Four Panamanian artists obtained the highest distinction at the Roberto Lewis 2024 National Visual Arts Competition, in its XLIV version, on the night of Tuesday, August 5, at the Museo Gallery of La Ciudad de Las Artes.

The activity, organized by the National Directorate of the Arts of the Ministry of Culture (MiCultura), received 120 works, of which 15 were preselected by a distinguished jury.

The work "The events that led to his oblivion" was the winner of the $10 million Grand Prix by the artist Ana Elena Tejera with an installation of video art.

The other awards were for the works: "Miras de Esperanza," an acrylic with a mirror on canga by artist Manuel Esteban, "La Casa" by Cisco Merel, a work by Barro, PVC, wood and acrylic and, "What rain, what rain," by artist Andrea Santos with an acrylic painting technique on canvas.

The Jury was composed of Sara Hermann, Pablo José Ramirez and Juan Canela.

The incumbent of Culture, María Eugenia Herrera, thanked the members of the Jury for their hard work and said: "I'm sure that the task of selecting among so many outstanding works has been uneasy. We trust his experience and knowledge that have been fundamental to the success of this contest."

He added that "From MiCultura we are committed to the support and promotion of art in all its forms. We firmly believe that art is a powerful tool for social and cultural development, capable of transforming lives. We will continue to work to create spaces and opportunities as this contest for our artists."

"That this celebration should also be an invitation to continue to dream, create and build together a future in which art and culture continue to be fundamental pillars of our identity as a nation," added Herrera.

The activity included a discussion about the curatory and pedagogical jobs of the Jury.

The Roberto Lewis competition was updated in 2023 with a view to bringing more proposals and opening up new opportunities for artists.