: Wings of Prosperity | William Alvarez

“Wings of Prosperity” by William Alvarez at Galerie Joaquin Collective

Text by Mikai Francisco

The peacock is a distinct figure in the oeuvre of visual artist William Alvarez. Having captivated mankind for centuries, the peacock has come to signify prosperity, good fortune, and strength. With these brightly colored birds comes his figurations of bustling riverside communities inspired by the history and culture of his native municipality, Morong, Rizal. These hilled landscapes connote themes of community and oneness with nature that have remained central within Alvarez’s body of work.

The artist’s latest solo exhibition, “Wings of Prosperity,” features a synthesis of his favored subjects coming together to create a cohesive narrative about the gifts of nature. Situating the serene — almost mythical — quality of his portraits of peafowl alongside his paintings of historical towns, the artist creates a larger impression of a community living with respect for the natural world. Prosperity appears to come forth from this relationship. Alvarez paints thriving communities established along the winding contours of rivers, not so different from the ancient civilizations that flocked to these fertile grounds centuries ago. A symbiotic relationship blossoms within William Alvarez’s canvases; the environment touches a locale's culture, as much as humankind molds the landscape to suit their everyday needs.

“Wings of Prosperity” brilliantly displays William Alvarez’s understanding of the intersection of environment, culture, and history. Drawing inspiration from his cultural roots, Alvarez highlights how a deep connection and reverence for nature revitalizes communities. As viewers get lost in the rugged textures of the painted terrains, and marvel at the brilliant jewel tones of a peacock’s plumage, they are invited to reflect on their relationship with the environment. Amid the modern-day’s rapid commercialization and climate crisis, the artist hearkens back to a more peaceful time when people lived in harmony with nature and its life-giving gifts.

“Wings of Prosperity” by William Alvarez will be on view at Galerie Joaquin Collective from June 12 - 22, 2024. We are located on the 3rd Floor of Greenbelt 5, Legazpi St., Makati City. For inquiries, contact or email us at galeriejoaquinonline@gmail.com.