CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM process, they often raise difficult or thought-provoking

THE REGIONS CM1 questions without providing easy answers. Curiosity, an

open mind, and a commitment to dialogue and debate

We have been calling today’s time as the modern are the best tools with which to approach a work of
period. The present we have shown how information contemporary art. Since its founding in 1940, the Walker
became easily accessible through developed publication has been presenting today’s art in all its forms, including
and manipulation of information by computers and visual art, dance, music, theater, moving image, design,
computer networks. As almost everyone and everything architecture, new media, and many hybrid forms. These
is updated and technologically advanced, we equate works often challenge our ideas about what art should
modern to contemporary. In art, we refer something look like or how it should behave.
opposed to traditional or conservative as modern art.

Modern art is the response to a period of rationalist

practices and perspectives of the modern period that
caused contemporary society to manifest itself in new
ways compared to the past. The terminologies modern
and contemporary are usually used interchangeably and
can be seen in vast different periods. However, there is a
thin line of differences between Modern Art and
Contemporary Art. They may share few characteristics,
sources, and influences making them hard to classify. In
addition, it is possible to integrate and transform
elements from Modern Art to Contemporary Art. Figure 1.1 Zyza Bacani (2013)

The photo on Figure 1.1 and the painting on Figure 1.2

have thes ame subject matter: the poor and ordinary
people in the streets.

HR Ocampo’s painting was

painted in early 1960swhen
it is considered as
contemporary.
Today, we call these
modern art as it was
produced between the
Contemporary art referring to art history context is art American colonial period to
made today by living artists. As such, it reflects the the Post-war period. In that
complex issues that shape our diverse, global, and rapidly sense, a work is considered“
changing world. Through their work, many contemporary” by the virtue
contemporary artists explore personal or cultural of being “of the present.
identity, offer critiques of social and institutional
structures, or even attempt to redefine art itself. In the
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Contemporary Art can be distinguished from Modern Art How was art applied during in pre-colonial Philippines? It
in historical, stylistic, and cultural terms which we will be is in simple activities alone that evolved ritual, music,
examining more in our next meeting through citing our dance, theater and literature. Telling stories about the
different artists and their pieces or crafts. However, we hunt (literature), mimicking the movements of the
need to remember that the most common animals they hunted (theater or play acting), and
characteristics of contemporary art revolve as to being incorporating drum beating and attaching rhythm to
site-specific, process-based, collaborative, and their movements (music and dance).
interactive. This results to using of mixed elements from
other forms of art such as combination of contemporary, The existence of ethnic musical instruments are proof
indigenous, Islamic, popular, and traditional making that the pre-colonial people of the Philippines already
contemporary art as not a fixed form but opens possessed a varied and vibrant musical culture.
possibilities. Studying and appreciating contemporary is
to experience and understand art as a window to Native dance forms imitated from the movements of
Philippine contemporary life. the animals:

MODERN ART 1.Pangalay dance (Sulu) –movements of the sea birds

In art, we refer something opposed to traditional or 2.Mandayas’ Kinabua, Banog-Banog (Higaonon &
conservative as modern art. “Modern Art” can simply be B’laan), and Man-Manok (Bagobos, Mindanao)
described as the style and philosophy of artworks –movements of predatory birds
produced during the 1890-1960 era. 3.Talip dance (Ifugao) –used for courtship from the
movements of wild fowls
CONTEMPORARY ARTS 4.Inamo dnace (Matigsalugs) and Kadaliwas dance
-referring to art history context is art made today by (T’Boli) –comedic movements of the monkeys
living artists in the 21st century. 5.Tinikling dance (Leyte) –movements of the crane,
-refer to arts without central focus in terms of material, balancing itself on stilt
form, and subject matter. Also, it lacks an organizing
ideology or principle. Famous artworks during Pre-Conquest:
1.Carving
7 MAJOR CONTEMPORARY ART FORMS ➢ Bulul (Cordillera)–a granary God thatplays and
important rle in rituals
➢ Visual Arts ➢ Hagabi(Ifugao) –a wooden bench
➢ Literature ➢ Okir (Tausug/Samal/Badjao) –mythical
➢ Music sarimanok, the naga or serpent
➢ Theater ➢ Manunggul Jar discovered at Manunggul cave in
➢ Dance Palawan
➢ Architecture
➢ Film 2.Weaving
•Textile weaving
CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM ➢ Pis siyabit (Tausug of Sulu) –headpiece woven
➢ Malong(Maranao of Lanao del Sur)
THE REGIONS CM2
•Mat and basket weaving
A BRIEF HISTORY OF PHILIPPINE ART
➢ Tepo mat (Sama of Tawi-Tawi) –a double
layered made of Pandan leaves
I. PRE-COLONIAL ARTS
➢ Overloid basket (Itbayat, Batanes) –a head sling
Pre-conquest in art refers to the art before coming of the
made of nito or bamboo used to carry the
first colonizers. Even before Philippines was colonized,
harvest
our forerunners have already been making art. Art during
➢ Bubo (Ilocos region) –a sturdy bamboo strip
this time was integrated within rituals or everyday use.
used to trap fish
There is a complete difference with the art before and
now. Our ancestors do not refer to art as we do today,
that is an expression of an individual.
THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 2
3.Ornamentation–representation of various ethnological Engraver:
groups 1.Francisco Suarez
•Wearing gold jewelry –for upper class Tagalog 2.Nicolas Engraver
•Tattooing (Visayas) –it is believed to protect the 3.Laureano Atlas4.Felipe Sevilla
individual from evil spirits; sign of bravery and maturity
Musician –Composer:
II. ISLAMIC ERA (13TH Century to the Present) 1.Marcelo Adonay
Islamic art is characterized by geometric designs and
patterns, also the absence of human form. The latter is a Theater Artist:
tradition that came from the belief that any figural 1.Honorata “Atang” dela Rama
representation should not be used for the purpose of
worship. Writers:
Even before the Spanish colonization, Islam was already 1.Severino Reyes –Zarzuela
well entrenched in Southern Philippines. In Islamic art, 2.Hermogenes Ilagan –Zarzuela
especially in the architectural design of mosques in 3.Gaspar Aquino de Belen –Senakulo
Mindanao where calligraphy is used as the main form of
expression. This is influenced by concept of the Tawhid, IV. AMERICAN ERA (1898 –1940) to the Post war
the purpose of the design is to draw attention away from Republic (1946 –1969)
the concrete object, towards the contemplation of the
divine. Americans wanting to create a lasting influence on
Filipino culture, they established institutions of
III. SPANISH ERA (1521 –1898) government and education systems. The colonizers
passionately taught their language through an effective
Art during the Spanish Era formed to the demands of the public-school system. After some time with the
church and the colonial state. Serving to propagate the education system. The playwrights of the Filipino were
Catholic faith and support the colonial order at the same written in English. The demand for artists who could do
time. Following the religious order, natives were illustrations in textbooks or graphic design to produce
converted to Catholicism. During this era, cruciform labels emerged. In 1909, after the establishment of the
churches following the shape of the Latin cross were University of the Philippines, School of Fine arts was
built. There was a fusion of both native and European opened. It offered course on commercial design.
elements, that gave way to the style referred as colonial Commercial and advertising arts were integrated into the
baroque or Philippine or tropical baroque. fine arts curriculum.

Famous Artists and their artworks during Spanish Era: Famous Artist during American Era
1.Juan Abad –Tinikalang Gintoor Golden Chain in 1902
Visual Arts:
1.Damian Domingo –watercolor albums of tipos 2.Juan Matapang Cruz –Hindi Ako Patayor I Am Not
2.Juan Luna –Spolarium, Espana y Filipinas Dead in 1903
3.Felix Resurrection Hidalgo –Vigenes christianas
3.Aurelio Tolentino –Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukasor
expuestas al populacho
Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow
4.Lorenzo Guerrero –The Water Carrier
5.Simon Flores –Portrait of the Quiazon Family 4.Lino Castillejo and Jesus Araullo–author of A Modern
6.Jose Dans –Heaven, Earth, Hell Filipinaand first Filipino written in English
7.Esteban Villanueva –Basi Revolt
5.Daniel Burnham–architect who designed Manila and
Miniature Painters: Baguio
1.Antonio Malantic
2.Isidro Arceo 6.William Parsons–implanted Burnham Plan, an urban
3.Dionesio de Castro designed employed Neoclassic architecture
4.Justiniano Assuncion

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7.Thomas Mapua, Andres Luna de San Pedro, and •Sa Kabukiran (composer)
Antonio Toledob – Filipino architects who designed
4.Felipe P. de Leon
buildings
•Awit sa Paglikha ng Bagong Filipinas (composer)
8.Fabian dela Rosa–naturalist painter of Planting Rice in
1921 and El Kundiman in 1930 5.Crispin Lopez
9.Fernado Amorsolo–romantic painter of Dalagang •Study of an Aeta, painting in 1943
Filipino, still life landscapes, and historical paintings;
graphic artist of The Philippine Readers (book), and The 6.Diosdado Lorenzo
Independent (newspaper); logo designer of Ginebra San •Atrocities in Paco (painting)
Miguel
7.Dominador Castañeda
10.Guillermo Tolentino–person behind the sculptures
of Oblation (1935), UP Oblation (1958), and Bonifacio •Doomed Family, painting in 1945
Monument (1933) VI. MODERN ERA (Neo Realism, Abstraction
*Artists whose works were emphasized deep yearning Modern Styles)
for freedom Modern era in the Philippine art started after the World
V. JAPANESE ERA(1941 –1945) War 2 and when Philippines was declared independent.
Questions of national identity as the main theme of
During the Japanese colonization, art production slowed various art forms were posed by writers and artists.
down in pace. But early moderns and conservatives
continued to produce art and even participated in The most well-known proponent of Modern art painting
KALIBAPI (Kapisanan sa Pahingkod ng Bagng Pilipinas) is Victorio Edades whose work were initially rejected and
sponsored art competitions. misunderstood but later was shared by several artist.
During this time, different mediums, techniques, and
The Japanese colonizers led the formation of the Greater themes were explored that were considered new.
East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, a propaganda movement
that sought to create a Pan-Asia identity rejected by Modern artists do not aim to copy and idealize reality,
Western traditions. what they did was they change the colors, flatten the
pictures instead of creating illusions of depth, nearness
Awit sa Paglikha ng Bagong Pilipinaswas declared as the and farness. They showed what might be seen as ugly
anthem of the period, that bring allegiance to the nation and unpleasant instead of beautiful and pastoral.
reared in East Asia. National artist Felipe de Leon was the
composer of the anthem. Abstraction is another part of Modern art, where it is
characterized by simplified forms that avoided mimetic
Famous Artists and their Artworks During Japanese Era: representation. Sometimes called as
1.Fernando Amorsolo nonrepresentational or non-objective art.

•Harvest scene –painting in 1942 Famous Modern Artists and their Artworks:

•Rice Planting, painting in 1942 Neo Realists Artists

•Bombingof the Intendencia, painting in 1942 1.Manansala –The Beggars (1951), and Tuba Drinkers
(1954)
•Ruins of Manila Cathedral, painting in 1945
2.Legaspi –Gadgets II (1949), and Bad Girls (1947)
2.Sylvia La Torre
3.HR Ocampo –The Contrast (1940), and Genesis (1968)
•Sa Kabukiran (song)
4.Ramon Estrella
3.Levi Celerio
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5.Victor Oyteza6.Romeo Tabuena Scripture, we need to be attentive to the there and then
context of a passage and its original meaning, while
Abstractionist Actists
seeking to discover the here and now significance of the
1.Constancio Abenardo passage. For example, Paul‘s letters communicated
something to people in the first century before they
2.Lee Aguinaldo communicated something to us. In a similar manner, an
3.Jose Joya artist makes and expresses something relevant in at here
and then context, however revolutionary and
4.Fernando Zobel progressive the art may be. Likewise, the capacity of a
5.Arturo Luz –Street Magician (1952) work of art to communicate effectively in the here and
now is an attestation of context-transcending qualities in
6.Nina Saguil–Cargadores (1951) a given work or performance. Identifying these qualities
is the work of art criticism and education.
Modern Architectural Structures:

1.Church of Holy Sacrifice (1955)

2.Church of the Risen Lord

3.Chapel of Saint Joseph the Worker

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM

THE REGIONS CM3

CONTEXT OF ART

We articulated an understanding of art as a What is ‘context’ or ‘contextualization’ and why is it

communicative creation involving three interwoven important for you as an artist.
strands. First, we suggested that art involves craft, the
skill and style distinguishing art from other kinds of It’s a word that gets thrown about by art students and
human making. Second, we indicated that art involves artists and confuses just about everyone else! ‘Context’
content, the “story” a work expresses or participates in in your drawings and artwork provide visual links that
by means of paint, melody, structure, movement, helps us to fully understand what your art is about. A
language and other artistic mediums. In this post, we are drawing or painting may be beautiful without us knowing
we are focusing on the entire setting in which art is its context –we can enjoy the emotive colour, the
created and received, because art involves context. energizing mark-making, the lyrical shapes and patterns,
etc. However, its full meaning will not be fully
Artists do not create contexts; they work within them. appreciated without us being able to ‘read’ the visual
Context is the web of complex circumstances in which links or clues you have included. Knowing something
artists work in relation to their physical environment, about the making of the drawing can also help.
historical trends and traditions, social movements,
cultural values, intellectual perspectives, personal Context also refers to settings, conditions,
commitments, and more. Likewise, art is received within circumstances, and occurrences affecting production
a context of corresponding dynamics that shape meaning and reception or audience response at artwork. It is a set
and interpretation. As such, context is an inescapable background information that enables us to formulate
dimension of art in both its production and its reception meanings about works or art and note how context affect
and interpretation. form.

To clarify the role context plays in art, it may be helpful We need to learn more about the painting's context in
to use biblical exegesis as an analogy. When reading order to appreciate it more thoroughly and have a more
satisfying experience with it. We need to pick up on the
THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 5
visual links that have been purposefully placed on the B. NATURE
meaning of the artwork to help us understand what his
art is about. •Can be seen as a source of inspiration and wellspring
of materials for art production.

•It’s is also seen as a force that one has to contend

with.

C. EVERYDAY LIFE

•Philippine traditional art has always been an integral

part of daily life, its significance lies not only in its
aesthetic appearance but also in its functionality and its
value to the community that produced it, because
traditional forms may also be used in daily private
Example: BULUL situations, it is experienced mire intimately, and engages
•An indigenous, pre-colonial ritual object and motif in many senses simultaneously.
the everyday life of people of Cordillera region.
•A human-like figure made of hardwood, the bulul is D. SOCIETY, POLITICS AND HISTORY
believed to be granary god that assures the community
•The artist’s creative process is affected if not
of a bountiful harvest.
compromised by patronage, such as the state or the
•During dry season, the ritual specialist or mumbaki
Church.
would perform a ritual where that figure is drenched in
pig’s blood as a form of offering to the spirits. •Changes in the society, politics and economy affect
•Although the bulul contains elements of sculpture, it is artists, the work that they do and the structures that
not exactly regarded as such by its makers and by the support the production.
people who continue to find value in its rich symbolic
functions. E. MODE OF RECEPTION

VARIOUS CONTEXTS OF ART •Aside from considering our personal identity as a

perceiver of art as well as the contexts discussed above,
A. ARTIST BACKGROUND it is also important to note when, where, and how art is
•Do you know of an artist who is self-taught? How did encountered.
s/he learn to make the art? Did s/he read art books? Did •Most often, art is encountered via museum, arranged
s/he closely observe other artists in the area? Did s/he and categorized before a public for the purpose of
have any models? education and leisure.
•The artist’s age, gender, culture, economic conditions,
CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM
social environment, and disposition affect the art
production.
THE REGIONS CM4

•The mode of production which encompasses the kind Integrative Art as Applied to Contemporary Art
of materials accessible to the artists as well as the
“Art is everywhere.” The definition of ‘art” itself is
conditions surrounding labor also hope the work
debatable throughout the history, but it actually
produced by the artists.
originated from the Latin word ars meaning skill and with
•Some of the artists deliberately foreground their the Greek word techne which means technology. Hence,
cultural identity in their works. art is usually described as a way of expressing feelings
and emotions that requires imagination and creativity to
make an object aesthetic. These objects were used to
convey a message that may came from the creator’s or

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 6

artist’s experiences. Also, these objects may be used to 3. Jeepney and Calesa Painting- Calesa is typically
entertain, persuade, and even educate its’ audience. painted using one color. The colors of Calesa is decorated
with geometric patterns, repetitive patterns, and/or thin
Three Major Classifications of Various Art Forms
lines. On the other hand, Jeepney is like the new and
1. Visual Art - its major purpose is to attract or entice the improved calesa. It evolved from the calesa painting and
audience. Some of the examples are drawing, painting, typically involves a logo, number, or painting.
Sculpture, Calligraphy and Photography.

2. Applied Art - its purpose are the benefits that it can

give to the audience or to people. Here are some of its
examples: Architecture, Pottery, Fashion, Jewelry design
and Interior design.

3. Performing Art- its main purpose is to amuse or to

entertain the audience. Some examples are Dancing,
Music, Theatre arts, and Literature.
4. Collage- It includes cutting and pasting materials such
Here are some Examples of the Different Art Forms in
as paper, fabric, tin foil, and other relatively flat materials
the Philippines
onto a board or canvas. It is a form of painting that
PAINTING- it refers to the process of apply colors to a flat involves combination of different images in a single
surface. It may be created using different materials such artwork.
as watercolor, acrylic, ink, oil, pastel and charcoal; while
for the surface, wood, canvas, cardboard, and paper can
be used.

SCULPTURE-it is a three-dimensional visual art. Its

process includes carving and modelling in stones, metals,
ceramics, woods and other materials.

1. Easel Painting- This is the most common form of 1. Free Standing- this is a sculpture that can
painting that involves applying color to a board canvas. It independently stand in place.
is fixed in an upright support called the easel.

2. Mural Painting-A huge wall-sized painting used to

convey a message to the audience.

2. Relief- this sculpture does not have a flat horizontal

base. There are two types of relief: low relief or bas relief
which is slightly from the flat surface;

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 7

3. Assemblage- It is a sculpture that is formed by putting This is particularly owned by families who belong to the
material together such as found objects, pieces of paper, low-income groups.
sponges, wood scraps, and other materials.
2. Houseboat -This is where Badjaos or Sama Laut
Philippines is an archipelago, and this is a home of typically reside.
different languages, beliefs, cultures, and distinct
histories. This diversity can be observed in the country’s
different artworks

ARCHITECTURE- it is considered as the most useful or

functional branches of visual arts. This is the form of
visual arts that we can freely see in our surrounding, and
its form includes designing of building. It also serves it
purpose because it is considered as the “art to inhabit”
3. One-and-a-half-Story-House -It has an upper level or
DOMESTIC BUILDINGS AND HOUSES story covering just a half of the lower level. This may also
1. Apartment- This refers to a building composed of become a split-level house if it half on the ground level is
many residences. This is usually located in populated higher in such a way that it is a halfway between the
urban areas. ground level and the upper level.

2. Bahay na Bato- It is considered as the residence of

wealthy people. It is a two-storey house, and the ground
floor is made of brick or stone while the second level is
made of wood. Also, Its windows have sliding shutters.

4. Split Level House- It has two main levels. The upper

level has the bedrooms while the lower level has the
kitchen, living, and the dining area. These levels are
separated by about half or less than half storey.

3. Barong-Barong- This is described as the house of the

landless poor. It is usually built in any land or area.

4. Bungalow -it is a one-story house with a wide front

porch and large windows. It may also have a terrace
which may have a roof or not.

5. Tsalet- The word “Tsalet” came from the term “chalet”

which refers to a peasant house in Switzerland. It is a
suburban house that has one storey, a two storey house
that has living quarters on the upper level.
ETHNIC HOUSES

1. Bahay-Kubo- it is considered as an ethnic house of the

Christian peasant families that lives in the lowland areas.

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 8

 5. Costumes- It include garments, hairstyles, and
accessories that are worn by an individual in a particular
society.

Integrative Art is a clear reflection of Contemporary Art

Forms. The artists can now freely blend the visual arts,
applied arts, and performing arts with each other. 6. Embroidery- This is the art of stitching ornaments on
cloth by hand.
OTHER FORMS OF VISUAL ART IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. Advertising Art- This is used to encourage the public

to use a certain service or product as well as to support
policies, groups, or individuals. It also refers to paid space
or time in any media to deliver a message to the public.

2. Bamboo Art- These are the works made in bamboo

that may be used every day such as decorations or
ornaments. 7. Food Art- It is the packaging and the presentation of
food in an artistic way,

8. Furniture- These objects can be used as a decoration

in public or private places or buildings. It is also often
refer as the “muebles” or “kasangkapan.”

9. Komiks and Editorial Cartoon- These are the

illustration of stories or sequence of events. For the
Editorial, it is a single-frame illustration that can either
3. Basketry- It is the art of creating containers by make fun of political leaders, institutions, or comments
weaving, plaiting, or braiding materials into hollow on current events. While on the other hand, Komiks may
three-dimensional shapes that can be used either for use multiple frames with conversation of the characters
storage, carrying, and trapping animals. place inside “balloons.”

10. Leaf Art- can be used for food wrapping and religious
4. Book Design- it includes the reproduction and rituals.
structuring of bound pages that are filled with text
and/or image, and may be protected by either hard or
soft covers.

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 9

11. Mat Weaving-it is considered as the “plaiting strips 18. Print making-this is the process of transferring
or organic fibers into mats.” This is also known as the images or text on a paper, wood, metal, or film surface.
“banig” which is lighter than the fixed bed.
19. Tattoo Art-this is about the body adornment that is
permanently engraved on the skin.

20. Textile Weaving- it is the process of creating cloth by

interweaving a series of parallel threads with another
series of horizontal threads at right angles.

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM

12. Metal Craft-These are the objects made of metal
THE REGIONS CM5
using the processes of brass casting and black smithing,
SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INSTITUTIONS, AND INITIATIVES
tinsmithing, or goldsmithing and silversmithing.
ACROSS THE REGIONS
• Brass Casting and Blacksmithing -it is the
Support System of the Arts We have come along way
process of casting and forging pieces of brass or
into understanding contemporary art from an artist
bronze. Examples of this are “Anting-anting” or
perspective. This time around, let us explore the support
amulets.
systems in art production, distribution, and reception
• Goldsmithing and Silversmithing- it involves the
available in our locality and how it values art in general.
use of gold and silver in creating objects and
ornaments. Let us start with the support system of the arts. This
• Tinsmithing- it can be seen in creating jeepneys, includes institutions, organizations and collectives,
kalesas, and ice cream carts. media, and alternative platforms. For instance, the
patronage of the Church and the State provided to
13. Multimedia-involves the use of other senses not just
produce religious images from the 16th to early 19th
the sense if sight.
century.
A. Conceptual Art- Here the visual artist “ideates or set
Moreover, we had the Art Association of the Philippines
up a situation, placing philosophy and value in the
and the Philippine Art Gallery help form a public for
process itself while negating the importance of
Modern Art in the 1950s through art exhibitions and
craftsmanship in arriving at a finished art object.
competitions. Today, even without the help of such
B. Installation Art- Materials are put together in an organizations, artists or cultural agents initiate a public
exhibition space to cast a new experience or idea. for art regardless money gains. Both activities aim to
make art more accessible to the art world and more
C. Performance Art- The artist converts himself/herself importantly to the public.
into an art object in motion and sound.

14. Paper Art- it involves the process of cutting, pasting,

and/or constructing objects with the use of paper.

15. Personal Ornaments- these are the object that are

worn on the human body and jewelry is an example of
this. It can also show the wearer’s rank or status in the
society. Example of this is the T’boli woman choker.

16. Photography-this is the process of producing images

with the use of light-sensitive, chemical plate or film. Different Types of Institutions, Organizations, and
Platforms
17. Pottery- these are the decorative and useful objects
that are made of clay and are set of at high temperature.
THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 10
Support systems are collectives consist of artists formed The academe, schools and
into organization with the objective to develop their art universities, give formal training
styles and forms. Sharing similar style and practices are grounds through courses offered
then honed and exposed to the public to engage more or just extra-curricular trainings
audience into the art world. Support systems can be through relating organizations.
government-initiated, community or municipality-based, Few courses offered involve Fine
privately supported, university-oriented artist-run, or Arts, Design, Multimedia Arts, Art Management,
internet-based or a collaboration of two or more of these Curatorial Studies, and similar courses related to artistic
types. and cultural production. Through educational
institutions, artists, curators, scholar-critics, writers, and
other art practitioners work hand-in-hand for teaching
and writing publications, and engaging art works, etc. An
exemplary model for this is the Philippine High School for
the Arts located in Los Baños, Laguna. This is a
government-run secondary school that offers special
program or curriculum in the arts.

In addition, CASA San Miguel or

Center for the Arts in San
The photos above are Animo Shadow play Collective and Antonio located in the
Sipat Lawin Ensemble. These are good examples of Pundaquit fishing village in San
organizations that challenge the concept of theater Antonio, Zambales offers
productions through mixing up several performative training in music and the visual
media and several platforms for public exposure and arts at the grassroots level.
engagement. Aside from common style and practices, “CASA San Miguel optimizes classical music, arts, culture,
these groups can also give emphasis to their regional and hospitality to develop the Zambales community and
affiliations such as The Black Artists of Asia which during shape its culture to create more jobs in all sectors,
its popularity was composed of artists from Negros. specially musicians and artists.

Another is the Southern Tagalog Exposure established in The CASA San Miguel family believe that children's
year 2001 as an independent multimedia collective enlightenment to creativity and sense of culture should
based in the Southern Tagalog regions of the Philippines. be empowered and nurtured for them to excel not only
They have produced films and video projects through in academics and careers, but to excel and make an
documentaries and animation music videos with the goal impact to their generation's future”, description on their
of promoting the rights and welfare of the country’s Facebook account.
marginalized sectors and the struggle of keeping up with In the 1970s, dance choreographers such as National
the social justice system. Isn’t just amazing how art Artist Leonor Orosa Goquingco (awarded 1976)
becomes a vessel of knowledge acquisition and change? thought of creating a fusion between classical ballet (a
western art form) and Philippine folk dances. She
Here's another good thing about support systems that
created the Filipinescas Dance Troupe which toured
aid us to enhance our prowess in the art world. The
many cities around the world.
organizations and collective you just have seen might
have ignited through university- oriented organizations!
Even non-government and education sectors showed
The academe as a platform for producing and
interest and took their stance in providing platforms for
disseminating knowledge in art also makes it a validating
art. For instance, here are few for staging contemporary
institution.
theatrical performances in the country:

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 11

 Philippine Educational Theater Association notions of “contemporary art” as it presents curated
(PETA), exhibitions.

Kalinangan Ensemble (particularly original

works and community theater
performances)

Tanghalang Ateneo (stages both Filipino

plays and adaptations of the classics
pieces) Here in the Philippines, we have our official government
agency governing the continues preservation of culture
and arts through National Commission for Culture and
Teatro Tomasino (stages original works the Arts (NCCA) .The responsibilities of the state-body
from students) NCCA are enabling exhibition or performance venues,
granting awards, and most importantly to ensure
Dulaang UP (stages Filipino and English
representation and support to all regional artists of the
classical pieces)
country.

We also have the National Living Treasures Award

For contemporary dance group: formerly known as Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
(GAMABA) acknowledging a person or group’s
Kontra-GaPi (resident Ethnic Music and
contribution to countries. intangible cultural heritage
Dance Ensemble of the College of Arts and
through their art works. Another one is the Carlos
Letters, University of the Philippines –
Palanca Annual Award recognizing Filipino writers. Even
Diliman) several foundations and corporations recognize artists as
This group highlighted folkloric dance and part of their outreach or corporate social responsibility.
contemporized ethnic folk music. Philippine dance
Today, other than these organizations, we make use of
identity has been chameleon-like as it connects television, radio, social media, and print media like
seamlessly to other forms such as hiphop, ballet, local
magazines and newspapers to reproduce and
folk dancing, and contemporary jazz to the point of
disseminate artistic effort and shape people’s perception
winning in local and international competitions such as
towards art.
Asia’s Got Talent and World Hip Hop Dance
Championship. The state-body National Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA) provides the infrastructure for government-
Museums are the most common support place that
funded projects on Philippine arts and culture as well.
preserve heritage both for enjoyment and education of
the present and future generation. There are often linked CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM
to permanence and authority. Take for example the THE REGIONS CM6
neoclassical architecture of the National Museum of the
Philippines in Manila which houses art galleries and TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES APPLIED TO
ethnographic collection for historical remembrance. CONTEMPORARY CREATION
Small museums also exist such as the Museo San Ysidro
de Pulilan in Bulacan, founded by the town’s historical The Philippines is blessed with an abundance of natural
society comprising of young artists and cultural workers. resources. Artists make use of the wide array of
Such institutions have the power to impart concepts resources available to them. These are the available
about what makes up a “community” or “nation” or materials in their community. Others salvage materials
THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 12
that can be recycled and made into creative forms. By Contemporary arts rely on three techniques:
applying creativity to these materials, artists are able to minimalism, found objects, and large-scale arts.
convey their feelings, ideas, and knowledge in the form Minimalism is the artistic movement that seeks to take
of an art piece. away the unnecessary and leaving only the essential.

The locally available materials are transformed into Found Objects is taking something that people seem to
meaningful arts by using and manipulating them to find useless and use it in a unique way in order to make
express an idea or feeling, which is called technique. It an artwork. Large-Scale Art is one that accounts for the
involves tools and technology, ranging from the most creation of something huge to express diverse
traditional to the most contemporary. perspectives in artwork.

Traditional techniques are part of a culture of a certain The Untitled Mirrors of Maria Taniguchi used traditional
group of people, with skills and knowledge passed down medium of acrylic on canvas and traditional modern style
through generations. Traditional art techniques can be of abstraction. She used brushwork on the art piece that
modified to create another art piece used in gives of meditations apart from viewing.
contemporary arts. The distinctive character or nature of
This contemporary art piece is an example of large-scale
the medium determines the technique.
art and minimalism.
Puni from Bulacan is a popular way of decorating using
leaf fronds folding which has a Malayan origin. This
technique is used to create artful toys, woven baskets,
bags, and even fans. The Palaspas that we see every Holy
week are created through Puni. Applying this technique
to contemporary arts, we have the Straw Folding
technique, where straws are folded by rolling elongated
sheets of wax-coated paper into cylindrical, hollow
tubes.

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM

THE REGIONS CM7
LOCAL MATERIALS USED AS APPLIED TO
CONTEMPORARY ARTS
Taka refers to paper maché made using carved wooden
sculpture used as a mold. This craft originated in the
town of Paete, Laguna. Applying this to contemporary Philippine is very rich in natural resources. With our
arts we’ll have Paper Maché, the use of molds, paper artistic inclinations, we can maximize the use of these
pieces or pulp that are put together by glue or other natural resources even in creating arts. Arts express the
adhesives. artistic feelings towards any aspects of life.

Filipinos are proven to be one of the most creative and

color people in the world. The types of arts that are
produced in different regions, each region have its
unique specialties, or product to take pride.

The chose of art materials is a vital part of artist’s

approach to his or her work and it is important to pick
the right kind of materials. In creating a unique and
THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 13
original contemporary artwork, many artist rely on the wallets, place mats, braided, lampshades and window
appropriate and adequate supply of materials. Local art blinds.
materials are locally available materials from the region,
province, city or town. The availability and accessibility of
local art materials make them convenient and easy to use
in creating art.

KINDS OF LOCAL MATERIALS

The use of local materials in creating various types has

become the showcase of Filipino creativity, resources,
and artistry. The following are kinds of local materials Capiz shell is a highly asymmetrical bivalve with a
that can be found in the different regions and provinces characteristically thin, translucent shell used in
of the country: handicraft. This can use also as well art décor and even
Abacaor “manila hemp” belongs to the banana family. lighting fixtures.
Its fiber has natural luster with colors ranging from pure
white to ivory and dark brown. Abaca initially used as
material for rope. Furniture makers and designers
choose this material for their works because of its
durability and availability.

Cowrie Shells or ‘sigay”, scientifically named “Cypraea

chinensi”, measure about 2 centimeters each. They are
often used in shell jewelry and shell craft work. They are
popular for their vibrant color. They are found on sandy
seafloor around the Philippines.

Bamboo or “kawayan” is used as row material in

creating many products. It is used in construction, textile,
musical instruments, weapons and many more. Aside
from being used in different pieces of furniture, it is also
sturdy and can give a home laid-back tropical vibe as
abonus, it can last a lifetime too.

Coconut shell or “bao” is local material in the Philippines

used in many artistic products like a wide array of boxes,
lamps, tabletops, chairs, household accessories and even
wall treatments.

Buntal is a cylindrically shaped fiber. The supple ivory

white strands are quite durable, have good dyeing
qualities. Buntal artistic product bags, shoes, desk
accessories like pen holder, picture frame, file trays,

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 Whenever you are looking to an artwork, what are the
things that you consider? What are the different figures
that you put in your work? In order for us to understand
a certain field, we should have a solid foundation of
knowledge to better appreciate it. In the field of arts, it
will be easier for us to analyze, unleash, produce, and
understand different artworks if we get a good grasp of
the different elements and principles of arts.

Rattan is naturally renewable palm belonging to the Do you still remember the different elements of arts that
subfamily Calamoideae of climbing palms. It is widely you discussed during your Junior High School days? All of
used as furniture, handicrafts and building material. It is those seem simple, but once mastered, they can grow in
grown in plantations in Western Visayas and Mindanao. all directions, despite of its style on how it was created
or appreciated.

What are the 7 elements of Art?

1. Line-This is the most basic element of art; and, without

it, other elements could not exist. Also, this is considered
as a moving dot, once the dots overlap, they create a
solid line; and if they do not, it is a dotted line. It has a
beginning and an end that produce edges. Lines can be:
long or short; thick or thin; straight, curved, zigzag,
diagonal, horizontal, vertical, imaginary, and three-
Junk, which are old or discarded articles, are considered dimensional.
useless or a little value but for the creative eyes of an
artist they are essential in creating a well-known art form For example, when you entered the UP Diliman campus
from the University Avenue, you will be greeted by the
call junk art. The discarded materials stores or hidden
diagonal lines of the “waiting shed” of the University
away inside homes or thrown in garbage bins are usually
Gateway which was designed by Napoleon Abueva in
made-up plastic, wood and metal. 1962.

Also, as you proceed to the University Avenue, at the end

of the portal you will be welcomed by the “Oblation” of
Guillermo Tolentino. Its horizontal lines are echoed by
the Quezon Hall behind it.

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM

THE REGIONS CM8 Oblation and Quezon Hall in UP Diliman
ELEMENTS OF ART AND PRINCIPLES OF COMPOSITION Hence, the diagonal lines of the waiting shed signify
dynamism and movement, while vertical and horizontal

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 15

lines of the Quezon Hall shows balance, symmetry, 4. Space- this is the element of art that lies between,
formality, grace and serenity, that make the university a around or within an object. This is also where positive
place for contemplation and learning. and negative areas are defined

2. Shape- Shape will be formed when lines meet up to Positive and Negative space: For example, you draw an
enclose a space. This is also the element of art that is object on a paper, the object that you draw is the
two-dimensional, flat, or is limited to height and width. positive space while the rest of the space is called
Shapes can also be geometric, like squares and circles; negative space.
or organic, like free-form or natural shapes.

Binakol of Tinggians of Abra, Northern Philippines

geometric shapes with mathematical precision they
achieved to create and illusion effect.

In visual arts, real space is three-dimensional. The

Bonifacio Monument (1993) by Guillermo Tolentino in
Caloocan has a circular composition fitted for its
position which is at the busy rotonda where principal
streets converge.

6. Color- It has three main characteristics: 5. Value- This is the lightness or darkness of tones or
Hue: Name of Color (e.g. blue, yellow, red, green etc.) colors where white is the lightest value, while black is the
Value: the lightness and darkness of color (the value of darkest. We may also refer to it as the play of light in
color changes when we add white or black). object or a scene. For representation paintings, we call it
Intensity- how bright or dull it is. shading, blending, and chiaroscuro, or how the light and
dark create an illusion of depth and perspective to a flat
Primary colors- these are red, blue, and yellow; these surface.
are the only true colors, and all other colors are mixes
of primary colors.
Secondary Colors- are mixed of two primary colors.
(green, orange, and violet)
Intermediate Colors- it also called as tertiary colors,
these are made by mixing primary and secondary colors.
Some examples are yellow green, blue green, and blue
violet)
Complementary Colors- these are located directly On the other hand, non-representational use of value is
across from each other on the color wheel. also useful in black-and-white photography such as using
it in documentations, as black and white I.D. photos, or
3. Form- This is the element of art that is three- in photojournalism that provide a unique trait and
dimensional. It is the next step from shape since we meaning to it.
now add depth to it.
For example:

Square VS. Cube; and Triangle VS. Cone

Buildings and houses also takes many shapes and forms,
starting from its geometric upward orientation of
skyscrapers to the squat low forms of the nipa hut or
bahay-kubo.

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 16

 In the first half of this course, we were immersed into
understanding created various forms of arts by several
artists using contextualization. We attempted to
interpret works of art through trying to understand the
artist’s life, nature of art, everyday life relevance, social,
economic, historical, and political relationships, and
mode of reception. This time around, we are our own
artists. This course material will help us view art creation
from the lens of incorporating subject matter and
themes in art production.

In this manner, we keep ourselves into an elevated

connection with art works through the process of sensing
The use of colors in portraits of Fernando Amorsolo is literal and surface appearance to deeper and more
representational. Making it as closely as possible to real complicated sense of the art world. Hence, linking us not
skin tone and color of clothes or dress and the only the complexity of art itself but also critically identify,
surroundings. It was mentioned that his landscapes process, and act on trends and issues within our vicinity
capture the colors of the earth, sky, and sea, most and out.
especially the Philippine sunlight.
Before you do your own art production, here is how we
can differentiate subject matter between themes. Read
on so you can incorporate these elements to express
more of yourself into your piece!

SUBJECT THEME
-What art is all about -What connect subjects
to their social milieu
-Recognized an idea as to
how it is presented -Surface level
Planting Rice” by Fernando Amorsolo (representational or examination: note its
figurative) initial data: title, artist,
7. Texture- It refers to the way things feel, or look as if medium, dimension, and
they might feel once touched. Mostly associated with the -Abstract Art Subject: the year it was made
sense of touch or tactility. Texture can be created once Focus on form and
several lines are combined. The combination may be elements such as texture, -Symbolism and Allegory
described as smooth, rough, rugged, thick, thin, furry, color, composition, level: note its texts,
feathery and so on. shape, and/or movement images, allusions, and
symbols that clue us in to
For example, the barong and baro’t saya has translucent the social and historical
and delicate fabric, while the crocheted dresses of Aze contexts referred to
Ong are soft, yet thick. Barong and Baro’t are more
appropriate for important occasions that is usually held
in air-conditioned.

Subject matter and thematic plane have a thin line

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM distinction when use. Subject matter requires diligence
THE REGIONS CM9 and keen observation in an image, or if non-
representational, on its deployment of formal elements.
THEMES AND SUBJECT MATTER

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 17

On the other hand, theme is going beyond literal senses pointing, and writing. Several others show him in barong
but explores larger context - a blend of understanding Tagalog, the national dress for males. In Daet, Camarines
contexts of art and forms. Themes may range from Norte, the first monument erected in 1898 did not
ecology, to identity, migration, globalization, religion, include a human figure but consisted of an obelisk with
and spirituality, and political economy. Trends and issues Masonic elements.
entered the frame as larger contexts. The good thing
about these themes within art, we can also incorporate This only shows that art can have variations of portrayal
our own insights as we observe, question, and research especially depending on the conditions and preferences
on these areas of concern. Since, this requires higher of specific places and authorities who have the power to
level of thinking, themes appear to be encompassing and decide on these matters. Most of the time, it is the
resonating between several themes within one art. Let reflection the community of that certain locality. Hence,
us explore on these sample themes aforementioned! various portrayals also mean various interpretation of
theme which in this case, heroism and identity. Searching
HEROISM AND IDENTITY on the definition of heroism and identity needs research
and close ties to communities presented.
Speaking of heroism and identity, there is none other
than our national hero, José Protacio ‘Pepe’ Rizal Perhaps the barong Tagalog in other monuments signify
Mercado y Alonso Realonda, that can best represent this this questioning. When we wish to deviate from his
theme. Let us dig deeper about heroism and identity formal and static standing posture, and we make him sit
through examining Rizal Monument. down or write, or become more active, perhaps we also
wish to imagine a more well- rounded and less formal
The Rizal National hero—one we can more easily relate to. In fact, Rizal was
Monument in Luneta many things in his lifetime: a sportsman, a doctor, a
is the result of a writer, a devoted son, and a lover. Perhaps we wish to
national competition view our heroes on a more human rather than lofty
launched in 1905. plane, even if it is the nature of monuments to make
The first prize was them larger than life.
awarded to Italian
Carlos Nicoli but due We also know from the historical overview in Unit 1 that
to the latter’s Rizal was an ilustrado, and one of the first migrants who
inability to comply left, studied, and waged reforms abroad. Just as he
with certain migrated to many places, so did his image.
requirements, the
commission was HEROISM AND ECOLOGY
given to the second-
place winner the Still trying on making meaning of what it is to be a hero,
Swiss artist Richard Kissling. Numerous cities and let us delve into Rizal’s life as an environmentalist. During
municipalities in the Philippines and abroad have since his exile in Dapitan, he bough a piece of land out from his
replicated this design. Unveiled in 1913, the Rizal lottery price. He planted trees, raised livestock and pets,
National Monument is a landmark monument cum and shared produce to his community. Here, he collected
mausoleum housing the remains of the hero. The information on species he discovered to scientific
monument depicts its subject as a standing figure, communities. This is the reason why one specie is named
clutching a book, perhaps symbolizing the importance after him: Draco rizali, a flying lizard; Rachophorus rizali,
that Rizal placed on education. He is shown clad, not in a frog; and Apogonia rizali, a beetle.
native clothing, but a European overcoat.

Other municipalities show variations on this depiction. In

Calamba, Laguna, Rizal’s birthplace, we find his largest
statue which stands 26 feet high and portrays him as a
sportsman. Several monuments present him in different
sizes and materials as well as in poses including sitting,

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 18

 Such instance, draw 1. METHODS - This is also what we call as the production
another definition of a plan, and this is where we can also see the step-by-step
hero creating parallel process of the production. Here are the methods that we
characteristics from others should consider:
who are doing the same A. Objectives- what are your aims in doing the artwork;
act such as Leonard Co, a your goal; and, the end-result that you wanted to
botanist who discovered achieve.
few endemic plant species. B. Materials- this is the concept or the main idea of the
production, and/ or the storyline.
C. Procedures- these are the activities/tasks that need to
be done.
D. Manpower Assignment- this is the task assigned to
SPIRITUALLY, ECOLOGY AND EVERYDAY LIFE someone for a particular activity.
E. Target date of Finish- the day you will finish the
Another part of our everyday lives are the observable activity.
places where Rizal’s monuments are placed. These are
commonly located at the center of the town plaza 2. MATERIALS- this is your produced artwork that will be
together with the Church, the municipal building, and the presented; it should have a concept, a message, or a
house of elites, a configurated practice inherited from story that you wanted to deliver to your audience.
Spaniards. This showed the key role of protecting the Examples are script, playwright, music and
various historic structures and objects of the place. choreography.

In the above discussion, we have also seen how a single 3. MACHINE- these are the different materials and
artwork and its subject matter—the Rizal Monument and equipment that will be used in the production. It may
its various versions—enable a spinning off to many include materials such as the lighting, stage, sound
thematic variations and combinations. Such complexities system, and other technological medium.
and insights that result from the process would be
possible only through a careful gathering of facts, keen 4. MANPOWER- this is also what we know as the
observation, scanning of expressive elements, and the “production team.” Everyone will be tasked to be part of
creative reconstruction of seemingly disjointed themes a specific activity. Here are the following examples:
beyond the literal. A. Concept writer- the person who writes the storyline
or the script.
CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM B. Researchers-the person or the team who does the
research to make sure that it will be well contextualized
THE REGIONS CM10 and well-informed production.
C. Director- he/she is the head of the production, and
ART PRODUCTION IN THE PHILIPPINES
whose vision manifests in the entire production,
D. Producers - they are the ones who produce the
In the previous lesson, we already learned about
different machines, equipment, and manages the
incorporating subject matter and themes in producing
manpower.
arts. Now, let us dwell into the aspects that we should
E. Choreographers- he/she produces the acts,
consider in an integrated art production.
movements, or motion in the storyline that will be
Here in the Philippines, we are surrounded by different
executed by the artists.
natural resources that may result to a successful art
F. Performing Artist - they lead the roles in the storyline
production if we just know how to handle it properly. The
G. Crew - the associates in the production.
production of art may vary depending on the resources
that are available to them.
Production is the “heart” of art. Through well
preparation, artists may have a successful art
Now, we will be discussing about the Four Methods
production. This may include bringing songs, music, or
(4Ms) to consider in “Art Production.”
stories back to life.

THE BOOK LOUNGE PH | 19