GENUINELY NUNE
Torn jeans, straw hat, a seemingly bored countenance. He doesn’t project like one of those legit artists alive in the local spectrum. But then again, many artists are like that, louche on the outside, but darn substantial to the core. Don’t get the man started on radical discussions. Judging by his art, Nunelucio “Nune” Alvarado is just warming up the conversation.
Last April 22, the iconoclast graced the opening of his selftitled fare Alvarado: A Solo Exhibition of Nune, a staging dubbed one of Qube Gallery’s biggest shows this year. In a casual causerie, Alvarado, in his naturally engaging attitude, proved he deserves so much of his credibility in the Philippine contemporary art scene. The title has been earned through decades of exposure, mastery and influence of the craft.
Alvarado’s immersion in the rural communities of his homeland Negros stimulated the artist’s subconscious to convey a stance in relevant issues such as social oppression, injustice and poverty. Behind the bile and distortion of his repertoire is an advocacy. Exhibit curator Vinnie Tan called it contentiousness, compassion and involvement. Rare are brave artists who dedicate their time in creating works that do not just speak the truth, but also address it.
There’s something about Alvarado’s portfolio. Through the poetry and boldness of it all is a sense of intimacy a stranger is attracted to at first interaction. Served in black and white, Alvarado’s “Panic Series,” produced after typhoon Haiyan, worked its way in the background of his latest set.
“What we have here now is a positive follow-up, a colored version. It’s about moving on, hope. The painful effect is still there. But it occurred to me, it’s beautiful when you splash colors into a chaotic world,” Alvarado relayed.
The veteran’s signature sharp lines are still evident in the variation of small pieces, more than 40 new ones. Powered by ink, gel and vivacious stains, the pop-ish impression is adorable.
“People are going colorful or Andy Warhol. Might as well explore,” Alvarado quipped. Old works in canvas channeling the sincerity and humanity of Alvarado complete the collection.
Many revere him as a rooted social realist, but Alvarado would rather not be branded. The icon believes that any artist, awardwinning or self-confessed, can speak of reality without being labeled. Whether in mixed media, oil, pen or installation, a message can be freely delivered via any medium. Fact check.
“Don’t be confined within the norms. Create your own. Be yourself,” The Nune said bluntly in posing the challenge. And then he extended an invitation for a round of beer. Another creative has been added to the roster of personal favorites.
Alvarado: A Solo Exhibition of Nune concluded on May 17 at Qube Gallery at the Crossroads in Banilad, Cebu City.