Igniting Passion: Shell National Students Art Competition Empowers Pinoy Artists

Aldrine Alarcon on Creating an Art Community

Born into an artistic family, Aldrine Alarcon's journey into the art world was destined. He developed a deep appreciation for art from an early age. Alarcon's natural talent for color balance and blending abstract and realism set him apart in the art scene, even before his participation in the Shell NSAC.

Despite Alarcon's prior achievements, his involvement in Shell NSAC had a profound impact on his artistic perspective. The competition broadened his horizons, allowing him to appreciate art in all its forms and not limit his creativity to one discipline. His proud assertion that "Kapag Pinoy, ang trademark ay puno. There's no negative space 'pag pinoy ang artist," (The trademark of Filipino artists is that it's full in a sense that there's no negative space) highlights the distinct style and depth of Philippine art.

Optimistic about the future, Alarcon envisions a more vibrant Filipino art scene with younger artists and collectors joining. Alarcon aims to shape the Philippine art scene through community creation, knowledge sharing, and inspiring artists across different communities. His advice to emerging artists, "Be truthful to yourself," highlights the importance of authenticity in artistic expression.

Jigger Cruz on Inspiring Future Artists

Jigger Cruz's dedication to the world of art started as a hobby, attending Ronald Ventura's Sunday classes and participating in various competitions. His unique art style, marked by an emphasis on muscle memory and a disregard for structure and formula, is a testament to his journey of self-discovery.

Cruz credits a significant part of his artistic growth to his participation in the Shell NSAC, “The competition not only proved instrumental in building my confidence but also provided a platform for me to explore various styles and discover my own. Through my involvement in Shell NSAC, I was able to differentiate the styles that resonated with my artistic ethos and those that did not.” Cruz adds that his exposure to different styles and disciplines, he notes, contributes significantly to the experiences of student artists.

Cruz's interaction with previous NSAC artists fostered a sense of discipline and an appreciation for abstract impressionism in him. The knowledge and experiences shared among the artists have had a profound influence on his understanding and perception of art.

Cruz sees a quality evolution in Filipino art, as it becomes more globalized and less confined. Filipino artists are excelling abroad, with their works increasingly appreciated by Western critics. Cruz takes pride in the Baroque Filipino mix and match technique, which turns simple objects into art. He envisions a vibrant future for Filipino art, with more young artists engaging in various forms. To meet the competition and diverse audience, supporting local artists is crucial.

Cruz aims to contribute to the Philippine art scene by sharing his experiences abroad, supporting young artists, and purchasing their works. He offers mentorships and free studios to deserving artists, fostering a supportive environment for emerging talents. Cruz's commitment to the growth and development of the local art scene extends to inviting foreign friends to Manila, allowing them to immerse themselves in the local culture.