Nune: Painting his vision

Nune, as his friends call him, is Nunelucio Alvarado who is recognized as one of the most renowned artists in the Philippines today, having gained international recognition with works earnestly scrutinized by art critics and curators.

"I have been in the art scene for more than 25 years now," said Nune, looking so unassuming despite his position of being one of the most respected artists in our country. It takes one humble soul who looks at life so passionately, and realize his vision in such brilliant fullness. Every subject matter Nune paints, he paints with painstaking perfection, along with his philosophy that art belongs to the people.

Much has been associated to art. It has been regarded as no-money profession and opportunities are hard to come by, especially in the past years. Perhaps this is the same reason why some artists are in commercial art. Against all the odds, Nune decided to become a serious painter. He took the unfriendly path of an artist, and studied painting at the University of the Philippines - Diliman.

Who knows how hard he tried to overcome the taxing endeavor of being a painter? Who would believe about his struggles with his demons and how he suffered so much for his paintings? In the tumultuous seventies, Nune became an activist, involving himself in propaganda art with a group of kindred spirits, causing him to be jailed for seven long months.

His urgency to find ways to express his vision has brought him to different exhibitions here and abroad - be it individual or group. He has an ongoing solo exhibit entitled "Pagkabun-ag", a Hiligaynon word meaning birth, in the Allegro Restaurant at Maribago Bluewater Resort in Mactan Island.

If you think Christmas is over, think again. The core of awareness, relationship, interest and positive intentions within each person will never end. Nune's Pagkabun-ag is, perhaps, more colorful than the rest of his works. Above all, the theme is not painful. Pagkabun-ag is Nune's very own rendition of the popular subject matter - the Filipino Christmas tradition. Nune shows us a mother who shares a warm and loving relationship with her innocent and angelic child. Nune's solo exhibit will run until January 22 this year.

Nune who hails from Pabrika, Sagay City, Negros Oriental is no mere artisan, but an artist who refrains himself from dishing out vague images. His works transcend to the level of understanding the depths of the whole work - understanding art, the Filipino artists, and Philippine society and culture. His are works that expose never-ending stories not only of inconsistencies, but also of inequalities. Taking the cause of human rights, he did this in his art without compromising his steadfast adherence to a strict ethical code.

He has received numerous awards and recognition, adding his long list of achievements. He garnered the 13 Artists Award of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, was twice a winner of the grand prize of the prestigious Philip Morris Philippine Art Awards, and received the Patnubay ng Sining at Kalinangan sa Larangan ng Pintura Award, among others.

The fateful years under the Marcos Regime centered on the theme of Social Realism. On that note, Nune spoke for and represented the voiceless majority through his art. Inspired by the plight of the people in the sugar industry, he immersed in the lives of Sakadas (peasant in the sugarcane fields). To his advantage, Nune gained a better understanding of their needs.

His philosophy articulates the muted life of the victims of oppression and inequality, making vivid statements on society and the dark side of the human condition. Yes, there has so much to be addressed aside from the issues confronting society. However, there is only one brave soul who has the courage to bring out such vital issues through his hands and soul.