Geloy Concepcion and our unspoken stories
San Francisco-based Filipino artist Geloy Concepcion has left a mark with his project-turned-book Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did. He collected unspoken words from strangers and wrote them down on photos he took—the results evoke melancholy, hope, and other complicated feelings we harbor.
Speaking with Young STAR, Geloy shares his early experiences with photography, the inspiration behind his work, and his upcoming show.
Earning his degree from the University of Santo Tomas, Geloy began as a street artist before he found himself interested in photography. Street art led him to different places, and Geloy grew fond of listening to the stories of people he’d met. It prompted him to wonder how to tell these stories. “May subject kami na photography sa school. So sumakto din siya, (nakita ko) na parang mas effective ‘yung photography sa pagkwento.”
He eventually moved to the United States in 2017, where he encountered many challenges. “Wala akong status dito. ‘Di ako makatrabaho, ‘di ako makalipad. Sobrang turbulent talaga ng years na ‘yon.” Despite eventually getting his work permit, Geloy was on the verge of quitting photography, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic limiting his opportunities.
Geloy, almost hopeless, gave it one last shot. Believing that there were others like him with so many things they wish they didn’t leave unsaid, he asked his Instagram followers for the “things you wanted to say but never did.” He found a folder of unusable film shots he had taken and, taking inspiration from his roots in street art and graffiti, “naisip kong i-vandalize yung mga pictures.”
The ‘Things You Wanted to Say But Never Did’ author reminds us that we are never alone in what we feel.
The reception to the project was overwhelmingly positive, receiving thousands of submissions to this day. Geloy says that what started as amazement has become a responsibility and a service to others.
His work fosters in us empathy and understanding for the people we encounter daily. Often, we find ourselves feeling alone, like no one else knows what we’re going through. Geloy’s photos remind us of our shared humanity. “Lahat tayo merong shared experiences. ‘Yan ‘yung nagtatahi sa’tin lahat.”
The project turned into a book of the same name, which Geloy describes as a natural progression. “Para siyang effort na mas ma-reach ('yung) ibang tao na walang Instagram.” The photographic journal is filled with writing prompts encouraging self-introspection and confessional photos he’s become known for.
He promises that the project will continue as long as someone sends in a submission. Although he has no current plans, he wishes to one day expand this effort to different parts of the world. “(Gusto ko) magkaroon ng tangible na tulong doon sa mga tao.” Geloy also revealed that one of his projects, Nice to Meet You, My Friend, will be released as a show produced by Tarzeer Pictures in February 2024. It’s a collection of photos sharing his encounters with different individuals. “I started (it) in an attempt to personally meet and photograph the wide range of people I’ve met through the internet,” he said in an Instagram post.
When times get tough, how can we bring comfort to others? Geloy Concepcion might just have the answer. Photos have the unique ability to express feelings that can’t be put into words, and his work has brought together people from different walks of life. Each photograph he posts speaks to someone going through the same thing. The unspoken emotions we harbor can take a toll on us, but through this, through Geloy, we experience an emotional catharsis. We can let go of the things that we repress.