalist and Special Mention