Angelo Dolojan: Capturing the Nuances of the Human Condition in Graphite and Pastel

Chicago-based artist Angelo Dolojan, celebrated for his evocative work that delves into the ordinary and the profound aspects of human existence, is gaining significant recognition. His latest project, a zine titled "it’s all very interesting what is happening," born from his win in the 2025 Art & Photo Book Awards, offers an intimate glimpse into his artistic process and his unique perspective on the world.

Dolojan’s artistic practice is characterized by its thoughtful exploration of mundane moments and the inherent complexities of the human condition. Primarily working with graphite, pastel, and pencil, his gestural lines, shapes, and textures breathe life into characters, imbuing them with their own narratives within their distinct environments. This ability to capture the essence of a subject and its context has led him to collaborate with a diverse range of international clients across editorial, advertising, and publishing sectors. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dolojan finds inspiration in the vibrant chaos of bustling cities and the quiet introspection of long hours spent in coffee shops – environments that serve as both his studio and his muse.

This feature delves into Dolojan’s artistic journey, his inspirations, and the creation of his award-winning zine, offering insights into the mind of an artist dedicated to observing and interpreting the world around him.

The Genesis of a Visual Narrative: "it’s all very interesting what is happening"

The zine "it’s all very interesting what is happening" is the culmination of Dolojan’s dedication and artistic vision, brought to life through a collaboration with Bookmobile, a key partner in the 2025 Art & Photo Book Awards. This project is not merely a collection of drawings; it is a carefully curated year-long exploration that weaves together observation, memory, dreams, documentation, and manifestation into a cohesive and continuous visual narrative. The zine itself, a compact and accessible format, is designed to be a personal companion, an object that can be rediscovered and reinterpreted, mirroring the artist’s own approach to art and life.

"The idea is that the book is small," Dolojan explains, "I like the idea of it getting lost in someone’s bag, almost forgotten, then found again later. I imagine them returning to it and seeing something different each time." This sentiment underscores the zine’s intended impact: a subtle yet profound engagement with the viewer, encouraging a personal connection and a recurring dialogue with the artwork.

Life’s Defining Chapters: Shaping the Artist’s Perspective

Dolojan’s artistic identity and his approach to understanding the world are deeply rooted in his lived experiences. He identifies three pivotal periods that have profoundly shaped him: his childhood in the Philippines, his teenage and early adult years in San Diego, and his current life in Chicago. These distinct phases have not only influenced his personal growth but have also informed the way he observes, processes, and makes sense of the world and the memories he retains.

"I’ve noticed that as I’ve gotten older, I’ve started to organize my life in decades, almost as a way to keep some distance from it," Dolojan reflects. "The first was my childhood in the Philippines. The second, my teenage years and early twenties in San Diego. And the third is now, being in Chicago. I think those three periods shaped the way I move through the world, how I observe, adjust, and make sense of what stays with me." This temporal framework allows him to analyze his evolution and understand how each environment has contributed to his unique artistic lens.

A Cinematic Muse: Atom Egoyan’s Influence

Inspiration often strikes from unexpected quarters, and for Dolojan, a significant source of recent artistic contemplation has been the cinematic work of Atom Egoyan. The Canadian filmmaker’s distinctive approach to scene composition and character portrayal has resonated deeply with Dolojan, prompting introspection and a re-evaluation of his own creative process.

"I’ve been rewatching a lot of Atom Egoyan movies," Dolojan shares. "There’s a way he composes his scenes where he amplifies his characters, skewing their surroundings without ever questioning their realities which then makes me question myself as a viewer." Egoyan’s ability to manipulate visual environments to heighten the emotional and psychological states of his characters, while maintaining a sense of their perceived reality, challenges the viewer’s perception and encourages a deeper engagement with the narrative and the underlying themes. This cinematic technique offers Dolojan a valuable framework for understanding how subtle distortions in his own art can elicit profound responses.

The Dance Between Instinct and Intention

The creative process is a complex interplay of subconscious impulse and conscious decision-making. For Dolojan, this dynamic leans heavily towards instinct, particularly in the initial stages of creation. He finds liberation in allowing his hands to guide the process, a state where control is temporarily relinquished. However, he acknowledges the crucial role of intentionality in bringing a piece to fruition.

"Instinctual," Dolojan states when asked about his creative approach. "I like when my hands take over and I lose control of them a bit but then at some point a level of intentionality helps finish the job." This balance between an uninhibited, almost automatic flow of creativity and a more deliberate, refining hand is essential to his artistic output. It suggests a process of discovery, where intuition lays the groundwork for a more focused and purposeful execution.

The Art of Observation: Finding Stories in the Everyday

Observation and people-watching are fundamental to Dolojan’s artistic practice, serving as the bedrock upon which his narratives are built. Memory, too, plays an equally vital role, acting as a repository of experiences that inform his visual language. He finds particular richness in the subtle distortions and unexpected moments that often go unnoticed by others.

A poignant example of this is his observation of a neighborhood grocery store undergoing interior construction. The palpable tension between construction workers, store clerks, and navigating customers in a familiar space made slightly "off" struck a chord with him. "It’s a small moment, but it lingers," he notes. "That kind of subtle distortion is what I tend to hold on to." These seemingly minor shifts in the everyday environment provide Dolojan with fertile ground for his artistic explorations, highlighting the often-overlooked complexities and quiet dramas of daily life.

Drawing as a Tool for Belonging

Having experienced life in diverse locations, Dolojan has developed a profound understanding of how drawing and sketching can serve as a bridge to feeling at home in new environments. As an immigrant child, he learned to navigate unfamiliar surroundings by assimilating, and drawing became his method of documentation and comprehension.

"As an immigrant child, I learned to survive the strangeness of a place and people, assimilating became understanding and drawing became note taking," Dolojan explains. "I’ve carried that with me since. When I’m drawing in a new environment, it’s how I begin to feel at home. There’s a protective shield that comes up and I feel invisible in a way." This act of drawing offers him a sense of agency and familiarity, transforming the unknown into a landscape he can engage with and understand on his own terms, creating a personal sanctuary within the external world.

The Intimate Experience of the Zine

Dolojan envisions his zine, "it’s all very interesting what is happening," as an object that fosters a unique and intimate connection with its audience. He hopes that the zine’s modest size and its potential to be "lost and found" will encourage repeated engagement and a sense of personal discovery for each reader.

"I like the idea of it getting lost in someone’s bag, almost forgotten, then found again later," he muses. "I imagine them returning to it and seeing something different each time." This aspiration speaks to the enduring power of art to offer new perspectives and insights upon each encounter, transforming a simple object into a catalyst for ongoing contemplation and personal reflection.

Unspoken Wisdom: The Cafe Regular as Mentor

In the absence of direct mentorship, Dolojan finds inspiration and valuable lessons in the everyday interactions and habits of those around him. He describes a fellow regular at his frequented cafe, an individual he has observed and learned from without ever engaging in direct conversation.

"There’s a fellow regular at the café where I draw who I’ve learned from, even without meeting or ever speaking to her," Dolojan reveals. "She lays her drawings out, talks to the people around her, other regulars know her, the staff clearly have a relationship with her, seems very present in her community. I tend to stay in my own world, so I admire that. I’ve never actually met her, but maybe one day I will if I follow her lead." This admiration for the cafe regular’s sense of community and openness highlights Dolojan’s own desire for connection and his ongoing journey of self-discovery, even within his solitary artistic practice.

Aspirations for the Future: Continued Creation and Legacy

Looking ahead, Dolojan’s ambitions are rooted in his passion for creating and sharing his art. He expresses a desire to continue exhibiting his work, whether through print or in gallery spaces, and is grateful for the opportunities he has already had.

"I’ve been fortunate enough to be in spaces where I can show my work, through print or in gallery space. So being able to continue doing that would be really cool," he states. On a more personal and profound level, Dolojan articulates a lifelong aspiration for acceptance, particularly the acceptance of his own fallibility and the natural process of forgetting.

"Acceptance that I won’t be able to remember everything," he shares as a lifetime goal. This introspective wish reveals a deep understanding of the human experience and a mature acceptance of life’s inevitable impermanence, a theme that subtly resonates throughout his artistic explorations.

Call to Aspiring Artists: Share Your Vision

For artists who dream of publishing their own work, Dolojan’s journey serves as an inspiration. The opportunity to create and share a zine like "it’s all very interesting what is happening" is within reach. Booooooom.com is currently accepting proposals for their 2026 Art & Photo Book Awards. Aspiring artists are encouraged to submit their projects and potentially follow in Dolojan’s footsteps, bringing their unique visions to a wider audience.

[Link to 2026 Booooooom Art & Photo Book Awards Submission Page]

Dolojan’s work, as exemplified by "it’s all very interesting what is happening," is a testament to the power of keen observation, personal reflection, and the enduring beauty found in the everyday. His art invites us to pause, to look closer, and to find the extraordinary within the ordinary, reminding us that the most compelling stories often unfold in the quietest of moments.