Summary
Highlights
This module introduces Contemporary Arts, describes art forms across regions and through the development of Philippine arts, and discusses various contemporary art forms based on elements and principles of art. Art is defined as a human activity involving creativity and skill, found everywhere and appreciated through all physical senses. The development of Philippine art is classified into three major traditions: ethnic, Spanish colonial, and American colonial/contemporary.
The ethnic tradition refers to art of indigenous people made with traditional methods and aesthetics, often functional or ritualistic. Art forms were influenced by geographical location and daily life, reflecting pagan beliefs, practices, and activities like fishing and farming. This period saw the creation of tools, weapons, jewelry, and carvings, evolving beyond mere craft as local communities developed.
Examples of ethnic artworks include Old Stone Age tools (knives, scrapers, flake tools) found in Cagayan and Palawan, dating back millions of years. Shell bracelets and pendants were fashioned as ornaments and discovered in Palawan. Okir designs, with plant-based motifs, are found among the Maranao and Maguindanao people. Prehistoric 'balangay' or 'butuan' boats, recovered in Agusan del Norte, demonstrate sophisticated ancient Filipino seamanship and trade. The Angono petroglyphs, prehistoric rock drawings found in Rizal, depict 127 human figures made by engraving lines. The Manunggul jar, a secondary burial jar from Palawan, symbolizes the belief in an afterlife with two figures representing souls on a voyage. Banga, earthenware pots from the Kalinga women of Cordillera, were used for cooking, water storage, and bartering, inspiring the 'BangaDance' that showcases women's strength and stamina.
The arrival of Spaniards in 1521 brought the propagation of the Catholic faith through art. Religious paintings, engravings, sculptures, and devotional hymns were used to explain Catholicism. This led to the emergence of patronage, with artisans commissioned to create art for the church, which became the primary patron. Art during the first two centuries of Spanish occupation was almost exclusively for religious use, with priors supervising production. Examples include the wall painting of Christiana in Betis Church, depicting the Holy Family and sacraments, and the Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, an earthquake baroque edifice demonstrating the cathedral's central role in religious and societal aspects of life.
The American colonial period, beginning in 1901, focused on education and value formation following the American way of life, leading to the public school system and printed media that overshadowed native creativity. However, the rise of corporations created a need for advertising and commercial design, eventually integrated into fine arts curricula. Early American colonial art was religious, commissioned by Catholic and Protestant denominations. Examples include Fernando Amorsolo's painting depicting the making of the Philippine flag, symbolizing tradition and customs, and Carlos Francisco's 'Bayanihan,' representing communal unity and cooperation. Contemporary art from the 1970s to the present mirrors contemporary culture and society, exploring social and political issues like race, gender, sensuality, globalization, and abstract forms. Examples are Federico Aguilar Alcuaz's 'Cinco Marias Maria' series and Leeroy New's 'Sandugo' installation in Ilocos Norte, which blends seamlessly with the environment and symbolizes festivals and celebrations.
Understanding the elements and principles of art is crucial for artists and viewers. The elements of art include: Space (area around the focal point), Line (formed by dots, varying in thickness, color, and shade), Shape (an enclosed, two-dimensional line), Form (encloses volume, having length, width, and height), Color (hues, tones, tints, shades, values, durations, and temperatures), Value (reflects light and shadow), and Texture (represents tactile quality, evoking emotional responses). The seven principles of art are: Proportion (relationship of size), Harmony (continuity and similarity for connection), Variety (different elements placed next to each other), Movement (directs the viewer's eye through arrangement), Rhythm (achieved through repetition creating visual tempo), Balance (offsetting graphical weight for satisfaction and cohesion), and Emphasis (greater impact on a certain element). These elements and principles are essential for understanding the meaning of art and appreciating the diverse art forms in the Philippines.
Art plays a significant role in developing the nation's cultural identity across different periods and regions. The Philippines' status as an archipelago with over 7,000 islands explains the immense diversity in its art forms, with each region contributing unique expressions and traditions.