La Vida Oriental Negrense

  The history of visual arts in Negros Oriental is rich and diverse, with a vibrant community of artists and art enthusiasts spanning decades. The roots of the visual arts scene in Negros Oriental can be traced back to the Spanish colonial period, when the province was known as Negros Oriental de la Dulce , and religious art and architecture were the predominant forms of artistic expression. This tradition continued into the American colonial period, with the development of schools and institutions that encouraged the study and practice of art. During the mid-20th century, Negros Oriental became a center for modernist art, with artists like Jose Laspinas leading the way in experimenting with new techniques and materials. In the 1970s, a group of artists formed the Association of Negros Artists (ANA), which aimed to promote the development and appreciation of art in the province. ANA members included prominent artists like Nunelucio Alvarado, Charlie Co, and Ed Defensor, who pla