Republic Central Colleges

Angeles City

Contemporary Philippine Arts from the

Regions
Module 2: Art in Contemporary Times

OBJECTIVES:
 Define the meaning of contemporary art.
 Explain the elements and principles of contemporary art.
 Enumerate contemporary art forms based on elements and principles.
 Research on various contemporary art forms.

CONTEMPORARY ART
- According to J. Paul Getty Museum, contemporary art is an art made and produced by artists
living today and today’s artists work in and respond to a global environment that is culturally
diverse, technologically advancing, and multifaceted.
- Contemporary art today is not restricted to the individual experience of the artist but is
reflective of the world that we live in.
- An artwork that is created by today’s contemporary artists and has a world view, and is
sensitive to changing times.

ELEMENTS OF CONTEMPORARY ART

A. APPROPRIATION
- A feature of contemporary art that combines the past with the present. Existing artworks
are appropriated to form another artwork.
- By appropriation, the contemporary artist revives interest to existing forms of art.
Example: T-shirts with the image of Jose Rizal wearing shades and Intramuros in canvas
bags.

B. PERFORMANCE
- Performance to contemporary artists has evolved to emphasize spontaneous,
unpredictable elements of chance, according to the Walker Art Center.
- Interpretation of various human activities like ordinary activities such as chores, routines
and rituals to socially relevant themes such as poverty, commercialism and war.
Example: Filipino artist playing a dead person at the Philippine International Art Festival

C. SPACE
- Arts transforming space.
- These are site-specific art forms wherein the art form is performed and positioned in
specific spots, especially in public spaces.
Example: flash mobs and sculpture installations in malls and parks.

D. HYBRIDITY
- Usage of unconventional materials, mixing of unlikely materials to produce an artwork.
Example: Coffee for painting and miniature sculptures using crayons.

E. TECHNOLOGY
- Usage of technology in the creation and dissemination of artworks.
Example: Video phenomenon from MTV to Youtube and recording performances, video,
posting, sharing and live streaming.

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