Victor Llorente, a Madrid native and New York resident, developed a passion for photography early in life, inspired by his grandfather's photographic hobby. His journey into serious photography began with Madrid's skateboarding scene. An unplanned encounter in Spain led him to pursue photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York, eventually leading to a successful career photographing notable figures for prestigious publications like The New Yorker and The New York Times.
During his time at FIT, Llorente's path diverged when he was hired to photograph an international dance festival. This event introduced him to Los Andulleros de Santiago, a Dominican cultural collective that became the focal point of his extensive photographic series, "Folklore." Intrigued by their elaborate costumes and energetic performances, Llorente connected with the group backstage. This initial meeting blossomed into a long-term artistic collaboration, beginning in earnest in 2018 when he was invited to document their participation in a Dominican parade in New York.
Over a span of five years, from 2018 to 2023, Llorente diligently followed Los Andulleros de Santiago, chronicling their evolution and dedication to cultural preservation. The group, based in the Bronx, comprises Dominicans of various generations, some of whom are first or second-generation Americans. Llorente observed a strong commitment from older members to educate the youth about their Dominican roots, emphasizing the intricate art of costume creation, traditional dance forms, and the mastery of ceremonial whips. His photographic style evolved during this project, moving beyond his usual street photography to incorporate experimental lighting techniques, capturing both spontaneous scenes and carefully arranged portraits, all while focusing on the group's profound dedication to sharing and perpetuating their rich cultural heritage.
Llorente's "Folklore" project beautifully illustrates the power of cultural expression and the importance of intergenerational knowledge transfer. Through his lens, he not only captures the visual spectacle of Los Andulleros de Santiago but also illuminates the community's spirit and unwavering commitment to keeping their traditions alive in a new land. This work serves as a powerful reminder of how art can bridge cultural divides and celebrate the diversity that enriches our global society.