GEOVANNI ABING, represented by Talimbaw Art Gallery, bagged the grand prize for this year’s Don Papa Rum competition, with his theme “Timeless Landscape”, a stunning 3×5 collage and acrylic on canvas with an archival coating that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Sugarlandia.
“My artwork portrays Sugarlandia as a magical place pulsating with life and floating over a sea of clouds, a place that governs mankind,” Abing told the media when asked about the inspiration for his artwork.
For winning the competition, Abing won a monthlong artistic sojourn in Barcelona. Airfare, accommodations and allowance will all be provided by the Bleeding Heart Rum Co. Moreover, his winning design will also be brought to life through special edition canisters which will be sold in limited quantities worldwide.
Returning to the Art Fair 2020 for its annual art competition, Don Papa Rum rallied local artists and their impressive line-up of artworks, with a culmination event held on February 22 at The Link Ayala Car Park in Makati City.
Now running for the fifth year with its theme “Flora and Fauna of Sugarlandia,” the competition continues to tap into the creative genius of the local art scene as they showcase their interpretation of Don Papa Rum’s brand story.
The island of Negros, colloquially known as Sugarlandia, finds richness not just in its sprawling sugarcane fields but also in the diversity of its foliage and wildlife—the perfect formula for inspired works of art.
Erica Larkins, Don Papa Rum’s brand manager for the Asia-Pacific, said the aim of the contest is to expose the local talent overseas.
“We started the program in 2015. The goal of the program is to create a platform for local artists to be able to showcase their talent outside the Philippine. We do distribute the canisters and the product in international markets,” Larkins said.
Right now, we are present in 27 markets in North America, South America, South Africa, Europe and Asia.
“We’re very pleased with this year’s outcome, and the number of talented individuals who participated has been overwhelming. This year’s winning piece serves as a testament that we have an abundance of untapped artistic talents that we can be proud of. And the Bleeding Heart Rum Co. is thrilled to be at the center of the emerging local art scene in the Philippines,” Larkins said.
This year’s art competition was made possible by Don Papa’s partnership with the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, pulling in some of the most respected personalities in the art industry, such as Tina Colayco, Maja Co, Lisa Periquet and Arch. Manny Miñana.