“PHILWEALTH” PAINTING BY LU ARTIST WINS GSIS ART CONTEST
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: GPC-LUPTO | Date: June 25, 2021
Among the eight qualifying entries from the Province of La Union, the entry of Mr. Rodel G, Rillera, co-founder of Artist Guild of La Union (AGLaUn) was cited as Honorable Mention in the Non-Representational Category of the recently concluded 16th Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) National Art Competition held on June 25, 2021 via video conferencing.
Entitled “PhilWealth”, the painting portrays the pandemic and the plight of the Filipinos. It explains a connection between health and the economy. The same “health is wealth” aptly sums the abstract painting. The painting was chosen from over 1,200 entries nationwide.
Mr. Rillera received a certificate, medal and cash award of Php 25,000.
As curator and artist in the Provincial Government of La Union’s (PGLU’s) Dap-ayan La Union: Center for Culture and the Arts, Mr. Rillera already made a name for himself by painting artworks of nature as well as social responsibility but set in a highly conceptual context. He has staged various exhibitions in and outside the country. He has also reaped a number of recognitions that proved his flair as the Master of the Brush and Chisel. Among his other accolades came in 2018 and 2019 when he was awarded Third and Second Places in the same art competition, respectively.
Today, Mr. Rillera improves his craft even more, opening himself to emerging styles and innovations, and hoping to bring light to the world through the power of visual arts. He also continues to serve as a staff under the La Union Provincial Tourism Office – Culture and Arts Section.
Other qualifying La Union artists this year include Board Member Christian I. Rivera and his wife Remz Rivera, Jerome Barbadillo, Valen Valero, Ralph Gane, Doven Gardon, and current AGLaUn President John Parmisano.
The GSIS National Art Competition is one of the biggest and most awaited art contests in the country which is annually held as part of GSIS’ anniversary celebration to promote artistic excellence and make space for creative visual expressions.
The PGLU headed by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III ensures its continuous support to the programs and activities of local artists and other culture and arts groups in promoting culture, arts and tourism as levers for development in the Province of La Union.
