Whether artists are born or made is debatable, but the talents and contributions of these renowned masters in the Filipino art scene are undeniable. Beneath the differences in styles, media, and inspirations lie a common experience that, in a way, contributed to and powered them to be the celebrated artists they are today.
Get to know these eight Filipino artists who started as student art competition winners.
1. Benedicto ‘Bencab’ Cabrera
Second prize, 1962 Shell National Students Art Competition
BenCab is a renowned Filipino painter who was named National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts (Painting) in 2006. He has established himself in the international stage, holding exhibitions from London to New York, has won several major art awards, and is widely hailed as a master of contemporary Philippine art. During his college years at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, he competed and won second prize at the 12th Shell National Students Art Competition for his oil painting “Blue Serenity,” a surreal abstraction of barung-barong (shanties).
2. Juvenal Sansó
Third prize, 1951 Shell National Students Art Competition
Sansó may be Spanish by birth but proudly Filipino at heart. In his mission to give back to his beloved Philippines and its art community, Sansó has played an important role in inspiring young Filipino artists to excel in their field. As a young artist, the WWII years resulted in his so-called “Black Period” when he painted exclusively in black and white with gruesome imagery. However, the years 1950-51 became the turning points for his work: Sanso won various competitions in watercolor and oil categories of the Art Association of the Philippines and won third place at the 1st Shell National Students Art Competition with his piece “Cha Bianang.”
3. Jose Tanig Joya
First prize, 1952 Shell National Students Art Competition
Considered as a pioneer modern and abstract artist, Joya is said to have “spearheaded the birth, growth, and flowering of abstract expressionism” in the Philippines. His sense of color vibrancy was inspired by the hues of the Philippine landscape. In 1953, Joya graduated from UP with a degree in Fine Art and was recognized as the university’s first Magna cum Laude. It was also during this year when Joya joined and won first prize at the 2nd Shell National Students Arts Competition for his oil painting piece entitled “Gossips.”
4. Ang Kiukok
Third prize, 1955 Shell National Students Art Competition
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts describes Ang Kiukok as one of the most vital and dynamic figures who emerged during the 1960s. Known for his cubist-like works, he often chose dynamic or disturbing subjects, depicting a style that infused influences from cubism, surrealism, and expressionism. When he was a student, he won third prize for his piece “Calesas” under the oil painting category at the 5th Shell National Students Art Competition.
5. Leeroy New
Second prize, 2004 and 2006 Shell National Students Art Competition
New is a contemporary Filipino fine artist-designer whose practice intersects film, theater, product design, fashion, and visual arts. He is visual arts graduate of Philippine High School for the Arts and the UP College of Fine Arts. As a college student, he competed under the sculpture category of the 37th and 39th Shell National Students Art Competition and won second prize for his piece, “Prima Materia” in 2004, and “Zoomorph” in 2006 which also won second prize.
6. Ronald Ventura
First Prize, 1990 Shell National Students Art Competition
Known for melding realism, graffiti, and cartoons, this contemporary visual artist takes inspiration from science fiction, Western history, Asian mythology, and popular comic book characters in creating his art pieces. His exposure in art-making started as early as his elementary and high school years, and continued on in college when he competed in art contests including the 23rd Shell National Student Art Competition where his painting entitled “Dama” won first prize in the oil/acrylic category.
7. Rodel Tapaya
First prize, 2001 Shell National Students Art Competition
Tapaya’s work combines folk narrative and contemporary reality using a range of media—from acrylic on canvasses to under-glass painting, traditional crafts, diorama, and drawing. His breakthrough came when he won the coveted Nokia Art Awards. He completed his studies at the UP College of Fine Arts where he joined and emerged as winner of the 34th Shell NSAC for his entry entitled “From East to West #2” under the oil/acrylic category.
8. Luis Yee Jr.
Finalist, 1967 Shell National Students Art Competition
Luis E. Yee Jr. or “Junyee” is a pioneer of site specific art in the Philippines, incorporating found objects and natural materials. He was awarded by the NCCA the Diwa ng Sining at Kalinangan award in 1998. During his university years, he competed at the 17th Shell National Students Art Competition with his piece entitled “Condemned No. 3” under the sculpture category.
Pilipinas Shell, through the National Students Art Competition—the first, most enduring, and highly anticipated student art competition in the country—continues to support young Filipino art talents. This year’s theme, “Perspective,” celebrates young visionaries whose magnificent perspectives of tomorrow contribute in propelling the country toward progress.
The Shell NSAC is open to all college students enrolled with at least 12 units in a recognized Philippine school in the school year 2018-2019. Participants can submit their works in oil/acrylic, watercolor, sculpture, and digital fine arts (print).
Go to www.shell.com.ph/shell_art for more information.