Iconic Negrenese
social realist painter Nunelucio Alvarado (1950) is regarded as one of the most
prominent contemporary artists in the Philippines. He has won numerous international critical acclaim
for his powerful works that mostly portrayed the life and struggles of Negros
Occidental’s the working class.
Alvarado’s
art is a panorama of Philippine life that ranges from the decorative aspects of Negros life
such as the colorful fruits and vegetables found in the market; or the simple
family life that utilizes the bright prints and patterns under the Visayan sun;
and on the darker side, the evils of environmental, social and cultural degradation
of which he is known for as a social realist.
Recognized
for his unique and distinct style of bright-eyed squat and squared figures that
employ strong vivid colors and dark lines, Alvarado frequently applies powerful
psycho-sexual symbols with a touch of the surreal as he depicts the plight of
sugarcane workers, fishermen and traders found in his native Negros
Occidental.
While the artist portrays the pain of
the working class, he also does not miss the strong family bond that exists
amidst the struggles and sacrifices of daily life. Along these lines, the artist has worked on
numerous Mother and Child canvasses such as “Mag-Iloy”, 2011, a
60cm X 45.5cm oil on canvas. Here we find a son locked in the embrace of
his winged mother, portraying the mother as angelic in her selfless love. The work is a warm picture of comfort and
protection in typical Alvarado style.
In 1992 he was among the Thirteen
Artist awardees of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and twice a recipient
of the Philippine Art Awards (Philip Morris Art Awards). In 2004 he was honored with the Patnubay ng
Sining at Kalinangan sa Larangan ng Pintura Award by the CCP.
Alvarado has had over 50 solo exhibitions and
participated in numerous group exhibitions both here and abroad including the
prestigious Museum of Contemporary Art in Tokyo, the Queensland Art Gallery and
the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, USA.
His works are also part of the collection of the Singapore Art Museum.
***
FOR SALE:
Title: Mag-iloy Date: 2011
Medium: Oil on canvas
Size: H60cm X W45.5cm
Price: PHP80,000
If you are interested to buy, please send me an email at sophie_dfuss@yahoo.com
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