This year has been an exceptionally challenging period for communities around the world. As the nation continues to grapple with an ongoing pandemic, raging typhoons, and other calamities, industries have been pushed to adapt or close their doors—and the art world is no exemption. This time, through the Shell Virtual Art Interact which was held on November 7, Visayan artists emerged into the spotlight to tell their own unique stories of hope, courage, and redemption.
This leg of the Virtual Art Interact focusing on the Visayan region is the third of a series
of virtual workshops launched by Shell in line with its 53rd National Students Art
Competition (NSAC). Breaking away from the conventional art symposia which had been
put on hold by the lockdowns, Virtual Art Interact explores the various communities of
artists from diverse Philippine regions, empowering them to narrate their struggles and
victories through visual storytelling. Luzon had the spotlight on October 3, while
Mindanao followed on October 17.
Hosted by Fringe Manila’s Creative Director Andrei Paminutan, it also featured a live
sketching demonstration by artists and students. Sankie Simbulan, Country Social
Performance and Investment Manager of Pilipinas Shell, explained the reason for this
journey. She said, “It is important for us to expand outside the local art periphery. Virtual
Art Interact was a chance for us to show people that there is so much more to the
Philippine creative scene by featuring various artists across the country.”
As the longest-running student art competition in the Philippines, the NSAC has been
cultivating the next generation of Filipino artists, curators, and collectors. By engaging
these creatives, it supports and empowers the community to uplift more people through
their creative gifts.
Visayan art has birthed prolific artists such as Cebuano painter Martino Abellana,
Boholano mixed media artist Henri Cainglet, and Negrense abstract expressionist artist
Alfonso Ossorio, among others. However, despite the exhibits that have made their way
in Luzon, there is still much to be discovered as many of these artists still have to reach
the radar of a wider audience.
“Growing up, we didn’t have much access to art references or local libraries that carry art
books. I had to learn and take inspiration from my communities and our history,” stated
Negros Occidental-based Ginoe, who was one of the featured artists at the recent
Virtual Art Interact. Ginoe, who hails from Silay, is a visual artist, programming director,
and community manager at the House of Frida, a contemporary art gallery in Bacolod
that aims to promote budding artists from the city.
Though pristine beaches and delectable cuisine may be the first things to come to mind
when mentioning Negros, Silay is actually considered the seat of arts, culture, and
ecotourism in the island region. Ginoe elaborated, “Silay is a very historic town with so
many ancestral houses, featuring pieces from across the world—be it China, Europe, or
Japan. It’s an inspiring place for artists because it gives you a taste of early
globalization, but there’s enough nature to keep you feeling calm and relaxed.”
The significance of platforms such as NSAC and Virtual Art Interact has never been
more prominent. At a time when the pandemic keeps people at home and limits
movement, art is the underlying thread that holds communities together. Bayani Galera,
a renowned installation artist and an NSAC alumnus with roots in Bohol, shared, “There
are a lot of struggles and stories born out of this pandemic, and creatives have been
expressing these feelings through art. [Maraming paghihirap na nagaganap at mga
bagong storya ngayong pandemic, at kinekwento ito ng mga artists]”
Despite the consequences brought about by COVID-19, there is another silver lining to
this period. Galera pointed out, “With everything now online, the pandemic also broke
down the four walls of galleries and widened our audience. More people can appreciate
art—whether it’s music, paintings, or theater. [Ngayon na online na lahat, binuksan ng
pandemic yung four walls ng galleries at lumaki ang audience. Mas marami nang
nakaka-appreciate ng art—music, paintings, or theater man yan.]”
Simbulan affirmed the role of art in these trying times: “There is no other sector that can
better inspire and articulate this optimism than artists, and Pilipinas Shell will continue to
nurture them so that they may spark the ideas the people need for a brighter future. “
At present, the NSAC has received 1,300 entries, and the official awards ceremony is
set to take place on November 27. For more information, keep posted on Shell
Philippines’ social media accounts.
Website: www.shell.com.ph










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