A milestone solo art exhibit by Ilonggo art – celebre Joe Geraldo opened at the Orange Project Gallery, at the Art District Grounds in Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City on February 18, which will run until March 6.
“The exhibition marks the beginning of Orange Project’s 20th anniversary celebrations in 2025, a significant milestone that highlights its profound and enduring impact on the cultural and artistic landscape of Negros. Over the past two decades Orange Project has become a vital force in fostering creativity, artistic dialogue, and cultural awareness, creating spaces and opportunities, where local and regional artists and cultural workers can thrive, experiment, and connect,” the exhibit statement said.
This Transference exhibit “is not just about art, it is a dialogue. Through each of his works, Joe Geraldo aims to connect with the community, challenging views to connect and open their hearts. In a world seemingly devoid of compassion, he believes that art is a way to counter indifference and ignite the strength needed to overcome adversity.”
For Geraldo, art is a medium to confront the world – to turn chaos into order, and find hope amidst destruction. It is not merely an act of creation, but a way to narrate the emotions, thoughts and stories of our times. Each painting and sculpture he creates reflects the struggles we all share – questions of identity, purpose, and legacy. “Who am I?” “Why was I born?” “What will I leave behind?” Transference is a journey confronting reality, depicting destruction, and seeking self-rebirth. It is Joe’s story, but I believe it also yours,” the exhibit statement further said.
Geraldo, a resident of Bangga Aton, Talisay City, has been a prolific visual artist over the years, He has staged exhibits in numerous venues. He had been consistently producing works of art in different mediums: large scale paintings, drawings, and is especially noted for his signature terra cottas. He has been monikered the “the Infant Terrible” among the resident artists at the Art District Grounds, which is renowned as an Art Mecca not only in the Philippines but all over the world.
This Transference exhibit features pen and ink drawings, a large scale pen and ink on canvas, medium and large scale acrylic on canvas, and a surfeit of terra cotta pieces.
Geraldo’s art work in this exhibit is nothing less than mesmerizing to behold. It is another opus and vintage Geraldo.
It seems Geraldo’s energy is boundless and cannot be contained, which shows in the profusion of his works. He is like a burning fire of an art producing machine conveyor belt, endlessly churning out works by the day. Someday we cannot preempt the kind of a legend he will turn out to be in the annals of Ilonggo art lore.
“As Orange Project embarks on this new chapter, it not only reflects its pride on its past achievements but also reaffirms its commitment in empowering the community through the transformative power of art. For years, Orange Project has championed fearless and artistic expression, inspiring individuals to push the boundaries of their creativity and artistry without fear or inhibition. The spirit of artistic freedom is more than just a guiding philosophy, it is the driving force behind its success in shaping the region’s vibrant and evolving cultural identity,” the exhibit statement concluded.* Adlai Genis
