Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (FEU-IARFA) students Justinia Julia Redillas and Michael Angelo Escorpeso were recognized as finalist and semi-finalist, respectively, at the Metrobank Art and Design Excellence (MADE) Awards 2022.

This year’s MADE encouraged Filipino artists to explore their potential and exhibit their ingenuity with its theme, ‘Emerge: Step Into Your Boundless Future’ for its 38th edition. 

The participants were urged to create art that mirrors the human experience.

Redillas, a third-year Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts student and national finalist of the sculpture category, drew inspiration from Arborglyphs—the practice of carving images and messages on trees—for her sculpture titled, ‘Sa Bawat Paghilom ng mga Sugat, Paghilom sa Katahimikan.’ 

In an interview with FEU Advocate, Redillas emphasized that she wanted to recreate this form of carvings and relate it to the negative words that bombard social media.

“Through my work, I want to show that even though scars caused by these hurtful words can damage us a lifetime, a healing environment can make a difference,” she said.

Under the painting category, the second-year BFA Studio Arts student and semi-finalist Escorpeso depicted the social issue of poverty and hunger through his painting ‘Kalakal.’

“This is a reality that privileged people like us don’t see every day and that’s why I wanted to enlighten everyone about what’s happening to the poor in our country,” he shared.

Further, Escorpeso also opened up about how his experience can help boost the confidence of FEU students, especially those in fine arts who want to join competitions. 

“Let us be the spark that will ignite the flames in the hearts of Tamaraw artists,” he said. 

As student artists, both awardees faced the same struggle of balancing and allocating their time. 

“Time is one of the greatest enemies that an artist faces; you need to learn to use it wisely,” Escorpeso said as he emphasized the importance of self-confidence to artists.

The awardees advised creating art without limitations while exploring personal style and medium. 

Since 1984, MADE has recognized more than 400 artists who are established and currently paving their careers in the arts and design scene. 

- Cassandra Luis J. De Leon