The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) unveiled the 21 winning entries to the 17th GSIS National Art Competition on June 24 at the GSIS Gymnasium.
The winners of the representational painting category, carrying the theme “Pagsulong at Pag-asa sa Bagong Normal”, are James Sanorjo for his entry “Ugaliing Gawin” in first place; Mark Angelo Argarin’s “Partner sa Pagsulong”, second place; and Leonardo Manto III’s “Face to Face Class”, third place.
In the abstract painting category, Valerie Anne Feliza Valero bagged the top prize for her artwork “Shift & Change”. Valero is the first female participant to win the grand prize in any category since the start of this competition 17 years ago. Roberto Lolong’s “Di Ako Matalino” is second place; and Marcos Antonino Arsenio Royales XI’s “Curfew” won third prize.
The sculpture “Pillars” by Rinald Sotto was conferred the grand prize; Leonardo Manto III’s “Face to Face Class” was awarded second place; and Ramon Garcia’s “Guardian of Nature” came in third.
Each top winner per category received P300,000, while the second and third place winners were given P200,000 and P100,000, respectively.
GSIS also recognized four honorable mentions per category with a P25,000-prize.
John Perry Pellejera’s “Refocused”, Norbeto Mallari’s “Tatawid Tayo”, Edwin Ladrillo’s “Ang Bagong Umaga”, and Norlando Pobre’s “Future for the Nation” were cited as honorable mention under the representational category.
The entries “Golden Horizon” by Godorfredo Orig; “Pink Wave” by Artgiveson Arreglado; “Breathing Patches of Hope and Dreams” by Dante Enage; and “Pag-asa” by Evangeline Marquez were awarded honorable mention in the abstract painting category.
Sculptures “Bakunawa and the Seven Moons” by Kenneth Bosangit; “Our Imperfections Make Us Strong” by Walther Ocampo; “Fight Club” by John Erickson Dancel; and “Pressure, Heat and Time” by James Dayrit each received honorable mention as well.
All major prize entries are now part of the GSIS art collection. Entries will be displayed at the GSIS Museo ng Sining in Pasay City until August 31, 2022.
Artists of non-winning entries or their designated representatives are requested to retrieve the artworks from September 1 until December 15, 2022 only.
The video of the awarding ceremonies may be accessed through the GSIS Museo ng Sining Facebook page until August 31, 2022.
The GSIS National Art competition is one of the longest-running and prestigious art contests in the country today. It has become one of the few remaining venues where Filipino artists are given the opportunity to showcase their craft and gain recognition from the local art community.
The GSIS Museo ng Sining accommodates a maximum of 25 visitors at a time and is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday, except on holidays. Visitors are required to present their vaccination cards at the entrance.
