54th NSAC Virtual Gallery now open for viewing

by Madge Resurreccion / March 31, 2022

Art has the ability to empower and inspire when hope seems to be out of reach. Even at the most challenging times, such as the pandemic, young Filipino artists channeled their passion, talent, and hope into their artworks to give people something to look forward to in these trying times. Such empowering and inspiring artworks can be seen at the Pilipinas Shell’s 54th National Student Art Competition (NSAC) Virtual Gallery which is now available for viewing. 

The top 40 artworks from four categories: Digital Fine Arts, Oil-Acrylic, Sculpture, and Watercolor can be viewed online. All the proceeds from the sale go to these young student artists whose pieces shone in the competition.

At the 54th NSAC culminating event, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation President and CEO Lorelie Quiambao-Osial acknowledged the young artists and noted, “The pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives. Yet there was a strength of spirit inside you that shone through. We see it mostly in your art, and that is what we are recognizing today. As we bravely continue to navigate through this pandemic and look forward to recovery, we believe that art could start change and progress.”

The 54th NSAC, held last December 10, 2021, received 1,800 entries nationwide, exceeding the previous year’s 1,500 entries. With the theme ‘reSTART,’ artists from all over the Philippines were asked to create forward-thinking and inspiring pieces that reinvigorate resilience, hope, and courage in the Filipino people, which were the recurring messages that shone from the top three prizes in the four categories.

Prospective buyers can also view the complete list of the top 40 artworks of each category in the Buyers Guide. By downloading the order form from the Virtual Gallery website, art patrons can purchase the physical artworks by bank transfer and then receive the masterpieces within five working days.

The first Virtual Gallery was launched during the 53rd NSAC in December 2020, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic’s shutdown of major galleries and museums. Previously, after each year’s NSAC awarding ceremonies, the winning pieces were held in various exhibits in public venues such as Robinsons Galleria, Virra Mall, Shangri-La Plaza, Ayala Museum, and Glorietta. All updates on the Virtual Gallery can be found on Shell Philippines’ social media pages and website. The Virtual Gallery has made it easier for the winners to promote their pieces, the patrons to access them, and for the general public to view the art from the comfort of their homes. 

As the country continues to cope with the now-normal circumstances and move forward, art continues to thrive as well, serving as an outlet for many. Pilipinas Shell NSAC remains committed to nurturing the next generation of artists, empowering them to occupy their greater role in nation-building.

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