Filipino artists are being urged to pick up their brushes and pens to participate in a first-of-its-kind painting contest in Bahrain aiming to shine a spotlight on heroism in their home country.
The On-The-Spot-Contest will pay tribute to the country’s National Heroes Day, which is celebrated annually every April in the Philippines. It honours and remembers all those who helped establish the foundation for the country’s independence.
The art world has played a key role, none more so than one of its favourite sons, Dr Jose P Rizal, a Philippine doctor who trained throughout Europe. He was also a poet, essayist and novelist. A proponent of national independence through peaceful reform, his execution in 1896 was considered the spark that ignited the Filipino fight for independence.
A group of sketches by Dr Rizal
“This contest is a great way to celebrate a treasured day while educating our citizens in Bahrain about our great hero Dr Jose P Rizal,” Sir Knight Officer Rizal, Bahrain Chapter, Dr Cornelio Banez told the GDN.
Dr Rizal’s work continues to inspire and resonate with people in their pursuit of national unity, freedom and social progress. Instead of using violence to get his point across, he battled for freedom through the arts. His renowned sketches display his love of the country and its people.
“It’s important for young people to know the history about our country and learn about the people who fought for our independence in various ways,” added Dr Banez.
The declaration of Philippine independence from Spain came in 1898.
Dr Rizal
He added that promoting young Filipino artists work was also a priority, as the Filipino expatriate community was home to many talented individuals.
“This is the perfect opportunity for them to hone their skills and have the time and the means to create something special,” he said, adding that this makes the competition more special as Filipino history and artistic prowess can both be highlighted at the same time.
“Since this is the first time we are staging a contest like this one, it’s going to be really interesting to see what art is created,” he said.
Registered entries will be evaluated by a screening committee, and the selected participants will advance to the On-The-Spot painting contest.
Divided into three age groups, (seven to 12, 13 to 17 and 18 and above), interested Filipinos can register by submitting clear photographs of at least two samples of their artwork, along with a short biography, by 5pm on April 21.
The contest will consist of numerous teams creating artwork that represents the chosen theme given to them. The themes will be announced during the day of the competition on May 10 at the embassy’s premises in Manama at 8pm.
A group of established Philippine artists and art enthusiasts will comprise the judges, and they will choose three top places in each age category.
On the day, certificates, plaques and medals will be awarded to the winners. The prized artwork will also be placed in the embassy’s Sentro Rizal, where other historical works and paintings are displayed.
n For more information, contact Ronnel Santos at 33053783.
julia@gdnmedia.bh
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