Nine Filipinos vie in Asian art tilt

MANILA, Philippines - The Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Foundation Signature Art Prize, returns this year with 130 artworks from 24 countries and territories vying for the grand prize of SGD 45,000. Organized by the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) with presenting sponsor APB Foundation, this premier juried prize identifies and recognises artists for outstanding work, profiles significant recent creations coming from the region’s contemporary art landscape, and encourages the development of contemporary art in Asia Pacific.

This second edition of the triennial APB Foundation Signature Art Prize has been expanded to include nominations from the whole Asia Pacific region. The 130 works, nominated for being groundbreaking or noteworthy works created between 2008 and 2010, were selected by 31 independent art professionals and curators. The prize amount to a total of SGD 85,000 cash awards, comprising one grand prize (SGD 45,000), three jurors’ prizes (SGD 10,000 each) and one People’s Choice Award (SGD 10,000).

Philippines is represented by nine nominated artworks created by internationally-renowned and emerging artists: Louie Cordero, Mark Salvatus, Kawayan de Guia, Alfredo Esquillo, Jr. Rodel Tapaya Garcia, Nilo A. Ilarde, Wawi Navarroza, Jan Leeroy C. New and Jose Tence Ruiz.

The artists examine a range of issues, from historical subjects to modern myths and stories, and utilise an intriguing range of media such as a boxing ring canvas, chewed gum and cable ties. The artworks were nominated by Ramon E.S. Lerma who is director and chief curator of Ateneo Art Gallery, Ateneo De Manila University and Dr. Patrick D. Flores who is professor of Art Studies at the Department of Art Studies at the University of the Philippines and curator of Vargas Museum in Manila.

The 15 shortlisted finalists will be announced by Oct. 1, when the public can also begin to vote online and nominate their favorite finalist work for the People’s Choice Award at www.singaporeartmuseum.sg/signatureartprize.

An exhibition of the finalist artworks will open at SAM on Nov. 11 and votes for the People’s Choice Award can also be cast in person at the exhibition. The grand prize, jurors’ prize and People’s Choice Award winners will be announced at the Asia Pacific Breweries Foundation Signature Art Prize Awards Dinner on Nov. 18.