LU PRIDE IN ARTS, ANOTHER WIN IN THE GSIS ART COMPETITION
By: Joy Ann L. Gurtiza, GPC-LUPTO | Photos By: Joseph L. Francia, LUPTO | Date: June 16, 2023
Multi-awarded local artist and former President of Artists Guild of La Union (AGLaUn), Rodel G. Rillera bagged the Second Prize for the Sculpture Category of the 2023 Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) National Art Competition held on June 16, 2023 at GSIS Gymnasium, Pasay City.
His winning masterpiece, “King of the Road” bested more than 500 entries submitted by other artists in the country earning him a certificate, trophy and cash prize amounting to Php200,000.00. A civic leader, nature lover, and compassionate artist all rolled into one, Mr. Rillera said that his artwork portrays his deep passion for both art and jeepneys/motorcycles. He had a brilliant idea to combine his two passions and create a wooden jeepney-motorcycle sculpture. Mr. Rillera also shared he spent a month meticulously carving the wooden jeepney-motorcycle, ensuring every detail was perfect. He used the finest molave wood, and the sculpture was inspired by the combination of a classic jeepney and motorcycle design. As he worked, he became excited about the idea of a wooden jeepney-motorcycle as a symbol of the connection between art and the world of machines. He believed it represented the perfect balance of the natural world and the world of machinery, a balance that was becoming more significant in the rapidly industrializing world.
Moreover, his other art work entitled “Crazy World” was cited as Honorable Mention in the Non-Representational Category and received additional certificate, medal and cash prize of Php25,000.
Mr. Rodel Rillera is a local of Barangay Tuddingan, Naguilian, La Union and owner of the Zarozar Art Gallery which is named after the Iloko term zarorar which means old houses with stable ground floors wherein farm supplies and livestock are kept.
In the same competition, the art work “Balik Tanaw” by Aileen M. Cariaso was awarded as Honorable Mention in the Representational Category and also received a certificate, medal and cash prize of Php25,000. Ms. Cariaso is also a local artist from La Union and a member of the AGLaUn.
Now on its 18th year, the 2023 GSIS National Art Competition is regarded as one of the longest-running and most prestigious art contests in the country. Annually, it attracts thousands of artists in the mixed media, non-representational, and sculpture categories. It remains one of the few open platforms where aspiring Filipino artists can exhibit their work, compete against their peers, and achieve national recognition.
Through the continued #LaUnionPROBINSYAnihan efforts, the Provincial Government of La Union headed by Gov. Raphaelle Veronica “Rafy” Ortega-David commits its full support to the programs and activities of local artists and other culture and arts groups in the creation and development of inclusive arts, culture and creative economy in the province.
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