LRTA holds railway art exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is holding an exhibit for 12 artworks that won in the LRT Art 2009 contest held to search for Filipino artworks to beautify the different stations of LRT Lines 1 and 2.

The 12 oil and acrylic on canvas interpretations of the theme, “LRT and Filipino Life,” together with 108 other pre-qualified paintings, have been on display since July 4 at the “Art Along the Riles” gallery at the Light Rail Transit Authority’s Line 2 Araneta Center-Cubao station.

LRTA administrator Melquiades Robles said the gallery is open to everybody. “We wanted to bring art closer to the masses, for after all, art just like the LRT, should also be enjoyed by them,” he said.

Robles said decorating LRT stations with works of art will hopefully prevent people from vandalizing the stations’ walls, as has been the case in some rail stations in other countries.

The artworks will be on display at the gallery up to July 31, after which copies of all 12 winning entries can be viewed at selected LRT stations.

Of the 12 winning entries, Mario Panis’ “Sakay na Rin Po Kayo,” an oil on canvas painting, won the grand prize. Panis will receive P200,000.

Five Juror’s Choice recipients, who will receive P100,000 each, were also selected: “Sakto” by Johann Padiernos, “Sa Bisig ng Panatag at Tiwalang Paglalakbay” by Alexander Roxas, “Buhay Pinoy” by David de Vera, “Puno ng Kulay ang Una Kong Paglalakbay” by Ricky Ambagan, and “Sa LRT Malayo pa ang ating Mararating” by Lea Panajon.

Completing the winners’ circle are the six finalists, who will receive P50,000 each: “Via Caballeria” by Vincent Paolo de Pio, “Korona po ng Pagyabong Namin” by Jerry Morada, “Samu’t Saring Pinoy sa LRT” by Malyn Bonayog, “Biyahero” by Jesus Genotiva, “Pananaw” by Proceso Gelladuga II, and “To and Fro” by Dandela Mari Cortez.

Robles said it was good to see the insights of each artist as they illustrate what they have done in the LRTA.

“The different artworks that were submitted were a touching depiction of how the LRTA has affected the lives of so many of our commuters as they use the LRT everyday. We thank all the artists who participated for sharing their insights with us through the beautiful paintings they submitted. We appreciate all your hard work and effort,” he said.

The competition drew 315 professionals and emerging artists from all over the country. The LRT Art 2009 contest was organized by the LRTA, in partnership with the Philippine Association of Printmakers, Inc., in time for its 29th anniversary this year. – Rainier Allan Ronda