MAKATI CITY — Art enthusiasts, students, and curious visitors have until October 4, 2026, to experience a free exhibition at Ayala Museum that celebrates the creative voices of Filipino university students. "What is the art of the young?: Select Artworks from the Shell National Students Art Competition" is on view at the museum's 2F Changing Gallery. The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into how young artists have captured their emotions, aspirations, and lived experiences over the decades. It also invites visitors to move beyond passive observation and actively engage with the ideas behind each piece.
A Living Archive of Filipino Youth Expression
The exhibition draws from the Shell National Students Art Competition (NSAC), one of the country's longest-running student art competitions. Since its establishment in 1952, the NSAC has documented the evolving perspectives of Filipino youth through oil, acrylic, sculpture, and digital art. Featured works come from the competition's 58th edition in 2025, which received more than 2,200 entries from universities and colleges nationwide. Fifteen student-artists were recognized for transforming the theme "Alab" into compelling visual narratives that reflect passion, hope, and purpose.
Art as Conversation, Not Spectacle
What sets this exhibition apart is its interactive approach. Each featured painting is accompanied by a question designed to spark reflection, inviting visitors to leave their own responses within the gallery. One such prompt comes from artist Ronald Remolacio, who shares the memory or feeling a particular artwork awakened in him. Visitors are encouraged to consider what they see, what emotions the works evoke, and whether the hopes expressed by young artists remain relevant across generations. This participatory format transforms the gallery into a space of dialogue rather than passive viewing.
Plan Your Visit Before the Final Day
The exhibition is presented at the 2F Changing Gallery of Ayala Museum, located at Makati Avenue corner De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City. The museum is open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Admission is free, and walk-ins are welcome, making it accessible to students, families, and first-time gallery visitors. October 4, 2026, marks the final opportunity to experience this celebration of youthful creativity and reflect on the continuing influence of emerging Filipino artists.
