• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An all-male art exhibition titled “Sugarsweat” opened at Artillery Philippines-Bacolod Gallery, Barangay Villamonte, Bacolod City Friday in line with the celebration of Labor Day.
The show features the works of Arvin Hervias and Gerom Booc, members of the Sagay art group Pintor Kulapol, and Bacolod artists JR Hilario and Tim Oliveman.
The exhibit highlights the value of sugarcane workers or sacadas in the sugar industry as the nation celebrates Labor Day. It also pays homage to the resilience and determination of the farmers to provide for our needs.
They toil for hours under the heat of the sun but still are underpaid. Our role as artists is to give them value and a voice, Hervias said.
Hilario said by using vibrant and joyful colors, he wants to convey a message of hope, celebrating the dignity and perseverance of the workers as they try to overcome life’s challenges with optimism.
The guests of honor at the opening were visual artists Butog Alvarado and Nikki Boy Pama.*
