How artists connect with people
And how this exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila sheds light on young creatives
By Poch Eulalia
At A Glance
- There is nothing more truly artistic than to love people. — Vincent van Gogh
How often have you seen a work of art and felt drawn to it on a personal level?
Art, after all, is known to draw out varying reactions from different people. Sometimes what is regarded as a masterpiece now was shunned and ridiculed when it first came out. Vincent van Gogh comes to mind. While Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night is instantly recognizable these days, the tragic artist did not find such fame and barely sold any of his works during his lifetime. The Red Vineyard is largely credited as the only painting he had ever sold at the price of 400 francs (that’s $2,000 or roughly ₱113,835 in today’s value).
Fortunately, artists these days have the freedom to share their art with the world thanks to modern tech giving us platforms like social media. But of course, likes and shares can only go so far. That’s why it’s wonderful to hear when institutions such as Metrobank shed light on young creatives in the art world through avenues such as the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) program.
A special awarding ceremony took place at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC, Taguig to recognize up-and-coming young artists. After going through over 402 entries received this year, seven up-and-coming Filipino painters and sculptors have been selected as this year’s awardees. Two of them, Jowee Aguinaldo and Jerome Santos were adjudged as Grand Awardees for the Painting Recognition Program and received ₱350,000 worth of cash incentives. On top of this is a ₱150,000 worth of scholarship at the Linangan Art Residency, as part of MBFI’s support for their artistic development. Another three artists for the Painting Recognition Program, Dexter Cinco, Jonas Arlegui, and Zarlien Delgado, bagged the Special Citation with ₱100,000 in cash prizes each. Meanwhile, one Grand Awardee for the Sculpture Recognition Program, Abril Valdemero, was awarded with ₱500,000 in cash incentive. Another sculptor, Michael Art de Leon, was also awarded a Special Citation and received a ₱100,000 cash incentive.
“MADE’s promise, deeply rooted in empowering young artists and supporting the development of Philippine visual arts, remains the driving force behind our mission,” expresses MBFI president Aniceto M. Sobrepeña in his message. “MADE stands firm not just in jumpstarting artistic careers, but also in nurturing artists to realize their boundless potential,” he continues.
See the wonderful artworks of these young artists in full display over at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila in BGC, Taguig until October 6. Other artworks from semifinalists and previous winners are also on display.