Nunelucio Alvarado is one of Negros Island’s most prominent artists who focus on social realism, using his works to highlight the hardships of the poor and the chronic plight of sugar cane workers amid social and political injustice.
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Sagay City unveiled a sprawling mural of Nunelucio “Nune” Alvarado, a painter with dementia whose images of farm workers, hardship and resistance helped define the visual consciousness of Negroes for more than four decades.
The 30-meter mural, painted on the wall of a private cemetery in Barangay Old Sagay where the 76-year-old artist was born, is a public memorial of a living man whose art told the life of a history that often leaves nameless. The mural now also serves as a new cultural landmark in Sagay.
It features some of Alvarado’s most significant artworks such as the “Nawong” (face) series, which includes:
- “Camp mates”
- “Lain Buot” (bad feeling)
- “Kaubay” (mate)
- “Siga Mata” (shining eye)
- “Hudhud” (fishing in shallow water using a hudhud net)
Designed around the concept of “Diin Tabo Man” (the point of connection), the mural reflects the meeting of life from land and sea and captures the theme of identity, struggle, and community that defined Alvarado’s art.
Leading the group that translated Alvarado’s work into a large public space accessible to the community were artists such as his brother Tom, Burog Alvarado, Gerome Booc and Ryan Pesa.
Helen Arguelles-Cutillar, the city’s information and tourism officer, said the mural is Sagaynons’ way of thanking Alvarado, also known as “Maestro Nune,” for his contributions as a “pillar of art” in Sagay and Negros.
Cutillar said the plan and concept to create a mural for Alvarado actually came from his family.
When it was presented to the city government, Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva did not hesitate to make it happen, with the launch scheduled for Alvarado’s 76th birthday on May 5.
Cueva said the mural reinforces Sagay’s cultural identity while serving as a source of inspiration, especially for the youth.
“When we talk about Sagay, his name (Alvarado) always comes up. He is someone we are proud of not only because he is known, but because of the faith he showed through his art,” Cueva said.
“Having a symbol like this makes a difference. It shows our youth that an artist from Sagay can make an impact, and it reminds us to appreciate the work of our artists,” the mayor added.
Alvarado is among the main artists of social realism that Sagay and Negros Island have produced.
Many of his works of art depict the daily struggles of the poor, serving as sharp comments on social and political injustices.
At the heart of his artworks is the sad plight and challenge of the sugar cane workers in Negros.
He told stories of farm workers working on the ground breeders on canvas through logo style.
His series of “Paghimud-os” (sacrifice) and “Sakada” (seasonal farm workers) touched lives, and brought him not only praise, but also respect from various communities and fellow artists.
Along with his unique masterpieces, Alvarado was named as one of the Black Artists of Asia and received the Thirteen Artists Award in 1992, given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
Alvarado was also a two-time recipient of the Philip Morris Art Award in 1997 and 1999.
In 2004, he was awarded the Patnubay ng Sining in Kalinangan sa Larangan ng Pintura, a lifetime achievement award from the CCP, recognizing his impact on Philippine painting.
Abroad, Alvarado’s artworks also traveled to different countries for various exhibitions.
In June 2024, Sagay nominated Alvarado to be elevated to the Order of National Artist.
He was the first nominee of the visual arts category from the Visayas.
The CCP and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) have yet to announce the official Order of National Artists for 2025.
But for another Black-identified artist, Charlie Co of the Orange Project, a major contemporary art hub and artist-run initiative in Bacolod, Alvarado’s artworks continue to tell stories and create lasting influences that last for generations and inspire artists and communities beyond Sagay.
Cueva said the mural not only honors Alvarado’s legacy, but also reinforces Sagay’s position as a center of culture and creative expression, connecting heritage with tourism and community development.
Sagay Councilor Benson Fernandez said the city government is moving to declare May 5 as “Nunelucio Alvarado Day” in Barangay Old Sagay. – Rappler.com
