Rumor had it that Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc. (PMPMI) would discontinue its support of the Philippine Art Awards after this year, a competition they first established 1994. Luckily for us, Dannie Alvarez, Executive Director of the Philippine Art Awards (PAA) Secretariat has quickly dispelled this notion.  To quote from his email “Fortunately for the emerging artists in particular and art community, in general, this is not so. In fact, we are gearing for more action for the rest of the year, and will pursue collateral activities, right after the travel prize of this year’s winners to the HKArt Fair.”

It would have been a pity if the grapevine got that right.  We hardly get any institutional support for art events as it is, and this represents one of a few sponsored by multinational corporations. It has also provided opportunities for artists from Visayas and Mindanao to shine.

On the other hand, the art scene has evolved since Gabriel Barredo won the grand prize in 1994.  These days, young artists, even those straight out of school, can secure exhibits in commercial galleries.  You don’t expect to discover the most promising talent–or the best pieces–in art competitions anymore. The PAA must avoid getting caught in a time warp, unable to fully capture the vibrancy of our current visual arts environment. It would be a good time for the competition to encourage entrants to keep themselves current.  After all, it carries a very impressive roster of past winners.

I made it to the National Museum a week after the official announcement of winners.  Judges picked one Grand Prize, four Awards of Excellence, and three Awards of Merit from 40 finalists (10 each from four regions, Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao).  All eight  will get the chance to enjoy this year’s edition of ArtHK in May.

Jericho Valjusto Valmenta from Mindanao won the Grand Prize for Ang Walang Humpay na Harana ni Temyo kay Magda, an oil and pastel piece.  Awards of Excellence:  Riel Hilario, Raffy Napay, Lotsu Manes, and Dexter Sy.  Awards of Merit:  Art Sanchez, Louie Talents, and Arel D. Zambarrano.

Philippine Art Awards National Final Exhibitions is at the 4F, Museum of the Filipino People, Agrifina Circle, Manila.  For more information, visit www.philippineartawards.org

Grand Prize: Jericho Valjusto Valmenta, "Ang Walang Humpay na Harana ni Temyo Kay Magda", Oil and Pastel On Board, 183.5cm x 183.5 cm/ 6ft x 6ft

Award of Excellence: Ronald J. Hilario, "Portrait of the Filipino as A Conceptual Artist", Polychrome Carved Fruit Wood, 53x58x28 cm/ 20x22x11 in.

Award of Excellence: Raffy T. Napay, "Ang Mananahi ng Buhay at Ang Makinang na Makina", Thread On Canvas, 183 x183 cm/ 6x6ft.

Detail

Award of Excellence: Lotsu Manes, "Philippine Deep", Oil On Canvas, 168x168 cm/5.5x5.5 ft

Award of Excellence: Dexter Sy, "Souvenir", Mixed Media, 153x183.5cm/5x6 ft.

Award of Merit: Arturo Sanchez, "Real Time Connectivity", Mixed Media, 187x187cm/6.1x.6.1ft

Award of Merit: Louie Talents, "Burn Out No. 4", Cauterized Bible Book Pages on Wood,133x130cm/4.3x4.2ft.

Award of Merit: Arel D. Zambarrano, "Homecoming", Oil On Canvas, 195x194cm/ 6.4x6.3ft