by Maxine Alessandra B. Turiano

Far Eastern University Institute of Architecture and Fine Arts (FEU IARFA) student Zoe Manigan was awarded 3rd place in the sculpture category of Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation’s 54th National Students Art Competition (NSAC) during the virtual ceremony last December 10.

The theme ‘restART’, the 54th Shell NSAC highlighted how young artists can drive change through art amid the pandemic. 

Among 1,746 entries across four categories, Manigan’s clay sculpture was selected as one of the Top 3 submissions. Her work entitled ‘Future on Our Fingerprint’ depicts Filipinos across various ages and their impact on the future through voting. 

“It shows that to take part in shaping the future, it starts with our responsibility to vote for the next leaders of our nation who will hopefully rebuild and bring a brighter future for the Philippines,” Manigan shared with FEU Advocate.

The student artist expressed that her experience in voting registration affected her creative process.

"Nung nagstart na ako, kakauwi ko lang talaga galing sa registration to vote. If I did the sculpture earlier, siguro may iba pa akong idea o ibang naisip, but I think it’s a blessing din na nagawa ko siya last minute… kaya parang nainfluence ako dun sa pagregister ko nung nagvote ako.” (When I started, I had just gotten home from the registration to vote. If I did the sculpture earlier, perhaps I would have had another idea or a different plan, but I think it’s still a blessing that I was able to do it last minute… I think I was influenced by my experience in registering to vote.) 

As a freshman Visual Communication student, Manigan opened up that the Shell NSAC was her first-ever competition win as she was not expecting to take home an award.

“Take your time,” Manigan also stated that timing is an important factor for artists. Additionally, she shared that allocating more time to your work can be of great help in refining works.

Since 1951, the Shell NSAC has provided a platform for Filipino artists and their role in national development under Pilipinas Shell’s ‘Juan Art Nation’ campaign. The competition is open to college students and features four categories: Oil and Acrylic, Watercolor, Sculpture, and Digital Fine Arts. 

This year, nearly 400 schools and universities participated nationwide. Winners received prizes, awards, monetary grants, and Shell merchandise. 

(Photo courtesy of Zoe Manigan)