CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS

QUARTER 1- FIRST SEMESTER

LESSON 1: ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
Art or “Sining” is defined as the different manners of expressing human skills and imagination in the creation of aesthetic
conditions, objects and presentations. Art is not confined only to what is seen. Art involves the use of all the physical senses in order to
appreciate it.
Arts play a significant role in the abundant cultural identity of the Philippines. It reflects the people, history, and traditions of
the Philippines as a whole.

THREE MAJOR TRADITIONS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PHILIPPINE ARTS

ELEMENTS OF ART
1. Space In visual arts, space pertains to emptiness which may either be positive space or negative space. Positive space refers to a
part which is enclosed in a shape, while negative space refers to the opposite part which the shape is enclosing.
2. Line In visual arts, a line is a series of connected points. It may come in two characteristics: form – curved, dotted, or broken lines;
and direction – vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines. Different types of lines may convey different meanings. For example, a horizontal
line usually suggests calmness, vertical lines may convey strength, diagonal lines create an impression of action, curved lines create
an expression of gradual change of direction, and circular line may pertain an abrupt change of direction.
3. Shape and Form
Shape is an area that is enclosed by a line or lines. Shapes are two dimensional figures with height and width. There are different kinds
of shapes and these are geometric shapes (triangle, squares, rectangle, etc.), organic shapes (shapes found in nature, e.g., shape of a
leaf or cloud), abstract shapes (asymmetrical and free flowing shapes). Meanwhile, forms are three dimensional figures. Its dimensions
are height, width, and volume. Unlike shapes, it has more depth.
4. Color In visual arts, color is associated with the natural phenomenon in our environment. Scientifically, when a light passes through
a prism, it will produce different hues of different wavelengths. These colors may pertain to lightness, darkness, coolness, or warmth.
5. Value In visual arts, value is considered a property of a color which pertains to its lightness or darkness.
6. Texture In visual arts, texture is the element that appeals to our sense of feel on things, rough, smooth, bumpy, or slippery. It
pertains to the surface of an art piece.
PRINCIPLES OF ART
1. Proportion refers to the relationship of the size of elements in a body of art. For example, when drawing a human standing beside a
house, it is important to ensure that the size of the human is proportional to the size of the house.
2. Harmony In visual arts, harmony is the unity of the artwork, specifically about the arrangement of the related elements.
3. Variety In other terms, variety may be referred to as diversity. This means adding multiple, different elements to break the monotony
of an artwork and make it more interesting.
4. Movement In arts, movement is the illusion of motion in a painting, sculpture design, or in a piece of art. 5. Rhythm This refers to the
repetition of certain elements to produce a pattern. In visual arts, repeated design elements may create a certain flow and may lead the
viewer’s eyes.
6. Balance refers to the even and equal distribution of elements.
7. Emphasis is a principle which may refer to the greater impact given on a certain element.

LESSON 2: CONTEMPORARY ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINE

The artworks and styles of the past have evolved and have adapted to a dynamic changing world, a world immersed in the latest
technology and emerging ideologies to become the Contemporary Art of today.
Contemporary Art refers to art of any form and genre that produced in our contemporary time, simply put as “art created today.”
Contemporary Art is expressions of the artist’s thoughts and feelings based on their experience of the here and now which current
events, issues and social concerns affecting the society where the artist lives in.
Contemporary Philippine artists hail from the different regions of the country and they use a wide variety of art media in their creations.
These are materials that are readily available in the locality where the artist resides.
Genres are categories of artistic creation and are characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.
4 Elements of Contemporary Art
Contemporary Arts have different elements that are put together to come up with a distinct artwork. These elements include:
(Mnemonics: PATHS)
Performance, carried out for viewers to experience.
Appropriation, this relates to the modifications made by the artist.
Technology, its application highlights the creativity of the artist.
Hybridity, this refers in the use of different art mediums that are put together.
Space, intricate use of space.
DISTINCT FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE (Mnemonics: CHIMIC)
1. Communal nature, as it reflects the relationships build around the bonds of community and society.
2. Holistic, as individuals, groups of people and events are perceived in their entirety as well as the unitive use of art materials and
forms
3. Intuitive, as Filipinos are immersed in their consciousness of themselves, their community and their culture.
4. Multi-focal, as it considers everything and everyone, the wide perspective of the artwork as well as both artist and viewer.
5. Integrative, as it encompasses religious, moral, spiritual, social, and environmental concerns.
6. Creative process, as the artist puts more emphasis on now their artwork was made than on the artwork itself.
Integrative Art comes in different sizes and shapes, forms and styles as observed in Junk Art which is a sculptural rendition using
discarded or used materials.
Integrative art is also a fusion of different art disciplines using different styles and media in creating art.
The combination of resourcefulness and creativity can bring out the artist in everyone.

LESSON 3: CONTEMPORARY ART FORMS FROM THE REGIONS

The Philippine Contemporary Art can be classified into seven major art forms. These are painting, sculpture, architecture, film,
literature, music and theater, and dance.

Philippine contemporary arts can be described into visual arts, literary arts and performing arts.
Visual art is an expression of artistic ideas through images, structures, and tactile work. Painting, sculpture, architecture,
and film are examples of visual arts.

FORMS OF CONTEMORARY ARTS

Painting the expression of ideas and emotions, with the creation of certain aesthetic qualities, in a two-dimensional visual
language.
Sculpture is an art form in which hard or plastic materials are worked into three-dimensional art objects.
Architecture is the art and practice of designing and constructing buildings (Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary &
Thesaurus).
Film is a form of visual art use to imitate experiences that communicate ideas, stories, or feelings with the use of moving
images. It is also called a movie or motion picture.
Literary arts are an expression of ideas through writing. Literary arts can be categorized as poetry, prose, and drama.
Literature is a term used to describe written and sometimes spoken material (Lombardi, 2020).
A person doing certain actions and movements in front of an audience that go along with sound in a space and time is called
Performing Arts.
Music is a collection of coordinated sound or sounds.
Theatre is a collaborative form of fine art that uses live performers to present the experience of a real or imagined event
before a live audience in a specific place.
Dance, the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space, for the purpose of expressing
an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself.
 CONTEMPORARY ART FORMS EXAMPLES
LUZON VISAYAS MINDANAO
PAINTING The Sketch Magellan’s Cross Salaam (Peace)
by Victorio Edades by Raul Angas by Rameer Tawasil
SCULPTURE The Bonifacio Monument Sandugo (Blood Compact) Six Ladies in Durian
by Guillermo Tolentino by Napoleon Abueva by Kublai Millan
ARCHITECTURE Cultural Center of the Saint Andrew the Apostle Pearl Farm Beach Resort
Philippines Church by Francisco Manosa
by Leandro Locsin by Leandro Locsin
FILM Himala Muro-Ami Mindanao
by Ishmael Bernal by Marilou Diaz-Abaya by Brillante Mendoza
LITERATURE A Blade of Fern Panhayhay hin Dead Stars
by Edith Ocampo Bungtohanon by H.O. Santos
I Saw the Fall of the by Francisco Alvarado Indarapatra at Sulayman
Philippines An Higugma by Bartolome Del Valle
by Carlos P. Romulo by Iluminado Lucente
MUSIC Pastores Pinalangga Buyayang
THEATRE Tanikalang Ginto
DANCE Banga Kuratsa Singkil

LESSON 4: NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

 National Artist is a Filipino citizen who has been given the rank and the title of National Artist for the recognition of his/her
remarkable contribution to the development of Philippine arts and letters.
 The Order of the National Artists Award (Orden ng Gawad Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest national recognition
given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts.
 The order is concurrent administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP) and conferred by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation by both institutions.
 The award is one of the Honors conferred by the Republic of the Philippines that represents the nation’s highest ideals in the
humanities and aesthetic expression through the recognizable achievements of individual citizens. The said achievements
are measured in terms of their vision, unusual insight, creativity and imagination, technical proficiency of the highest order in
expressing Filipino culture and traditions, history, way of life, and aspirations.
 Proclamation No.1001 dated April 27, 1072 the Order of the National Artist Award was established
 It gives an appropriate recognition and prestige to Filipinos who have acclaimed themselves and made a remarkable
contribution to Philippine arts and letters.
 The first award was given to Fernando Amorsolo.
 On May 15, 1973 under the Proclamation No. 1144, CCP Board of Trustees was named as the National Artist Awards
Committee.
 The Presidential Decree No.28 that was issued on June 7, 1973 reiterated the mandate of CCP to administer the National
Awards as well as the privileges and honors to National Artist.
 The Order of National Artists aims to recognize:
1.The Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of the country.
2.The Filipino artistic accomplishment at its highest level and to promote creative expression as significant to the
development of a national cultural identity.
 3.The Filipino artists who have dedicated their lives to their works to forge new paths and directions for future generations of
Filipino artists.
Qualifications for the National Artist Award
 The qualifications for a Filipino to be nominated and selected are rigorous. Below are the qualifications for the National Artist
Award.
1. Living artists who are natural-born Filipino citizens.
2. The content and form of their work have procured in building a Filipino sense of nationhood.
3. An artist who have developed a mode of creative expression or style and living a legend on succeeding generations of
artists. 4. An artist who manifest excellence in the practice of their art form
5. The artwork made has attained an international and national recognition.
Some works of Filipino National Artist

1. Oblatio is a work of art depicts a male nude with arms outstretched that represents a gesture of sacrifice and freedom
found in University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. The known school symbol is based on Oblation made by
the sculptor Guillermo Tolentino. Guillermo Tolentino is a pioneer of academic tradition in sculpture like Fernando
Amorsolo in Painting.
2. Romantic paintings of bucolic landscapes and idealized portraits of well-known individuals from the Commonwealth
Period and the Second World War made by Fernando Amorsolo who was officially recognized as the Grand Old Man of
the Philippines.
3. Napoleon Abueva had contributed to the University’s Visual Arts Heritage; his works can be seen also at the National
Museum.Awarded in 1976.
4. Barter of Panay (1978) is a mural made by Jose Tanig Joya’s thatl can be seen in the Virata School of Business. This
work of art is rendered in the Abstract expressionist style and it consists of soft, overlapping planes of black, white,
orange, brown and golden yellow.
5. The Church of the Holy Sacrifice in UP Diliman which was inaugurated in 1955 was credited to be the First Catholic
Church in the country that were able to employ a circular architecture with a fine thin shell dome. Intricate mathematical
computations with the increasing popularity of concrete that serve as the building material enabled the smooth rounded
church construction. The said church is recognized as a National Historical Landmark as well as a Cultural Treasure by
the National Historical Institute.
6. Jose Maceda’s Pagsamba involved a hundred mixed voices and indigenous musical instruments like bamboo buzzers,
clappers and the like. UP center for Ethnomusicology was also founded by him where he donated his valuable collections
of sound recordings, field notes and the like in Ethnomusicology in the Philippines and South East Asia. In line with this,
he was recognized by the UNESCO Memory of the World

LESSON 5: ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF ARTS

Note: Done in Lesson 1

LESSON 6: GAWAD SA MANLILIKHA NG BAYAN

 Republic Act No. 7355

Known as Manlilikha ng Bayan Act was established in 1992 and shall mean citizen engaged in any traditional art uniquely
Filipino, whose distinct skills have reached such a high level of technical and artistic excellence, and have passed it on to in
his or her community with the same degree of technical and artistic competence.
 National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) The highest policy and coordinating body for culture and the arts of
the state. It has to search for the finest traditional artist of the land who adopts a program that will ensure the transfer of their
 skills to others, undertakes measures to promote a genuine appreciation of and crafts and give pride among our people about
the genius of Manlilikha ng Bayan.
 The Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Awardees
As Filipino who recognize the unique identities of our fellow Filipinos, it is the right to see their contribution to the community.
The country is rich with various elements of tangible and intangible cultural heritage which has passed on the new generation.
Culture as part of our Philippine identity includes a variety of arts that enhance by our National Living Treasure artists who are
recognized in their special contribution to the national heritage. These are Filipino citizen who is engaged in any traditional art
forms and has contributed to the development of cultural diversity and the creativity of humanity.

The Philippines through the effort of NCCA introduced the sixteen (16) Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or GAMABA Awardees
namely:

LESSON 7: LIVING WITH THE ARTISTS

1. Unique Identity
Haja Amina Appi of Ungos Matata, Tawi-Tawi shows how pandan can be weaved into mats with vibrant colors, beautiful geometric
designs and fine symmetry. These mats are usually used by their people for prayer or as a gift to the newly-weds.
Magdalena Gamayo who used traditional patterns in weaving. Her work is marked by her ability to replicate designs with
excellence and consistency.
Lang Dulay Another artwork of the same kind is t’nalak (a fine abaca cloth) in Lake Sebu, South Cotabato. She worked on
traditional designs like bulinglangit (clouds), kabangi (butterfly), crocodiles, and flowers. As you can see, though these artists
 worked on the same art (weaving), their artworks in their community is still uniquely created showing the identity of their
community (Estrella, 2020).

2. Exemplary Skills
Eduardo Mutuc from Pampanga shows how his skills developed from being a farmer to one of the furniture carvers trough metal
plating. To earn an income, he really practiced his skills and became one of the most respected creators of religious and secular
arts today. He was awarded in 2004 for his detailed and lifelike pieces of varying sizes: altars, mirrors, retablos, and carosas made
with wood, silver, and bronze.
Uwang Ahadas, on the other hand, shows his exemplary skill in music. At a young age, he learned to play music with his siblings.
Though kwintangan was usually played by a woman, he mastered playing it. It is made of logs used to call abundant harvest of
grains.
Samaon Sulaiman who was a master of the kutyapi, a two-stringed lute. He was also proficient in playing other instruments such
as the kulintang, agong (a suspended gong with a wide rim), gandingan (agong with a narrow rim), and tambul.

3. Way of Life
Alonzo Saclag of Lubuagan, Kalinga mastered local musical instruments, along with dance patterns associated with rituals. These
performances are performed during celebrations or communal agreement such as peace pacts. To pass this tradition, Saclag took
a formal education reaching radio stations and creating Kalinga Budong Dance Troupe.
Federico Caballero of Calinog, Iloilo an epic chanter learned Suguidanon, a Central Panay epic. Though Central Panay is located
in the mountains, the epic tells about characters and settings that reflect that his people might have lived once in seashores in the
past. Also, this epic was usually chanted by a binukot, a woman of high status. Regardless of education and social status, women
were not given authority. Instead, they were trained for embroidery and memorization of epic. Caballero is known to keep the local
oral traditions through his chants (Gowey, 2016).

4. Enduring Values
Ginaw Bilog of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. Values are usually reflected in literary arts such as poem. Thus, the Mangyan script is
one of the four remaining syllabic scripts in the country which was preserved through him. Ginaw Bilog of Mansalay, Oriental
Mindoro. He was most popular in writing ambahan (a metaphoric poem comprising seven-syllable lines) on traditionally used
bamboo tubes. His poems about advising the young, bidding a friend goodbye, and asking for a place to stay show how Filipinos
express their affection to their family and friends.
Darhata Sawabi Values is not only reflected in the art product but also on the process in which it is created. In textile weaving, we
can see the artists’ dedication to their work as they intricately put different elements of arts such as color, harmony and shape to
create a distinct and vibrant 3 design. Spirituality is also evident among Filipino artists as they use subjects related to their faith
such as the textile designs by Darhata Sawabi of Sulu and carvings by Eduardo Mutuc.

5. Vision
The traditional art shows the artist’s vision. Moreover, it also inspires us to make the existing art as an inspiration to enhance the
art or create our own artwork.
Teofilo Garcia is a gourd hatmaker from San Quintin, Abra. Since he is a farmer, he sees the need of gourd casques. He used the
tabungaw (gourd) plant for useful protective hats to help the farmers overcome heat during farming. Because the hat was made
creatively and finely, he joined a festival to show his artwork. Who would have thought that a simple hat to help our farmers would
soon become a recognized art? He did.
Salinta Monon, a respected textile weaver from Davao Del Sur, isolated herself from her family for months to finish her art. She
once dreamt of establishing the art through teaching new would-be weavers.

LESSON 8: PROMOTION OF ARTS FROM THE REGIONS

THE PRODUCTION PROCESS AND THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT

1) Tourism
Land areas are converted into sites for tourist consumption. In this situation, ecological domains may become more vulnerable to
damage with the combined forces of natural disasters and tourist mobility. Moreover, tourist mobility might influence the
community’s observance of tradition and tend to diminish the quality of native art forms. Removed from their original context, the
works are transformed into mass produced souvenirs in order to meet the demands of the tourist trade. Neon colors and designs
woven from synthetic fibers have been made available in recent years to create appropriations of traditional textile designs for
commercial purposes.
2) Militarization The insecurity and tensions brought about by militarized zones apprehend the people’s ability to create art. It
prevents people from having communal gatherings, where exchanges and passing of knowledge can take place.
3) Christianization The influence of Christianity and the conversion of the natives to a foreign religion have affect the preservation
of their indigenous rituals and traditions. However, in some cases, the community finds a way to harmonize their indigenous ways
with traditions of Christianity. For example, the Manobo community of Mt. Apo initiated a “culture regeneration movement.” As
Christian converts, they sought the revival of their traditions by holding clan reunions, employing native wedding rites, and
recalling narratives of their culture through painting.

SUPPORT SYSTEMS OF PHILIPPINE ART

There are several established authorities, institutions, markets, galleries, and award-giving bodies that supervise the protection,
promotion and nurturing of culture and art and that establish the support systems of arts in the Philippines. These authorities,
institutions, markets, galleries, and award-giving bodies make sure that traditions involving art and culture are kept alive despite of
modernization and technological advancements, set the standards for the different forms of arts, exhibit objects of cultural and
artistic interest, financially supported visual artists, recognizing outstanding art making, and teach and nurture artistic skills and
knowledge of Filipino about culture and art. Hence, below are some authorities, institutions, markets, galleries, and award-giving
bodies in the promotion of Philippine arts:
1) National Commission for Culture and the Arts
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts is the overall policy making body, coordinating, and grants giving agency for the
preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; and an executing agency for the policies it formulates
(Dumandan, 2019).
2) Cultural Center of the Philippines
The mission of the Cultural Center of the Philippines is the leading institution for the arts and culture in the Philippines by
promoting artistic excellence and nurturing the broadest publics to participate in art making and appreciation (Dumandan, 2019).
3) National Museum
The National Museum is an educational, scientific, and cultural institution that acquires, documents, preserves, exhibits, and
fosters scholarly study and public appreciation of works of art, specimens, and cultural and historical artifacts representative of the
unique cultural heritage of the Filipino people and the natural history of the Philippines (Dumandan, 2019).
4) Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines
The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is one of the major museums in the Philippines. The museum was among the first to develop
and extend its audience by embracing the philosophy of art for all, adopt a bilingual approach in exhibition texts, and implement a
vigorous education and community outreach program. The museum seeks to amplify the Filipinos' sense of artistic and cultural
heritage from the past and in contemporary global contexts and experiences (Dumandan, 2019).
5) Ben Cab Museum
The BenCab Museum houses the permanent collection of Philippine National Artist Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab) in several
galleries, as well as venues for art shows and exhibitions. The Bencab Museum is committed to the promotion of arts, and the
preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and culture and traditions of the Cordilleras. This commitment of the
museum is an expression of the artist’s gratitude to the country that nurtured and inspired an artistic career that continues to grow,
mature, and fascinate (Dumandan, 2019).
6) Art Fair Philippines
Art Fair Philippines is the premier platform for exhibiting and selling the best in modern and contemporary Philippine visual art. The
fair aims to mirror the vibrant local art scene and continue to generate support for Filipino art practitioners (Dumandan, 2019).
7) ManilART
ManilART is the Philippines' premier international art fair. It showcases the best in contemporary visual arts for the development
and promotion of Filipino art and culture locally and internationally. ManilART elevates the standards and celebrates the dynamic
Philippine art scene through various art exhibitions connecting world class artists, institutions, and the community. It reinforces the
awareness of and the appreciation for Philippine visual arts by merging it with other disciplines through lectures, workshops,
demonstrations, and other activities with the support from both local and foreign exhibitors (Dumandan, 2019).
8) Finale Art File
Finale Art File is considered as a premier gallery institution in the Philippines. It showcased hundreds of exhibits by some of the
most talented names in contemporary visual arts. It has successfully balanced the demands of a commercial establishment and an
artistic venue. This gallery occasionally features experimental works that push artistic boundaries and challenge audience
expectation (Dumandan, 2019).
9) Kublai Art Gallery and Davao Contemporary Art Gallery
The Kublai Art Gallery and Davao Contemporary Art Gallery is a unique cultural expression of Davao’s visual artists. The gallery
showcases various works by Mindanao’s famed artist Kublai Ponce-Millan, as well as different artists from the city (Dumandan,
2019).
10) Thirteen Artists Awards
The Thirteen Artists Awards mark the turnings in and of Philippine contemporary art, to update its modernizing potential and to
assess how artists today engage with other forces in the art world (Dumandan, 2019).