Philippine Art History. GE7

PHILIPPINE
ART
HISTORY
Philippine art is a reflection of the country's complex history, which
has been shaped by indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and
modern innovations.
The timeline of Philippine art can be divided into several key periods:
Pre-colonial, Spanish Colonial, American Colonial, Post-War, and
Contemporary.
PRE-COLONIAL PERIOD
(BEFORE 1521)
History:
Indigenous art was deeply connected to daily life,
spirituality, and rituals. The Filipino tribes created art
that was functional, religious, and symbolic of their
culture.
Fashion:
People adorned themselves with ornate jewelry
made from gold, beads, and shells. Tattooing was
also a common form of body decoration among the
Visayans and other groups, symbolizing rank or
accomplishments.
Music & Dance:
Instruments like kulintang (gong
ensemble) and kudyapi (string
instrument) were widely used. Dances,
like the Singkil and Tinikling, had
ritualistic and celebratory functions.
Theatre:
Epic storytelling and oral traditions
played significant roles. Storytelling
through chanting (e.g., Hudhud of
Ifugao) was common.
Architecture:
Houses like the bahay kubo were made of
bamboo and nipa, designed to withstand
the tropical climate.
SPANISH COLONIAL PERIOD
(1521–1898)
History:
The arrival of the Spanish colonizers introduced
Western artistic styles, primarily religious in nature.
Art became a tool for evangelization and promoting
Catholicism.
Fashion:
Clothing blended indigenous and European styles.
Baro't saya for women and barong Tagalog for men
became popular attire. Upper classes wore
elaborate clothing influenced by Spanish fashion.
Music & Dance:
Religious hymns and liturgical music became
prominent. Dance forms like pandanggo and
carinosa fused native rhythms with Spanish
influences.
Theatre:
Zarzuela and Senakulo became popular.
Komedya or Moro-moro, a theatrical performance
depicting battles between Christians and Moors,
also emerged.
Architecture:
The Baroque style became the main influence on
architecture. The San Agustin Church in
Intramuros is a famous example, with its detailed
carvings and religious art.
AMERICAN COLONIAL PERIOD
(1898–1946)
History:
Under American rule, Filipino art shifted toward
education and commercialism. Realism and
impressionism began to dominate visual art, with
artists like Fernando Amorsolo gaining prominence.
Fashion:
The Terno for women, with its butterfly sleeves,
evolved. Men's fashion included American suits for
the elite and barong Tagalog for formal events.
Music & Dance:
Jazz and big band music were introduced, along with
American-style ballroom dancing like the swing.
Local dances, like the Rigodon de Honor, were
influenced by American styles.
Theatre:
Bodabil (Filipino vaudeville) became popular, mixing
comedy, drama, and music in one performance. It
was the Filipino take on American vaudeville
entertainment.
Architecture:
The Neoclassical style dominated public buildings
like the Manila Post Office and the National Museum,
reflecting the American influence on governance and
civic architecture.
POST-WAR PERIOD
(1946–1970S)
History:
After WWII, artists began experimenting with
modernism, abstraction, and nationalistic themes.
Artists like Victorio Edades and Jose Joya led the
modern art movement.
Fashion:
Post-war fashion saw a revival of Filipiniana styles
alongside Western trends. The baro’t saya was “Lavandera” by Victorio Edades
modernized, and international fashion styles

became common due to global influence.
Music & Dance:
Filipino kundiman and Harana songs remained
popular, while Western music styles such as rock
'n' roll and ballads became widespread among
the youth.
Theatre:
The rise of political theatre and street
performances reflected the socio-political
climate under the Marcos regime. PETA (Philippine
Educational Theater Association) became a key
player in socially relevant productions.
Architecture:
The International Style and brutalism influenced
many buildings. Cultural Center of the Philippines
(CCP), designed by Leandro Locsin, became an
iconic modernist structure.
CONTEMPORARY PERIOD
(1980S–PRESENT)
History:
Contemporary Filipino art is diverse, featuring
everything from realism to multimedia installations.
Artists now explore themes like identity,
globalization, and politics.
Fashion:
Modern Filipino fashion designers, like Monique
Lhuillier, have gained international acclaim.
Traditional fabrics such as piña and abaca are being
reimagined in modern styles.
Music & Dance:
Contemporary music blends pop, rock, rap, and
indie with Filipino roots. Dance companies like
Ballet Philippines and modern street dancers have
gained global recognition.
Theatre:
Musicals such as "Rak of Aegis” and
contemporary performances by groups like
Tanghalang Pilipino reflect modern themes and
socio-political issues.
Architecture:
Postmodernism and green architecture are now
embraced. Architects like Kenneth Cobonpue and
Budji Layug push boundaries with eco-friendly
and avant-garde designs.
QUIZ
1. What was the purpose of pre-colonial indigenous art?
a) Decoration
b) Evangelization
c) Connection to daily life, spirituality, and rituals.
d) Education
2. Which dance uses bamboo poles?
a) Pandanggo
b) Singkil
c) Carinosa
d) Tinikling
3. What architectural style was prominent during the Spanish period?
a) Gothic
b) Baroque
c) Neoclassical
d) Modernist
4. Which dance was influenced by American ballroom?
a) Pandanggo
b) Rigodon de Honor
c) Swing
d) Carinosa
5. What defines contemporary Filipino architecture?
a) Baroque style
b) Postmodernism
c) Neoclassical
d) Bamboo and nipa huts
ANSWERS
1) c
2) d
3) b
4) b
5) b

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modernized, and international fashion styles

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