Pilipinas Shell’s 54th National Student Art Competition (NSAC) Virtual Gallery is now available for viewing the top 40 artworks from 4 categories: Digital Fine Arts, Oil-Acrylic, Sculpture, and Watercolor. All the proceeds from the sale go to these young student artists whose pieces shone in the competition.

During the 54th NSAC culminating event, Lorelie Quiambao-Osial, Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation President and CEO, expressed to the young artists her confidence in their ability to make a difference in a world that is slowly rebuilding itself after a major crisis: “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."

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, (https://www.shell.com.ph/energy-and-innovation/make-the-future/national-students-art-competition-juan-art-nation/54th-shell-nsac-virtual-gallery.html), art patrons can purchase the physical artworks by bank transfer and then receive the masterpieces within five working days.

The 54th NSAC concluded with an awarding ceremony held last December 10, 2021, with 1,800 entries submitted nationwide, exceeding last year’s 1,500 entries, and illustrating the contest’s theme ‘reSTART.’ Artists from all over the Philippines were asked how their art can lead the charge to rebuild the nation to be greater, stronger, and more united. They were then tasked with creating 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.

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. 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 looks towards a brighter future beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, art has become a stronger outlet for many people to communicate and inspire each other. As a result, the continuous support of young talents, dedicated to putting outstanding and heart-moving art, is even more essential today. Pilipinas Shell’s NSAC remains committed to nurturing the next generation of artists, empowering them to occupy their greater role in nation-building.

For updates on the Virtual Gallery, please follow Shell Philippines’ social media pages and website. (https://www.shell.com.ph/energy-and-innovation/make-the-future/national-students-art-competition-juan-art-nation/54th-shell-nsac-virtual-gallery.html)