A CREATIVE COMMUNITY
CGK
CommonGroundKolektiv is a group of Filipino creatives and artists based in Norway. We are passionate about photography and visual storytelling. Our mission is to create a platform where individuals can come together to share, collaborate, and support each other's creative endeavors.
Here at CommonGroundKolektiv, we are dedicated to providing a supportive and inspiring environment for photographers of all levels. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, our community is designed to foster creativity and growth. We offer various resources, workshops, and events to help our members develop their skills and connect with like-minded individuals. Join us in celebrating the art of photography and let's build a vibrant community together.
Meet the Creatives
The Common Ground Kolektiv Photo Exhibition showcases the work of Filipino photographers in Norway, from hobbyists to professionals with varying backgrounds. It aims to provide a platform to display the diverse ways photography can be used for creative expression and storytelling. Through their lenses, each photographer presents their perspective on how Filipino lives thrive and evolve in Norway, capturing fleeting and unseen moments of life in the diaspora. They highlight how they have adapted and coped with “home” as immigrants or as overseas workers. The exhibition's theme revolves around the phrase "Ito ay Tahanan..." which means "This is Home..." Each photographer has interpreted the statement according to the photography genre they lean into. The exhibit will also feature other Filipino artists and photographers working at sea on the coast of Europe and Norway and beyond.
Ito ay Tahanan. This is Home.
A Photo Exhibition of Filipino Photographers
Oslo, Norway
Featured Photographers | Artists
Danica Ingiaen
She is a freelance photographer who loves exploring and capturing moments around the world. For seven years, she worked on ships doing housekeeping, but during breaks, she pursued her liking for photography. In 2018, she got her first photography gig on a Danish ship, taking pictures of the captain and passenger cabins. It went well which led to many projects.
Danica is now on a Norwegian expedition ship exploring the artic and Europe. Her experience in Svalbard inspired her to focus on nature photography.
Fun fact: love for music and travel.
Chewin Monzon
Instagram: @chewin monzon
Facebook: chewin monzon
Vero: chewin monzon
Chewin is a chef on a commercial vessel, currently a Roro cargo ship sailing mostly on the coast of Norway and Europe. At the age of 43, he started collecting vintage cameras. Chewin's photography genres include travel, landscape, documentary, fashion, and portrait, and he is very fond of boudoir.
“Photography was my rainbow after that storm, my peace within the chaos”
Jaijai Lee
I'm a self-taught photographer married to a Chilean Norwegian, and I've lived here since 2016. I discovered photography during the COVID era, which sparked my passion for the art.
She specialises in maternity, newborn, and family photography. Typically, I conduct sessions either in my home studio or outdoors.
“Photography has shown me that beauty can be found in the small details, the unnoticed corners, and the brief moments. Being a photographer who learned on their own, each time the camera shutter is pressed, it is a further exploration of the skill of observation.”
Grace
Orbon-Emmelot
Instagram : emmelotgracephotography
Facebook : Emmelot Grace
Email : graceemmelot@gmail.com
Website :www.emmelotgracephotography
Grace began her journey in the Philippines. She continues to explore the many genres of photography in Norway—portrait, street, documentary, corporate, landscape, and travel. But her forte lies in portraits, events, documentaries, and corporate photography. With her art ever-evolving in Norway, she is now in the exciting process of growing Emmelot Grace Photography.
Shooting a photograph at a given moment is not only about connecting to the subject. It is also, sometimes, a decision to disconnect from the surrounding clutter with your sensibilities up at all times.
Rhyan
Elivera Olivo
Instagram : thatbeardedkid_oslo
Facebook : That Bearded Kid
Email : olivorhyan@gmail.com
Website: www.thatbeardedkid.com
For me, Photography is the outlet of my soul. My escape and my Home at the same time. Having the opportunity and the given task to capture such special and delicate moments is such a big responsibility and nerve-wracking experience but fun at the same time.
That’s what I live for! The very thin line between these two, the spur of the moment, the split-second decisions, the impromptu and adlibs, the ups & downs, the comedy, the story, the adrenaline.
I am a Registered Nurse/Dialysis Nurse technician by profession. A proud student of YouTube University, not a graduate coz it’s an unending learning process and experience.
Nea Torres
As a versatile freelancer with a penchant for innovative collaborations, leveraging ambient light and outdoor settings to craft captivating imagery.
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​Originally from Laguna, Philippines, my photographic journey commenced with humble beginnings, capturing fleeting moments with a phone camera and later a point-and-shoot Kodak digital camera. In 2013, I delved deeper into the art of photography, acquiring my first DSLR. Guided by a mentor who recognised my latent talent, I forged ahead, collaborating with like-minded individuals and participating in various events and projects in San Pablo and Cavite. Transitioning into a studio photographer role at Red Images in Espana, Manila, from 2015 to 2016, I honed my skills amidst the vibrant urban landscape. In 2017, I embraced the transformative role of motherhood, adding a new dimension to my life and work.
I am not the photographer for everyone but I am the photographer for those who connect with earth.
Jay Diaz
I live in Tromsø, located in the northern part of Norway, with my wife, Star Diaz, and our three beautiful boys. I am an engineer by profession, but I found love in photography the moment I stepped into the beautiful country of Norway.
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My subject matter is people in love; weddings and engagements are my speciality. I think one of the most important things about being a photographer of people is to create a comfortable environment. I want you to feel like you are
an old friend.
Instagram : soulfulsnapsphoto
Facebook : Soulful Snaps
Email : soulfulsnapsphoto@gmail.com
Website : www.soulfulsnapsphoto.com
I am not the photographer for everyone but I am the photographer for those who connect with earth.
Immy Rempis
She is no pro—a simple enthusiast who loves to document special moments she sees.
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Filmmaker/Playwright turned into a Sustainability Specialist. Mom to a teenage boy who thinks humans will be the cause of our planet’s downfall and to a newborn baby girl who calms down to songs of Greta Van Fleet. Of all the roles she juggles, being a mother is what she is most proud of.
Happiness is only real when shared -Christopher McCandless.
I’ve been applying this statement in various aspects of my life, including my reason for taking photos: to share happiness one captured moment at a time.
Star Angelove Diaz
Instagram : soulfulsnapsphoto
Facebook : Soulful Snaps
Email : soulfulsnapsphoto@gmail.com
Website : www.soulfulsnapsphoto.com
She lives in Tromsø, located in the northern part of Norway, with her husband, Jay Diaz, and their three beautiful boys. She shares glimpses of their lives on her personal Instagram account @iztardiaz. Her photography started her eldest son was born. She started discovering her creativity into photography documenting every precious moment of their first born son.
Star is into Fine art, portraits and lifestyle genre. She is passionate about making her subjects feel welcomed and invited before you ever step in front of her camera.
She is also a nurse by profession and loves photography the most. Star and Jay decided to homeschool their boys and thrive in exploring the outdoors around the artic circle and other places in the world.
“Everything I do is based out of my faith + love for Jesus. From capturing memories to showing others their value and worth, I surround myself with His love and guide my business and life by His light.”
Cherokee Dawn
A resident of Miasong, the farthest barangay of Tupi, South Cotabato, she grew up in a family where creativity was valued. Inspired by her father's artistic talents, She recall his support during childhood, especially when I needed help with drawing projects. Her brother also contributed to her appreciation for art with his skill in drawing Anime characters. Despite all interest in the arts, she had to set aside her artistic aspirations due to limited resources, focusing instead on practical matters like providing for the family. After earning her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education with a major in English and obtaining the teaching license, job opportunities remained scarce, exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Three years ago, Cherokee’s perspective shifted when her loved ones recognised her untapped potential in the arts. She reignited her passion for painting and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and artistic expression, determined to carve out a new path for herself as an artist.
“My dedication to painting Philippine mythical creatures like Sirena, Diwata, Duwende and Engkanto reflects a deep connection to my cultural roots and a commitment to preserving the wisdom passed down through generations.”
Josh Mearks Agustin
He was inspired by a “hobby” and became passionate about photography. He is not a pro, but he has a great love for portraiture and street photography. In addition to photography, he was a personal trainer in kickboxing, Muay Thai, and boxing when he was in Dubai. He loves music and the arts, and he is also a DJ.
“I am most interested in people and I want to be an agent of change.”
