Filipina jewellery artist wins an award at the Cyprus Ayia Napa Triennale 2025

The Consulate of the Republic of the Philippines in Cyprus, Larnaca, proudly celebrated Philippine artist Helena Alegre for her win at the Ayia Napa World Art Triennale 2025 held at Giorgos Seferis Cultural Centre in Ayia Napa on 31 May.

Her sculptural jewelry art piece was selected by the international jury to earn a distinct recognition trophy title, Premio Excellence.

The Ayia Napa World Art Triennale 2025

The Ayia Napa World Art Triennale 2025 is a very significant cultural event of international prestige for the Famagusta District and Cyprus as a whole. Over 90 distinguished artists from 27 countries participated, all of whom were selected by an international panel of art experts.

This year’s theme, 'Christianity,' honours the tradition and history of Ayia Napa- a place whose name derives from the Virgin Mary. 

The Mayor of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannettou shared his congratulatory message to Charmagne Garcia-Laconco, the Honorary Consul of the Philippines in Cyprus, sharing the good news, “We are particularly pleased to inform you that the artist from your country, the Philippines, Helena Alegre, will be among those honoured during the exhibition, further enriching the international character and significance of the Ayia Napa World Art Triennale."

Helena Alegre’s Sculptural Jewellery entry

Alegre, who is from Daet, Camarines Norte, submitted her piece entitled 'The Crucifixion' for the jury’s selection, with sterling silver and Blue Tiger’s Eye as her medium. The Crucifixion is a sculptural jewelry piece that bridges Christianity with Philippine heritage. Crafted using traditional filigree, a meticulous metalwork art introduced to the Philippines through Spanish influence in the 16th century.

The piece symbolises both religious devotion and historical transformation. The Crucifix—a powerful emblem of Christianity brought by the Spaniards in 1576—anchors the narrative, while the use of tiger’s eye evokes the skies and seas of both the Philippines and Cyprus, uniting two cultures through spiritual and natural symbolism.

Helena Alegre’s work not only honors the legacy of colonial encounter and religious faith but also celebrates the resilience and artistry of Filipino craftsmanship shaped by global exchange.  

Exhibit for the Community at the Philippine Consulate in Larnaca

Helena Alegre’s journey to Cyprus coincided with the most celebrated occasion for the Filipino community around the globe. Every year, on 12 June, the Republic of the Philippines commemorates its declaration of independence as a nation. As a prelude to the Philippine Independence celebration in Cyprus, the Consulate of the Republic of the Philippines in Larnaca will host an exhibit of the works of Helena Alegre entitled 'In Her Hands:  Sculpting Legacy, where community, earth and craft converge.'  

In Her Hands is an exhibition of jewellery and paintings that honours the creative legacy of women through craftsmanship and cultural memory. Featuring Alegre’s works rooted in tradition and sustainability, it highlights how women’s hands carry ancestral knowledge and shape the future through art. From intricate metalwork to expressive brushstrokes, each piece reflects resilience, identity, and the evolving power of handmade practices.

The exhibition fosters dialogue between heritage and innovation, celebrating female artists and a more inclusive, sustainable vision for art and adornment. 

To further enhance the meaningful journey of Helena Alegre to Cyprus, the 'In Her Hands' exhibit will open on Friday, 6 June, 2025 at 2pm, at the Consulate of the Republic of the Philippines in Cyprus, in Larnaca.

On Saturday, 7 June, 2025, at 3.30pm, the exhibit will also be a venue for an outreach.  Alegre will be giving a talk for the Filipino community and various international women's organisation leaders in Cyprus. The event is also open to the public.

For more details, please call (+357) 24 722520 or email info@philippineconsulate.org.cy