ABOUT THE WORK

Born in Sagay, Negros Occidental, Nunelucio Alvarado obtained an Arts degree in Bacolod in 1968 then studied painting at the University of the Philippines - Diliman. And for over four decades, he has lived as a full-time artist. Witnessing the injustices in his hometown firsthand, Alvarado portrays dignified working peasants, the Sacadas, and the marginalized. His trademark consistent directness and black outlines in his depicted subjects are reminiscent of hieratic composition of Egyptian paintings. These qualities are present in this symbol-laden work of a fish vendor characterized by the religious figure behind, the weighing scale and mug in front, and the hanging basket with a bottle and towel. Brewing unrest is displayed through strong composition, outlines, and colors.