Art to heart

“Retrospective” by Michael D. Ramos, first place winner in the watercolor category, 2018

Aside from holding the revered title of National Artist, painters Federico Aguilar Alcuaz, Jose Joya, Ang Kiukok and Benedicto Cabrera have another thing in common.

They all took part in the Shell National Student Art Competition (NSAC), which just had its 51st edition, when they were young and their potential yet to be fully realized.

“LODI” by Loreber M. Comision, first place winner in the sculpture category, 2018

Other notable artists who now command high prices for their art here and abroad are also part of the vaunted list of NSAC participants.

Norma Belleza, Danny Dalena, Angel Cacnio and Ronald Ventura are just some of the now familiar names.

And more names are being added to the list every year as the Shell group of companies has committed to continue contributing to the growth and development of visual arts in the Philippines through the annual staging of the NSAC, which traces its roots to when Shell launched a search for artwork for a calendar.

“Up Side Down” by Almario D. Tangalin, first place winner in the oil and acrylic category, 2018

“In Shell’s 105-year presence in the Philippines, this longest running arts program for the youth is one of our humble contributions to nation building. Not only has it produced a number of our national artists, but it has also served as a platform for launching the careers of promising young painters, sculptors and digital artists,“ said Ramon del Rosario, Pilipinas Shell vice president for external and government relations.

“They were given opportunities to access, interact and learn from seasoned and acclaimed art professionals. Through the NSAC, we have built a thriving art community for our country, ensuring the continuing flourishment of Philippine artworks, celebrated both locally and internationally,” Del Rosario added.

For Sankie Simbulan, Pilipinas Shell social performance and social investment manager, investing in art is part of the group’s mission, though the fields of art and energy may seem poles apart.

“I.C.U” by Patricia M. Mangahas, first place winner in the digital fine arts category

“As an energy company, Shell serves not only to power the nation with clean energy to fuel progress, but to empower communities to enable them to become productive contributors to society through our programs on sustainable livelihood and skills development, or through education and environmental stewardship. Shell aims to remain a good corporate neighbor, continuing to create opportunities for the Filipino youth to realize their full potential. The journey continues for Shell NSAC, elevating arts promotion in the country and constantly challenging Filipino students to create artworks that reveal their remarkable talent in visual arts,” Simbulan said.

The Shell NSAC remains a steadfast believer in the power of art to ignite a spark of truth, engender change, invoke critical thinking, challenge social justice and move the nation into action and into a better future.