LESSON 3

CONTEMPORARY ART OF THE PHILIPPINES: CONCEPT AND PRODUCTION

Concept of Philippine Contemporary Art
According to Dr. Patrick Flores, famous art critic and curator of the Metropolitan Museum, Philippine
contemporary art is a “constantly extending and deepening constellation of art”. Contemporary art permits
possibilities of exploring either subject or medium in art to express the Filipino sense of self. Filipinos use the arts
to express themselves, and create wonderful artworks that try to capture the Filipino way of life. Contemporary art
allows Filipino artists to reflect the Filipino identity.
Where can we found Philippine contemporary art forms?
Philippine contemporary art forms can be found anywhere. They may be seen in the most unsuspecting
street corners, in malls, stores, or condominiums; in schools, in vehicles (such as trains, buses, jeeps), in museums,
or galleries, and in public utilities (such as terminals). Contemporary artists have brought their artworks in the open
(such as in the street, or in public) because in contemporary times, the main feat of any art primarily depends on
how it is able to connect it with the spectators.
Contemporary Art Production in the Philippines: Art Forms and Samples
A. Architecture
Philippine architectural works are a mixture of the old and the new. For instance, in Manila, there is the
Binondo Church, which dates back to the 16th century; and the modern Lucky Chinatown Mall. Architecture in
the country continues to be vibrant. New structures which are ultra-modern, functional, and aesthetically sound are
sprouting all over the country. These are attributed to the designs of architects Carlos Santos-Viola, Jason
Buensalido, and Angelo Manosa.
Tragically, contemporary Philippine architecture is threatened by globalization. This is due to the influx of
designs made by foreign architects. Thus, architect Paulo Alcarazen remarks: “Much of what we see, in terms of
iconic buildings in the Philippines nowadays, is either designed by foreigners, or are derivative designs mimicking
copies of western forms”. This is a serious challenge that present-day architects have to deal with; as well as a
serious commitment from the architects, the government, and the private sector, to act on it.
B. Literature
Eminent scholar and writer Roland Tolentino describes that Filipino writing today contains the diasporic
experience and the incorporation of both the rural and the urban experience. Contemporary writers have
produced legitimate texts on prose poetry, flash fiction, science fiction, and magic realism.
Award-winning writer Dean Francis Alfar pioneered the speculative fiction movement and has been
publishing the Philippine Speculative Fiction series. Flash fiction has gained interest among readers through Vince
Groyon, for the publication of his Very Short Stories for Harried Readers; and Anvil Publishing’s Fast Food
Fiction Delivery.
Filipino writers are getting recognitions/awards abroad. Among these are Miguel Syjuco, who bagged the
Man Asian Literary Prize for his novel Ilustrado, in 2008; Marivi Soliven, who published her novel The Mango
Bride in 2013 under Penguin Books; and Sophia Lee, who won the 2014 Scholastic Asian book Award for her
novel What Things Mean.
Presently, Philippine literature is challenged with low readership among the public and the domination
of foreign titles in the market. Yet, writers continue to write without fail.
C. Theater
Despite of the dominance of televisions, movies, and the Internet, contemporary Philippine theater is still
alive. University-based theater groups and major theater companies conduct multiple stage productions. These
companies include the following:
1. Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA)
It was founded in 1967 by Cecile Guidote-Alvarez. PETA advocates the use of Filipino theater in inspiring
change and development in society. It is composed of dedicated “artists-teachers-cultural workers” who strive for
artistic excellence. Its volunteers work to promote theater power through its production of performances and
workshops.

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2. Tanghalang Pilipino
Established in 1987, Tanghalang Pilipino is the resident drama company of the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP). It offers the challenge to the commitment of the Filipino to justice, truth, and patriotism.
Tanghalang Pilipino continues to push Philippine theater to artistic and professional excellence through the
development and education of actors, writers, directors, and technical staff.
3. Virgin Labfest
Created in 2004 by Rody Vera, Virgin Labfest is a playwright’s festival of untried, untested, and
unpublished plays. This project is a collaboration of the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), CCP,
Tanghalang Pilipino, and the Writer’s Block (a Manila-based playwright’s group).
4. University – based theater groups
These include Dulaang UP (University of the Philippines – Diliman), Ateneo Blue Repertory (Ateneo de
Manila University), and Teatro Tomasino (University of Santo Tomas).
D. Visual Arts
Contemporary Filipino visual artists are becoming bold regarding the expression of personal feelings and
perspectives. The influence of radical and modern art movements in Europe and the Americas have penetrated the
Philippine art scene with the proliferation of installation and experimental art.
Annual art competitions also play an important role in encouraging emerging artists to create and produce
their works. For instance, the Philippine Shell Foundation has been recognizing young talents in the visual arts for
almost half of a century. Some notable contemporary artists, and their works, who have garnered awards in Shell
Art Competition 2103 include Leomar Conejos, with his work Chid Trafficking; Ferd Angelo Failano, with Juan’s
Struggle sa Mundong Nobody’s Perfect; Rene Sibulangcal, with Tragic Bangus (digital art), and Melvin Anglaser,
with Bandilang Di Tumutumba. Such artworks reflect certain social and environmental issues.
(from the “Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions”, by Mario Mendez)

oOo

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