About the Event
It seems that despite his age, Nunelucio "Nune" Alvarado's political and artistic stand remains youthful and vibrant, like the works that comprise his upcoming one-person exhibition titled Pretty Pretty, Pity Pity. His latest works will be on view at Ysobel Art Gallery, Serendra, BGC, Taguig City, from April 23 until May 4, 2016.
Nune Alvarado's most recent works on paper will be familiar with those who experienced and survived the most horrible chapter of contemporary Filipino history, the Martial Law years. The seasoned activist gazing at the artist's "Tatay Series" (9.5 x 15 inches, colored pen on paper) for instance, might be reminded of the struggle of sugarcane workers in Bacolod and of how art critic Alice Guillermo described Alvarado's rendition of the common Filipino, of the sakada: "...as squat and angular figures, with well-articulated muscles to show their closeness with the earth as well as their strength in production.
He also uses vivid colors to enhance the sense of vitality and energy, while at the same time conveying intense emotion." Whether he/she is referring to Alvarado's "Nanay Series" (9.5 x 15 inches, colored pen on paper) or the "Nawong Series" (8.5 x 11 inches, colored pen on paper), the cynic, on the other hand, would perhaps notice that there's really nothing "latest" about the artist's portrayal of the marginalized Filipino, that it has always been the same: "as squat and angular figures, with well-articulated muscles..." But how about the millennial? What would today's social media savvy youth say about Alvarado's latest visual articulation?
Alvarado has always been known for his "anticlassical" depiction of the Filipino figure. This time though, apart from his impeccable skill, the artist shows how his work, and his artistic and political philosophy, have remained deeply relevant throughout the years.
For more information, please contact Mark Tiongco at (63 928) 507-1117 or email: mark.sancheztiongco@gmail.com.