The waves rushed to the black sand shore as the Amihan blew through a gallery and coffee shop, called “Kape Albarako”, and the three-storey “Atalyer”, an art studio. Here, maestro Nunelucio Alvarado, is, literally and otherwise, the artist-in-residence.
The three-storey structures made of bamboos and wood stands at Margaha Beach in Sagay City, fronting the picturesque Sagay Marine Reserve.
On his free time, Maestro Nune takes a leisurely walk by the beach, otherwise, he is in his room, which is filled with cans of paints, brushes and canvases, or painting another “Nawong”, which he has been doing frequently during the pandemic period.
The visual artist has to his credit tens of thousands of artworks in his career that spans almost 55 years, said his wife Sally.
In January last year, before the pandemic hit the country, Nune, now 70, suffered from stroke. He recovered after three months, Sally recalled, and that part of his healing process was his continued passion in creating art as well as talking to people.
“Art heals, it is my therapy,” Nune said.
“Good thing stroke hit me because I forgot all the debts I had,” he jokingly added between sips of bugnay wine. His wife butted in to sustain the banter: “Nune does not like to have debts at all,” and the couple laughed while sitting in front of a table filled with dozens and dozens of Nune’s “Nawong” pieces.
A chat with Nune that windy day revealed his facets of his recovery process, his revitalized art and plans.
You had a stroke a year ago. How has it affected you as an artist?
Actually, I have already forgotten that I had a stroke. Kung baga ako nga tawo talawit pero may guts. It did not really affect me as an artist, as art is the only virus that I have. It’s in my brain kag budlay lutason. This virus has already spread around the community. Different artists are coming here to celebrate it.
When did you start doing your art again? What kind of artworks have you been doing lately? How often do you work on these?
I recovered after three months and then I continued painting “Nawong”. Ang Nawong nga ginaubra ko, kung lantawon mo ini masubo, pero colorful siya. It means that despite the problems, these faces are colorful because they keep on looking forward to the future. And when I paint them, I do them simultaneously. And now, I have more than a thousand “Nawong” since last year.
What usually inspires you to do an artwork?
My wife, the environment and the people I meet have been my sources of inspiration. I love to immerse. I am inspired when connecting and listening to the stories of people. These people have eventually become my friends. That’s where the depth of my art has been coming from and it’s always been part of the game.
Is there a difference between the kind of painting or drawings you do now, after you suffered from stroke and say, 10 or more years ago?
There’s a big difference. I do not stick in one style because I believe what matters most is the substance of my works. My style is progressive and my immersion in communities is a big factor when doing it. But, I still am a stylist person!
What do you consider as your best work so far? Any particular painting?
My best work? I consider all of my works my best work. They are all significant to me because they radiate different emotions and feelings. They are like all of my children and I treat them fairly. That’s how I look at all my works.
You have been known for influencing aspiring artists. Can you describe your satisfaction over the fact that you have influenced much of the art scene of Sagay, Bacolod and Negros?
Amo ina ang akon kadalag-an. I came here and shared all the things that I know to the community and I became successful in doing it. I have encouraged people from different walks of life. I have collaborated with the community, the academe and my fellow artists.
What is Nune Alvarado’s ultimate dream? What is there yet to be accomplished?
I always dream that someday, art can bring us together. It is my weapon in advocating peace and progress. Aside from painting, there are other forms of art like music, dance, theater, poetry and they entertains people. Art can bring us together and it brings good weather. – NWI
