Five students from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts received awards in the 2022 India “Sanskriti Ke Rang” International Painting Competition last April 27, 2023.
This competition aims to promote India’s rich culture, heritage, art, and religion. Charu Castle Foundation, as the organizer, launched the international painting competition with Uttar Pradesh Tourism’s support.
It seeks to show the world the beauty of India’s monuments, festivals, and tourist sites to further educate students and tourists on the importance of Indian monuments and their heritage.
Participants are from a wide range of countries, such as India, Philippines, Latvia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand, Cambodia, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Dubai (UAE), Malaysia, Romania, Korea, Taiwan, and Poland.
Prof. Marcelino P. Balanquit, Office of Culture, Arts, and Languages Director, linked TSU and the organizer regarding the contest.
The winners who received a "big medal" plus merit are Alvin Latoga, 21, first-year Fine Arts student, in his watercolor entry titled "The Holi Festival," and Lauren Jascha Tolentino, 21, fourth-year Fine Arts student, in his oil on canvas work called "Life in Colors."
Moreover, other winners who won a "big medal" are Mica Ann Morte, a second-year Architecture student in her watercolor entry "Beauty of India"; John Kennedy Manio, 20, first-year Architecture student, in his mixed medium entry “Treasure of Indian Land”; and Alvin Tacliad, 21, Fine Arts student, in his watercolor entry “Sanchi Stupa.”
In an interview with the Office of Public Affairs, Morte said they were challenged to finish their entries since they were only given five days before the deadline. She also shared their struggle on shipping the entries because of the needed clearance from the Bureau of Customs.
“Siguro po when it comes to conceptualizing sa national competition, medyo pamilyar na po kami sa national kung paano sila magpa-compete. Kahit si Sir Jessie (Tadeo) po, nangapa rin po siya nung kinausap niya kami about doon, kung paano po 'yung magiging way ng pag-judge. Kaya kung ano po 'yung nafi-feel namin na strength namin, 'yun po 'yung ginamit naming panlaban. Ako po, nag-focus po ako sa realism tsaka sa scenery kaya ganoon po 'yung akin; more on landscape," Tacliad said.
Mr. Jessie Tadeo Jr., Fine Arts Department Chairperson and the student artists' coach, said some of these students have also represented the university in the painting and charcoal categories of the 2022 Culture and the Arts Festival organized by the Culture and the Arts Association of State Universities and Colleges Region III (CAASUC III).
In addition, Mr. Tadeo said it is good for the students to explore and join various international competitions to hone further their talents and strengths in their respective crafts. (jlmm/OPA)
