Cover Geloy Concepcion, from the series ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ (2019-present), photograph with text, courtesy of the artist
Geloy Concepcion, from the series ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ (2019-present), photograph with text, courtesy of the artist
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After receiving nearly 300,000 messages and publishing 3,000 notes, visual artist Geloy Concepcion is bringing his viral digital project into a physical exhibition space
It began with a simple prompt that the artist posted on his personal social media account in 2019. “What are the things you wanted to say but never did?” As Geloy Concepcion’s inbox was quickly inundated with replies, he transitioned to using Google Form. This allowed thousands of individuals worldwide to anonymously submit their fears, hopes, insecurities, questions and confessions to him.
Moving on from being well-received social media posts of Concepcion, which carried his distinct aesthetics and the submissions’ inherent lyricism and relatability, the project will now be comprehensively exhibited at the Ateneo Art Gallery from April 18 to July 20.
Read more: Geloy Concepcion photography exhibition with Tarzeer Pictures
Above Geloy Concepcion, from the series ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ (2019-present), photograph with text, courtesy of the artist
Geloy Concepcion, from the series ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ (2019-present), photograph with text, courtesy of the artist
1 / 1
Recipient of the CCP Thirteen Artists Award, Concepcion began the project by inscribing anonymous words onto film photographs, initially utilising pictures he had taken himself. As the series expanded and resonated widely across the internet, he adapted his process to incorporate photographs submitted alongside letters, as well as images found at Californian flea markets.
While the project highlights a highly active digital community, its roots are deeply embedded in the artist’s personal experience of immigrant isolation. Following his relocation from Manila to California in 2017, Concepcion endured a three-year period without employment due to immigration delays. During this time, he navigated language barriers and struggled to reconnect with his photography practice. This profound sense of estrangement was further amplified by the global pandemic, transforming his individual isolation into a shared, collective condition.
Read more: CCP 13 Artists Awardees: Who Are The Winners This 2021?
Above Geloy Concepcion, from the series ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ (2019-present), photograph with text, courtesy of the artist
Geloy Concepcion, from the series ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ (2019-present), photograph with text, courtesy of the artist
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“It isn’t just the picture of a person,” Concepcion explains. “It is about access; it’s the consent your subject is giving for you to represent them.”
Over the six-year span, the project has evolved into an archive of emotion, deriving its profound intimacy from its strict anonymity. As the Ateneo Art Gallery notes, a confession arrives nameless, allowing its voice to belong to anyone.
Above Geloy Concepcion, from the series ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ (2019-present), photograph with text, courtesy of the artist
Geloy Concepcion, from the series ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ (2019-present), photograph with text, courtesy of the artist
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By integrating works from the online series with newly collected letters from across the Philippines, the exhibition transforms a digital phenomenon into a tangible experience. The showcase is thoughtfully divided across two distinct spaces. The first section compiles numerous notes sent from various countries, inscribed on his film photographs and externally sourced images. The second section features letters penned by individuals nationwide, gathered by volunteers in their communities. Furthermore, this area invites visitors to linger, write their own notes and continue the project’s emotional relay before departing.
On April 25, there will be an ArtSpeak Online session via Zoom featuring Concepcion with Pristine de Leon. Registration is available at go.ateneo.net/GeloyConcepcionAAG.
Things You Wanted To Say But Never Did by Geloy Concepcion is on view from April 18 to July 12 at the Wilson L Sy Prints & Drawings Gallery, 2/F Ateneo Art Gallery, Soledad V Pangilinan Arts Wing, Areté, Ateneo de Manila University
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Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
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