Nunelucio “Nune” Alvarado’s recently concluded exhibit, “Bitter Sugar: The HeArt of Nune Alvarado,” celebrated five decades of his prolific art career. The show, organized in support of his nomination to the Order of National Artists, offers a reflection of his life’s work, a powerful blend of social realism and vibrant expressionism that gives voice to the marginalized.

Alvarado’s journey as an artist is deeply intertwined with the realities of Negros, his home province. Growing up amid the grandeur of the Insular Lumber Company, a stark reminder of the disparity between the rich and the poor, ignited a social consciousness within him that would profoundly shape his art and his vision.

“Growing up, I lived near the Himoga-an River where the largest lumber company, the Insular Lumber Company owned by the Americans, was located. The place was restricted. You can’t go inside. There were security guards, probably at that time for our safety and security,” recalls Alvarado. “But I felt disadvantaged, I felt the disparity between the rich and the poor, and I resented that.”

This early experience fostered a deep empathy for the marginalized, leading him to immerse himself in the lives of sugarcane workers, or sakadas. “I have always felt deeply connected with the poor and the oppressed. I myself came from a poor family. I like to immerse myself in different communities. I live with them. I talk to them. I eat with them,” explains Alvarado. “Harvesting sugar is no joke. At that time, wages were extremely low while the physical demands were tremendous. They were exposed to the unforgiving heat of the sun, chemical hazards, and the threat of venomous animals.”

This profound human connection was evident in his powerful depictions of the sakadas – their weathered faces, their weary limbs, their stoic resilience in the face of immense hardship. “Bitter Sugar,” the exhibit’s title, captured the paradox of this industry: the sweetness of the sugar we consume is inextricably linked to the bitter realities endured by those who produce it.

“For us to have sugar on our table, thousands of men and women, some children, have to go through bitter working conditions. And that is not right. That is a bitter pill to swallow. Sakit ina ya,” Alvarado stated. 

Alvarado’s creative process is deeply rooted in his community engagement. “I paint what I see in my surrounding’s in my community,” he explained. “My creative process starts with my immersion in the community – I walk with the peasants, I work with them. I eat with them, I live with them.”

His approach, however, extends beyond mere observation. “I always say to young artists to not just make pretty art to put on the walls. Make art with substance, even if it’s not pretty, even if it’s hard to look at, says Alvarado. “It has to have a message. A strong message.”

While his early works focused heavily on the plight of the sakadas, his vision has evolved over the years. He now explores wider range of themes, including the lives of the fisherfolk, the rhythms of the sea, and the enduring human spirit. 

“I am not conscious of the opinion of others on my work. I just do it. It’s my truth. It’s the truth of the community, where I immerse,” says Alvarado. “I want young artists to know that there is no greater joy than knowing your work matters. My body of work will demonstrate that. Money is important, but it is only secondary. The true joy in life lies in creating the art you desire.”

Alvarado’s “Bitter Sugar” is a powerful commentary. It is a testament to his commitment to use art as a tool for social justice, to give voice to the voiceless, and to inspire positive change in the world. It is a culmination of Alvarado’s life work. As he reflects on his nomination to the Order of the National Artist, he conveys a sense of humility.

“It feels good to be recognized. But I do what I do because I know it’s the right thing to do. My heart and mind never stop. Every waking day, I breathe and live art. Even during illness, I make art. It heals me,” muses Alvarado. “Our causes may not be popular but when you think you know you are right, say something. As artists, we have our canvases, our work. We should speak up through our art. Injustices continue if we remain silent.”

“Bitter Sugar: The HeArt of Nune Alvarado” ran in November at SPACE at One Ayala.