HARNESS THE POWER OF ART IN TRYING TIMES
Everything will follow if you’re true to your art.
Even during the pandemic when not everyone can go out and explore — art can heal. “Any form of art helps us cope with the pandemic,” said multimedia artist Emard Cañedo at the first leg of Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC) Art Interact Sessions, where he tackles conceptual art with NSAC Alumni Gino Bueza.
From music, poetry, to painting — everyone can learn art during these trying times. It is a form of therapy, Cañedo added.
“Then, in the long-run, when everything’s okay, we can utilize what we were able to learn during the time we spent inside our home,” he said.
“It can become a tool, a weapon, to communicate with everybody.”
Breaking stereotypes
“In art, there’s no money,” or “Art can’t make money” is the common misconception or the stereotype that continues to plague artists.
There are many struggling artists, confirmed Cañedo. “It’s not always that we make income,” he said. “But before there’s income, there’s self-fulfillment. That’s important.
“If you love what you do, there’s someone who will monetize it. There are other ways to make income.”
Cañedo is also a professor at a university in Manila.
Making art makes him understand those around him better and learn more.
“Everything will follow if you’re true to your art,” he said. Every year, Shell convenes aspiring young artists, masters and art enthusiasts to champion Filipino artistry and creativity through NSAC. It is also a platform for students and artists alike to showcase their works as well as learn from the masters themselves.
NSAC is the longest-running national student competition in the country.
This year’s theme is “restART.”
“Art has the power to change hearts and minds and communicate messages through a powerful display of sound, visuals, and all of these combined. Filipinos can use the power of their art to keep the Philippines moving forward,” said Conrad Parizal, Social Performance Adviser for Downstream of Pilipinas Shell.
The 54th NSAC Awarding Ceremony will be on 10 December.