Nunelucio Alvarado at ArtistSpace

MANILA, Philippines - Nunelucio Alvarado presents his latest series on market life in “Arkabala” on view until May 11 at ArtistSpace, second floor, Glass Wing, Ayala Museum, Makati City.

“Arkabala” means “taxation.” All the goods displayed for sale in the market are subject to tax, as well as the space — on the ground, the dirty corner. In almost all of the paintings the devilish characters of dogs, pigs and insects inhabit this dismal world.

In Alvarado’s hometown of Sagay, the market scene is a daily show of values, personalities, characters, and objects. In the artist’s paintings, the market goods (paho, balañgon, kalamonding, kalmarnos, ebos, dried fish, saging, etc.) enhance the characters of the market people, rendered in the artist’s signature figures.

The marketplace embodies Alvarado’s visual commentary on the never-ending corruption in our society. Arkabala may refer to the enforced obligation of the poor and starving vendors on the goods they sell, and the space they occupy. The artist asks a difficult question, and reflects on a deeper truth: Can we clean our marketplaces?

Established in 2004 and formerly known as MuseumSpace, ArtistSpace is a commercial-run gallery owned by the Ayala Museum. ArtistSpace dedicates itself to the promotion of Philippine contemporary art and talent. By featuring a wide range of styles and media and a different artist every two weeks, ArtistSpace aims to cultivate curiosity about new art and encourage viewership by young professionals, students, and other adults.

For inquiries, call 757-7117 to 21 local 33 or e-mail artistspace@ayalamuseum.org.