BY WAYNE A. BIGSAT
“My life every day is in art,” says 53-year-old sculptor and multimedia artist Roedel “Joe” Geraldo.
Geraldo, in a close-up interview prior to his talk “Reodel Geraldo’s Artist Talk” yesterday, July 6, shared a brief moment about his background.
He was a Fine Arts student of La Consolacion College in 1986. Although he said his dream was not to be an artist at first, he ended up as one because of time and God’s plan since he came from a family of artists, so naturally, he became one himself.
“God had given me the ability to make art, I must make use of it,” the artist said.
Proof of his dedication he channels all his energy in the arts, he has a diary filled with sketches instead of words getting inspiration by inspiring others, especially the younger generation to make good of what God has given them.
The “New World Order” is an exhibit curated by Geraldo capturing his unique perspective on the ongoing times launched June 24, at Orange Project. The exhibit presents a unique visual narrative about the COVID-19 pandemic as it envelops the community.
“The artist has to tell the story of their time,” Geraldo said and his exhibit reflected what had transpired during a dark time in history.
He said that we are now living a life of limited freedom and a normal that we are slowly acknowledging, thus a new world order.
The painting depicts socio-political situations that had transpired during the pandemic, such as crocodiles portraying politicians. He started the art pieces when the pandemic struck when people felt hopeless.
The art pieces were the results of what he had seen in the community during the pandemic and said “I want to give inspiration to people not to lose hope despite what is happening in the world, we must do what we need to do as long as we’re alive.”
His artistic vision takes form in acrylic paint in huge canvases and terracotta wood sculpted to embody his art. The exhibit, “New World Order” can be visited until August 5, at Orange Project Museum, Art District, Bacolod City.
The “New world Order” exhibit was inspired by a song “Wake up! A New World Order” of the rock band “Rage Against The Machine,” with song lyrics that sympathizes with is happening in the world today.
Geraldo remains to be an important part of the Visayan Art scene sharing methods and knowledge gain over the years to the younger generation. His awards and recognitions include 2008 finalist, Philippine Art Awards National Competition; and 2005 3rd prize, sculpture competition, 1st Dumaguete Open Biennial Terracotta Art.
Geraldo’s solo exhibitions are 2017 Untitled (lloilo Museum); 2019 Featured Artist Art Fair Manila; 2019 Untitled (Negros Museum); 2022 Doubting Years (Art Cube); and 2022 New World Order (Orange Project) making it his 5th exhibition.
Geraldo also participated in group shows such as 1997 Art Manica (NCCA); 2001 Sungduan Tour Exhibit; 2003 Pananaw Negros Musuem (NCCA); 2005 30 Finalist PAA Award; and 2007 The 1st National Art Fair.
He took up residency in Marias Gallery Dumaguete City, 2009 Project Pilipinas Manila and 2011 Konkan University (Thailand).*
