The Provincial Government of Pangasinan under the watch of Governor Amado ‘Pogi’ I. Espino III officially announced the winners of the 2022 Abig Sining Visual Arts Competition and subsequently held the opening of the Abig Sining Exhibit at Casa Real in Lingayen on April 5.

This is the Provincial Government’s first big art initiative in the midst of a pandemic, implemented by the Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Office (PTCAO).

In the sculpture category, Bonifacio G. De Guzman Jr.’s “Estudyante sa Panahon ng Pandemia” bagged 1st place, while “Hope” by Marco Dispo Cañas and “Angkas Tungo sa Pangarap” by Wenny P. Licuanan finished second and third, respectively.

On the other hand, in the painting category, “Hilum sa Bahay-bahayan” by Clyde Aedriel T. Rafael took first prize, “Ang Tatlong Puting Ibon” by Joshua R. Carajay took second, and “Retrospection” by John Ray A. Dizon, third.

Special citations were given to “Hiding Place” by Jeffrey ‘Domeng’ Dela Cruz and “Edukasyon Pangarap, Pag-asa” by James B. Ison.

The first place winners received P35,000 apiece, P25,000 each for second place, and P15,000 each for third place, as well as certificates and trophies. As a consolation prize, the other participants received P3,000.

The Abig Sining Visual Arts Competition specifically was aimed at: 1.) Providing a platform for Pangasinan visual artists to continuously enrich, develop, and showcase their art and creativity amidst the pandemic; 2.) Supporting Pangasinan local artists who have been heavily affected by the economic and social impacts of the pandemic; and 3.) Educating and inspiring the public, most especially Pangasinan, on the value and relevance of arts and art expressions in achieving healing and recovery, especially through an art exhibit.

The art exhibit features Pangasinan visual artists’ deep reflections on their experiences and nuances, their realizations, motivations, and aspirations amid the ongoing global crisis.

Abig Sining’s total entries included 49 paintings and 11 sculptures.

On behalf of Gov. Pogi, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Committee Chair on Tourism, Arts, and Culture Margielou Orange Humilde-Verzosa welcomed the guests and artists.

Present at the event were Provincial Government officials and the 2022 Abig Sining Art Contest Board of Judges, namely: Nestor Vinluan (Former Dean, College of Fine Arts (1989-1998) and Professor Emeritus, UP Diliman); Toym Imao (Sculptor & Painter/Assistant Professor, College of Fine Arts, UP Diliman); Venazir Martinez (Founder, Sining Eskinita/Visual Anthropreneur, Baguio City); Geraldine Araneta (Co-founder, Art Fair Philippines/Head, National Committee on Visual Arts, NCCA); and Joe Datuin (Grand Prize Winner, International Olympic Committee’s Sport and Art Contest, Switzerland, 2012 ASNA Awardee for Visual Arts).

The 2022 Abig Sining Visual Arts Competition and Exhibit is part of the 442nd Agew Pangasinan celebration. The exhibit will run until June 30 and is open to the public every Tuesday to Saturday (9:00 AM-4:00 PM). /Lynette Iris A. Paed

Source: https://www.pangasinan.gov.ph/provl-govt-recognizes-pangasinense-visual-artists-through-abig-sining/