Artists featured in “Tapiserya,” the third installment of the Goldenberg Mansion Art Series, expressed their gratitude to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos for her support of Filipino art and the event itself.

The exhibition, held from 21 to 23 February as part of Art Fair Philippines’ 10 Days of Art, showcased the works of Joel Geolamen and Lynyrd Paras.

In an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Paras shared his appreciation for the First Lady’s advocacy for the arts.

“First and foremost, I’m happy because my art isn’t always easily appreciated by everyone in terms of its essence. Right now, I’m both happy and grateful to the First Lady. She told me earlier that she really liked it,” Paras said in Filipino.

“My art is always inspired by people’s reactions when they face challenges in life. Everyone reacts differently, and that’s what my work revolves around,” he added.

Geolamen echoed Paras’ sentiments, noting that he traveled from Davao to Manila to participate in the exhibit.

The First Lady, a longtime patron of the arts and a consistent champion of Filipino creatives, attended the event on 21 February and led the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Goldenberg Mansion.

Presented in partnership with Salcedo Private View, the exhibition featured two distinct yet interwoven artistic narratives.

Geolamen, a Davao-based artist and Fine Arts graduate from the Ford Academy of the Arts, is known for transforming indigenous textiles into painted landscapes. His works celebrate the Philippines’ rich cultural heritage.

Geolamen has exhibited internationally, including in Sweden and Australia, and was a recipient of the 2013 Philippine Art Awards. He also represented the country in The Future We Want, a global competition by the United Nations in 2020.

Paras, a graduate of the Technological University of the Philippines, showcased his signature figurative expressionism, exploring the resilience of the Filipino spirit.

Known for his bold and evocative portraits, Paras has exhibited in Singapore, Malaysia, and New York. He received the prestigious 13 Artists Award from the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2018.

Adversity, optimism

His portraits capture the emotional depth of individuals navigating adversity with optimism, demonstrating that joy is both an expression and a form of strength.

Together, their works created a compelling dialogue on identity, heritage, and the human experience, woven into a visual tapestry that resonated with audiences.

Mrs. Marcos praised the exhibit, emphasizing its cultural significance.

“Tapiserya was a stunning showcase of our heritage. Thank you, Joel Geolamen and Lynyrd Paras, for beautifully weaving our culture into your pieces and for supporting the Girl Scouts of the Philippines!” she said.

Beyond its artistic significance, Tapiserya also had a philanthropic mission. A portion of the exhibition’s proceeds will be donated to the Girl Scouts of the Philippines to support initiatives that empower young women across the country.

Representatives of the Girl Scouts expressed their gratitude to the First Lady, noting that the funds will be used to support the needs of young scouts and their campsite.

After an exclusive vernissage on 21 February, the exhibit opened for free public viewing in the following two days.