Tapiserya: At the Crossroads of National Heritage and Struggle

Joel Geolamen and Lynyrd Paras converge in a riveting showcase of cultural reclamation and raw personal identity at the Goldenberg Mansion.

Words Ysmael Suarez
February 27, 2025

Maranao (Series 1) , Oil on canvas, 30 × 60 in by Joel Geolamen

It’s always a captivating display when two artists with distinct styles are showcased together, their individual works synergizing into a richer context. That is what we encounter in Tapiserya.

Joel Geolamen’s vibrant depictions of local landscapes and intricate textiles stand side by side with Lynyrd Paras’ striking portrayals of faces filled with messages of hope, national identity, and resilience. The Goldenberg Mansion’s third installment in its Art Series brings together Geolamen and Paras’ cohesive yet particular works that speak of our heritage’s reckoning with modern challenges and struggles.

Joel Geolamen’s paintings weave indigenous textiles into landscapes that honor the native peoples who created them. His art represents a ‘reoccupation’ of ancestral lands, reflecting deep respect for his culture, the craftsmanship of these textiles, and the sacred lands stewarded by these communities. Geolamen’s work has been featured in solo and group exhibitions, including Seeing: Mindanao exhibition in Stockholm in 2010. He also represented the Philippines in The Future We Want art competition at United Nations offices in Geneva in 2020 and was featured in the Salcedo Private View exhibition Paradise Found: Philippine Contemporary Art & Design in Sydney in October 2024.

On the other hand, Lynyrd Paras’ works reflect the warmth, resilience, and optimism that Filipinos are known for. What makes his portraits so impactful are the expressions of hopeful defiance in a bleak world. The intense gaze of his subjects creates an intimate connection with the viewer, inviting soulful reflection. Paras’ art has been showcased in numerous exhibitions in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and New York. In 2004, he won the grand prize in the GSIS Museum National Painting Competition. In 2018, he was honored with the 13 Artists Award by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Together, Geolamen and Paras’ pieces coalesce into a contemporary narrative of a nation wrestling with its identity. Their vibrant and honest expressions capture a country with much to look forward to, yet faced with a myriad obstacles.

Tapiserya is presented in partnership with Salcedo Private View, the gallery arm of Salcedo Auctions, and marks the third exhibition held at the Goldenberg Mansion. The show is also a part of Art Fair Philippines’ 10 Days of Art.

A portion of the proceeds from the exhibition will benefit the Girl Scouts of the Philippines. The Goldenberg Mansion is located at 838 General Solano Street, San Miguel, Manila. The general public can visit free of charge on February 22–23, 2025, from 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Visitors are encouraged to come in smart casual attire.