Outstanding entries at the 2010 Shell National Student Art Awards
MANILA, Philippines - A regional entry bested the field in one of the categories of the 43rd Shell National Students Art Competition, as the country’s longest-running countrywide tilt for budding artists culminated in the awarding of winners at the Ayala Museum in Makati City.
The winning artists, out of 1,660 total submissions throughout the country, impressed the judges for offering a fresh perspective in terms of concept and use of medium. The jury panels were composed of eminent figures in the Philippine Art scene, including past winners of the National Students Art Competition.
In the Oil/Acrylic category, Elias Miles Villanueva of the University of the Philippines-Diliman turned in a first place finish with “Accidentally on Purpose,” which combines art and vandalism in a daring piece that tackles self-expression. On second place is Brendale Tadeo of Philippine Women’s University for his entry “Mana-mana: A Portrait Of An Unlearned Family” that paints a connection between poverty and education, culture and biology. The third-prize winning oil entry of Chrisanto Aquino from Tarlac State University, titled “Behind the Smile,” is like a class picture from the school of hard knocks. The honorable mention awards were received by Thaddeus Pagaduan of the College of the Holy Spirit for “Puraw A Pugut,” Renz Marrionne Bautista of Bulacan State University for his work titled “Extraction of the Last Morning,” and Mark Renemin of Technological University of the Philippines for the entry, “Pagkamit Lalapit Ngunit Hindi...”
In the Watercolor category, Benedict Arquero of the University of Northern Philippines grabbed first place for “Memorabilya Dyay Tukador,” a work that mines a display case for inspiration. The second-prize winning work of Ferd Angelo Failano of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, titled “Kung Paano Dinagit Ng Realidad Ang Mga Childish Kong Ambisyon,” puts reality in collision with childhood dreams. Third placer Raynold Beltran of Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology won for his entry “Let’s Start With Forever,” inspired by lines from a love song. Honorable mention awards went to Far Eastern University’s Franco Matucad for “Kwadrado” and Nico Aaron Balisacan for “Kanlungan,” and to Marie Anne Crispino of the University of the Philippines-Diliman for “Ang Tunay Na Gulong Ng Buhay.”
In the Sculpture category, first-place winner Ace Aquino of the University of the East created junk art from the treasures and debris of youth with his entry “Childhood Memories.” For his terracotta piece “Pag-Asa,” second placer Dennis Ticao of Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Negros presents symbols of peace and progress to push for unity and hope. On third place is Enrico Manalang, Jr. from the University of Santo Tomas for his work “Martilyo,” which describes the hard work of hammering and forging dreams into reality. Honorable mention distinctions were handed out to Far Eastern University’s Reen Rusty Barrera for his entry “Gradation of Hope” and Santi Pascual for “Tuyo’t na Pag-Asa,” and University of Santo Tomas’ Joshua Mogol for “Hope.”
In the Digital Fine Arts category, the top award went to Milo Ezel Buñao of Polytechnic University of the Philippines for his piece “Mind Architecture” that shows how the human mind achieves balance between stability and adaptability. The entry “Narcissism and Vanity” by second-prize winner Ma. Joenna Del Ignacio of the University of the East-Caloocan exhorts viewers not to attach their self-worth on things that easily fade. Third-placer Miguel Benjamin Senires of the University of Santo Tomas submitted an entry titled “Art of Battle,” which portrays the art world as an arena for innovation and competition. Honorable Mention awardees are Far Eastern University’s Maricar Dizon for “Organic World,” and University of Santo Tomas’ Jay Alexander Santos for “This Is For You” and Danroled Ian Gonzalez for “Lady Ardor.”
This year’s Calendar category accepted entries in Digital Fine Arts following the theme “143 Pilipinas,” a celebration of patriotism and the competition’s 43 years. The works of the following students will be featured in the 2011 corporate calendar of Pilipinas Shell: from the University of the East-Caloocan, Reynan Sanchez for “Happy Pilipinas,” Catherine Capistrano for “Fragile, Handle with Care,” and Rossini Grace Reyes for “Market Endorsed — Pilipinas”; Khamille Kate Viray of the College of the Holy Spirit for “Tangkilikin ang Sariling Atin”; and from the University of Santo Tomas, Raymond Bernard Ignacio for “Isang Watawat, Isang Ugat” and Karen Louise Magano for “PaPaKaPi.”
Top executives Edgar Chua of Pilipinas Shell and Guillermo Luz of Ayala Foundation expressed their observation that most of the 2010 finalist entries showed optimism in their works compared to previous years.
Over a million worth of cash prizes were awarded to the winning student artists, plus medals and art supply items. Schools of first-place winners were honored with a special grant in support of the Faculty Development Program.
The best 100 works from the 43rd Shell National Students Art Competition will be on public exhibition until Oct. 30 at the Ground Floor Gallery of the Ayala Museum in Makati City. Entrance to the Shell exhibition is free.
