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Filipino artist Larry Carumba, a worker in Saudi Arabia, rises to acclaim during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning the 2024 Presidential Award for his vibrant nature-inspired artworks that resonate with hope and resilience
BACOLOD, Philippines – For 32 years, Larry Carumba quietly lived a life of routine in Saudi Arabia, working as a secretary in a medical company. But in the unlikeliest of times – the dark days of the COVID-19 pandemic – his artistry took center stage, earning him the 2024 Presidential Award for Filipino Individuals and Organizations Overseas (PAFIOO).
The 61-year-old self-taught artist from Sitio Cubay, Barangay XVIII-A, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, will receive the Gawad ng Pangulo: Exemplary Achievements as a Visual Artist on December 11 at Malacañang. The award, part of the Pamana ng Pilipino Award category, recognizes Carumba’s artistic achievements, which have brought honor and admiration to Filipino talent in the Middle East.
Dante Francis Ang II, chairperson of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, informed Carumba of the honor through an official letter shown to Rappler on Monday, November 18.
Carumba’s works, celebrated for their vivid depictions of nature’s five elements – flowers, fish, fruits, birds, and butterflies – captivated not only art enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia but also an international audience. His pieces became particularly sought-after during the pandemic when movement restrictions spurred a surge in demand for art.
COVID-19 was his shining moment, Carumba told Rappler. His vibrant creations became a beacon of hope during a grim period, with Arab collectors snapping up his paintings.
Yet, Carumba’s journey to recognition was anything but smooth. An alumnus of the University of Saint La Salle-Bacolod, his path was marked by patience and self-discovery. He endured years of loneliness as an overseas worker before stumbling upon his passion for art.
In one idle moment, armed only with a pencil and a scrap of paper, he sketched a flower and brought it to life with color. That small act sparked a 14-year journey of relentless creativity.
Initially, his work went unnoticed despite joining numerous art exhibits in Saudi Arabia.
He said he was just an ordinary artist until the pandemic hit – his art emerged from the shadows, winning acclaim and bringing him to prominence.
Ang said the presidential award is a recognition of Carumba’s dedication, professional excellence, and his role in elevating the image of Filipino artists abroad.
“I can’t believe the COVID-19 pandemic became my shining moment. Everything seemed to happen naturally for me and my artistry,” he said.
Carumba is now billed as an artisan who “stirs so many souls” with his timeless artworks, which are considered a tribute to naturalism.
Carumba’s commitment to authenticity, advocating for naturalism in its purest elegance and form through visual arts, sets him apart from other artists and has taken him far beyond the boundaries of his homeland.
Proof of this lies in the accolades Carumba has received for his excellent artistry, including:
- Bagong Bayani for Culture and the Arts in 2014
- Most Outstanding Filipino in the Entire Gulf Countries-Bahrain in 2016
- The Filipino Times Exemplary Filipino for Visual Arts in 2019
- Philippine Elite for Visual Arts in 2019
- Illustrado’s 399 Most Influential in the Gulf Countries-Dubai
- Asia’s Pinnacle Awards in 2023
However, for Carumba, being honored in Malacañang with the prestigious presidential award will be on top of the list.
“I will be forever grateful to the Philippine government for recognizing me and my talent,” he said.
Carumba said he plans tol retire from his work abroad and settle in Negros Occidental to focus on his artistic journey in March 2025.
“I am more than prepared now to focus on my journey in the world of artistry. I believe I now have the right weaponry to conquer the art world within my beloved country,” he said.
This time, he added, he will extend help to his fellow Negrense artists in overcoming the many challenges of the path they chose through the power of art. – Rappler.com
