THE 52nd Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC), which carried the theme “ImagineNation,” recently recognized young talents for their outstanding works in oil/acrylic, watercolor, sculpture and digital fine arts.
The annual art competition challenged student-participants to create works of art that will inspire people to believe in hope and change.
The winning entries were handpicked by painters and master artists who served as the critics and judges for this year’s competition. From over 1,000 entries, three winners from each of the four categories were chosen.
For oil/acrylic, the top spot was clinched by Rhichelle Kirk Tabanera of Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology for his work “Still Standing.” The second place went to Nemesis Manahan of Bulacan State University for his work “Let There Be Light,” followed by Trinkher Nogueras of the University of the East for his work “Mag-aaral.”
The grand prize for the watercolor category went to Nicolle Plamer of Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology for her work “Gising Sanip.” Jarren Dahan of the University of Mindanao came at second with “May Layang Lumipad” and Paul John Galagar of the University of the Philippines-Los Baños bagged the third place for his work “Pira-piraso.”
Besting all other aspirants in the sculpture category was Justin Angelo Vital of the Bulacan State University for his piece “The Safe and Sound of Patong-Patong.” Wendi Patoc of the Eulogio “Amang” Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology won second place for his “Pagsibol” and Sherlyn Belga of Adventist University of the Philippines came in at third for her sculpture “Key Roots.”
For the digital fine arts category, the first prize went to Jemill Pangilinan of the Technological University of the Philippines for his work “Rich Mind, Rich Land,” followed by Keith Andrew Sescon of the University of the Philippines-Cebu at second for his “Transparency” and Andrei Timothy Barrantes of the University of the East at third for his “The Maker.”
Cesar Romero, Pilipinas Shell president and chief executive officer, said this year’s number of entries is one of the highest submissions recorded in the history of this Shell-sponsored art competition.
Romero also said they believe in the power of the Filipino youth in influencing a better and brighter future for the country. “Shell in the Philippines is committed to championing arts development in the country by continuing to invest in programs for youth development,” he said.
Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Department of Tourism secretary, for her part said Filipino contemporary artists have long been making a mark in the international art world, and many of them started their careers in this competition.
Looking at the creations of the students, she said, “I think your next artwork could very well start a revolution.”
