Contemporary Arts in the Philippines

LECTURE 1: TECHNIQUES AND PERFORMANCE PRACTICES

Medium
 Medium is defined as the material, or the substance out of which a work is made. Through these materials, the artists
express and communicate feelings and ideas.

Art Forms:
1. Sculpture - Uses metal, wood, stone, clay, and glass. It is the branch of the visual art that operates in three-dimension
because it occupies space and has a volume. One form of sculpture is pottery and the notable examples are Guillermo
Tolentino’s Oblation, Bulul woodcarvings from the Cordilleras and carvings of saints in Christian churches by Santos.
2. Architecture - Uses wood, bamboo, bricks, stone, concrete, and various building materials. It is the art or practice of
designing and constructing buildings.
3. Paintings - Uses pigments like watercolor, oil, tempera, textile paint, acrylic, ink on a usually flat ground such as wood,
canvas, paper and stonewall used in cave paintings.
4. Printmaking - Uses ink normally on paper but can also be used on woods, metal plates, or silkscreens. Prints is classified as
two-dimensional because they include the surface or ground on which coloring substances are applied. However, while
paintings are unique, prints can be reproduced in several pre-determined editions.
5. Music - Uses sounds and instruments (including the human voice), while the dancer uses the body.
6. Dance - Uses the body and its movements. Dance is often accompanied by music, but there are dances that do not rely on
musical accompaniment to be realized. Dance can tell stories, but at other times, they convey abstract ideas that do not
rely on a narrative.
7. Theater - Artist integrates all the arts and uses the stage, production design, performance elements, and script to
enable the visual, musical, dance, and other aspects to come together as a whole work.
8. Photography and filmmaking - Use the camera to record the outside world. The filmmaker uses the cinematographic
camera to record and put together production design, sound engineering, performance, and screenplay. In digital
photography and film, the images can be assimilated into the computer, thus eliminating the need for celluloid or
negatives, processing chemicals, or print.
9. Writing – Uses words. It can be based on imagination rather than on fact, like a novel or short story. Or based on facts,
real events, and real people, such as biography or history.

Classification of Arts:
1. Musical Arts - Include music, poetry (those that have perceptible rhythm and can be sung or danced to), and dance that
is accompanied by music.
2. Practical Arts - Have immediate use for everyday and business life such as design, architecture, and furniture.
3. Environmental Arts - Occupy space and change in its meaning and function depends on their categories including
architecture, sculpture, and site-specific works such as installations and public art.
4. Pictorial Works - Include painting, drawing, graphics and stage and production design (lighting, dress, props, and set).
5. Narrative Works - They are based on stories, and they include drama, novel, fiction, nonfiction, music, and dance.

Technique
 Technique is the manner in which artists use and manipulate materials to achieve the desired formal effect, and
communicate the desired concept, or meaning, according to his or her personal style (modern, Neoclassic, etc.). The
distinctive character or nature of the medium determines the technique. For example, stone is chiseled, wood is carved,
clay is modeled and shaped, metal is cast, and thread is woven.

Example of Technique:
 Stone is chiseled
 Wood is carved
 Clay is modeled and shape
 Metal is cast
 Thread is woven

Traditional Techniques:
1. Wood Carving - An art that has been practiced all over the world but very avidly in Southeast Asia where great pieces of
woodwork have been crafted throughout the ages.
2. Silk Screen Printing - One of the most popular printing techniques, and is most-used by companies when printing design
onto products of different sizes and materials. It is mainly used for printing images and designs on T-shirts, Tote bags,
paper, wood, ceramics and other materials.
3. Analogue Photography - Refers to photography using an analogue camera and film. A roll of film loaded into the camera
and the magic begins once you start clicking: light interacts with the chemicals in the film and an image is recorded.
4. Film Making - Film production is the process of making a film. The direction or production of films for the cinema or
television is a visual storytelling. Film maker is the one who takes the onus of a feature film from beginning to end.
Contemporary Techniques:
1. Digital Photography - Uses cameras containing arrays of electronic photodetectors to capture images focused by a lens, as
opposed to an exposure on photographic film.
2. Digital Film Making - Is the norm these days, enabling filmmakers to blend art and digital media and speed up the process of
filmmaking as well as be more creative and enterprising in the special effects department.
3. Music Production - It is the process of creating a recorded music project. A record producer usually handles music
production, managing every aspect.
4. Industrial Design - It is a combination of art and engineering; drawing skills, creativity and technical knowledge are critical.
Industrial designers usually choose to work on products in a specific industry, such as the medical, automobile, or technology
industry.
5. Robotics - It is an interdisciplinary research area at the interface of computer science and engineering. Robotics involves
design, construction, operation, and use of robots.

Artistic Skills and Techniques to Contemporary Art Creations

1. Collage - The technique of an art production used in the visual arts, where the artwork is made from on assemblage of
different forms, thus creating a new whole. (Magazines, Newspapers, Ribbons, Paints)
2. Decollage – The opposite of collage; instead of an image is being built up all or parts of existing images, it is created by
cutting, treating away, or otherwise removing pieces of an original image.
3. Graffiti - Are writing or drawings that have been scribed, scratched, or painted illicitly on a wall or other surface, often in a
public space.
4. Land Art - Earthwork or earth art is an art movement in which landscape and the work of art are inextricably linked. (Soil,
Rock, Leaves)
5. Digital Art - An artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as an essential part of the creative or presentation
process.
6. Mixed Media - It refers to the artwork in the making of which more than one medium has been emploved. It refers to a
work of visual art that combines various traditionally distinct visual art media. (Canvas)
7. Prink Making - The process of making artworks by painting, normally in the paper. (Transforming ink)

LECTURE 2: ARTS AND CRAFTS OF CALABARZON AND BICOL REGION

Laguna
 "Paete"- Wood carving capital of the Philippines.

Rizal Province
 "Higantes" – A big paper mache figures of humans that represent farmers and fishermen.

Taal Batangas
 "Balisong" - Also known as butterfly knife.

Quezon
 "Kiping" – A colorful thin ice wafers used to decorate houses during the Pahiyas festival.

Bicol Region
 Baskets, bags, slippers, coin purses made from abaca and raffia fiber.

Ikat
 A process of dyeing (fibers) fabric where the yarns are tightly wrapped with the rings and dyed before weaving.

Bagobos
 Are the group of people that live in Davao. According to anthropologies, the name of this ethnolinguistics groups comes
from the word “bago" means "new" and "obo" means "growth”. This is because they are believed to have come from the
mixture of the native population with the Hindu migrants that entered during the sri vijayan and majapanit empire.
 They make these clothes from a special textile woven from abaca fiber called T’nalak. The men wear T’nalak shorts an
undershirt and T’nalak coat. The bagani or hero wear blood-red clothes and a head-kerchief. The women wear wrap around
T’nalak skirt and blouses are adorned with floral pattern.

T’boli
 Who live in and around Lake Sebu, south cotabato are famous for their complicated beadwork, wonderful woven fabrics
and beautiful brass ornaments.

Maranao
 Maranao "people of the love" referring to the people who occupy the lands surrounding Lake Lanao Maranao. The
Maranaos are known for their Malong. The malong is a traditional Filpino tube skirt that is made multi colored cotton
cloath.

Yakan Basilan
 The home of the YAKAN
  They are popular in their skills in weaving uses intricate design in their textile which they use for their clothes and
accessories.
Seputangan
 Square cloth used by the Yakan women as head cover or belt.

Badjulapi
 Tight blouse with long sleeves ornamented with gold, silver or bronze buttons.

Sawal
 Traditional tight fitting trouser made of yakan fabric characterized by vertical stripes.

Yakan, The Pinalantupan

 Type of skirt layered over the trouser.

LECTURE 3; CONTEMPORARY ARTISTS IN MINDANAO AND THEIR MASTERPIECES

Red Genotiva (2015-2018) – Davao and Cebu
 In 1993, he was born in Davao City.
 He draws characters from Japanese anime.
 He is known for his stylized figures of children - Anthropomorphic
 Pop-surrealist or Lowbrow - An underground visual art movement.
 Oni – Kind of yokai, demon, orc, ogre, or troll.
 “Playhouse” at Morning Light Gallery in Davao (2018)
 “Together We are Friends” at Jose T. Joya Gallery in Up Cebu (2018)
 “Children” at Art Portal Gallery for Contemporary Art (2019)

Normal “Nonoy” F. Narciso – Davao

 In 1975, he was born in Davao City.
 He took up literature at the Holy Cross of Davao College.
 He was inspired by the dynamic arts.
 He learned to play guitar and participated in community theatre.
 His artworks blur the ontologies, musical instrument, sculpture, and installation.

Jester Gumanao Oani (2012-2019) – Davao and Makati

 In 1995, he was born in Lunga-og Sto. Tomas, Davao Del Norte.
 The 8th of nine siblings, his father was a carpenter and his mother was a seamstress.
 “Being an artist is a struggle due to the inconsistencies and economical hindrances in art production” (one of his quotes).
 He has been featured since 2012, one is the 45 th Shell National Student Art Exhibition in Ayala Museum.
 “Bata-Bata” at SM Lanang Premiere organized under Kublai Millan.
 Museo Dabawenyo (2016), SM City Ecoland in Davao (2016), Artasia Gallery in SM Megamall (2019)

Dennis Puzon (2012-2018) – Davao

 In 1995, he was born in Davao City.
 He studied Fine Arts at the Ford Academy of the Arts (2012-2014) and transferred at the University of Mindanao
(graduated in 2018)
 Mentors: Banjo Satorre, Glenn Baga, Magtanggol Cadayona, Jimmy Ang., etc.

Paula “Pau” Magpayo Feliciano (2018-2019) – South Cotabato and Davao

 In 1997, she was born in South Cotabato.
 She studied in the Fine Arts Program of the University in Mindanao.
 Her works is in small canvases that feature pop surreal images.
 “Art Atelier II” at the Museo Dabawenyo (2017)
 “In Retrospect” (2018) and “At the Precipice” (2019) at Art Portal Gallery for Contemporary Art Davao
 “The Pursuit of Normality” at Art for Space Urban Chic Gallery and “The River Flows North” at NCCA Gallery in
Intramuros (2019)

Eloisa B. Sanson (2015-2018) – General Santos and Davao

 In 1996, she was born in General Santos City.
 She studied at the Philippine Women’s College of Davao (2015-2019)
 Mentors: Rodney Yap, Dominic Turno, Romeo Dumuk II, etc.
 All her exhibitions are group exhibitions.
 She participated in Shell National Art Competition at the Ayala Museum (2015 and 2017)
 Metrobank Arts and Design Excellence competition (2017 and 2018)
 Fondly called “El San”
 Her works featured in Art Portal Gallery Davao City and “At the precipice”
 “Homage to the Salon Des Refuses” at Morning Light Gallery in Davao (2018)
Leonardo C. Comargo Jr. (2015-2018) – Davao, Quezon, Makati, and Laguna
 In 1982, he was born in Calagundian, City of Mati, Davao Oriental.
 He is currently studying Painting at the Bachelor of Fine Arts Program of University of Mindanao.
 “Obra Ginagmay” at Museo Dabawenyo in Felcris Centrale (2015-2017)
 “Merging Current” at Matina Town Square (2017)
 He participated in Art in the Park in Makati (2018)
 “What does it mean to be Filipino?” at Vargas Museum in Diliman Quezon City (2018)
 “Configure” at Art for Space and Urban Chic Gallery in San Pablo City, Laguna (2018)

Trexia Sola (2015-2019) – Davao and Manila

 In 1999, she was born in Tagum City, Davao Del Norte.
 She is currently studying under the Fine Arts program of the University of Minadao
 Mentors: Rogelito Cayas Jr., Alynnah Macla Tadeo, and Victor Agustus Dumaguing.
 She started painting in second year highschool when she entered a workshop called ‘Sining Mata’
 Tabula Rasa Gallery (2015), Museo Dabawenyo (2015), Art Portal Gallery in Contemporary Art (2018), and Art in the Park
in Makati (2018) feature her works
 “At the Precipice: Davao Art on the Brink of Change” at Davao Art Market in Abreeza Mall Davao (2019)
 “Pursuit of Normality at Art for Space Urban Chic Galleries in Alabang, Metro Manila (2019)

Angelo Florante Nur Valente (2016-2017) - Mindanao

 In 1995, he studied in the University of Mindanao under Rogelito “Jun” Cayas, etc.
 Art Atelier Exhibition (2016), Merging Currents (2017), Sensitive Encounters: Mindanao (2017), and Uganayan Art Exhibit
(2017)
 He aims to tell the stories from the society where he grew up, to share the cultures he witnessed, and to illustrate the
epics and mythologies from all the ethnic groups in the country.

Laya Boquiren (2015) – Baguio, Tanauan, Leyte, Escolta

 A Doctor of Philosophy in Philippine Studies with main areas in Philippine Art and Culture.
 She co-curated the international travelling exhibit Field Trip Project Asia at the Vargas Museum (2015) and initiated
related off-site curated endeavors in Baguio City, Tanauan, Leyte, and 98B Escolta.

ELEMENT AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

LECTURE 4: ELEMENT AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

Elements – These are the materials you build designs with.
 Line, shape, form, color, texture, space, value
Principles - These are rules that help you organize and place the materials
 Pattern, contrast, emphasis, balance, proportion/scale, harmony, rhythm/movement

Elements of Design:
1. Line
 Form with width and length, but no depth.
 Strokes that show motion and connect two points.
 Horizontal line, zigzag line, thick line, vertical line, spiral line, diagonal line.

2. Shape
 An area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined or implied boundary, or because of the
differences of value, color, or texture.
 A shape is formed when a line encloses an area (2D).
 Geometric shape, organic shape/free-form.

3. Form
 It describes the volume and mass, or the 3D aspects of objects that take up space.
 Forms can and should viewed from any angles.
 Organic form, geometric form.

4. Color
 Used to generate emotions, create unity, make something stand out and generally create visual interest.
 Primary colors: blue, red, and yellow.
 Secondary colors: orange, green, and violet.
 Tertiary colors: yellow-orange, red-orange, red-violet, blue-violet, blue-green, and yellow-green.

5. Texture
 Refers to the surface quality, both simulated and actual, of work.
 Refers to what the surface of an object looks and "feels" like.
 Rough, smooth, soft, hard, jagged, woven.

6. Space
 The area around or between elements of the design.
 Used effectively it can lead the eye through design.
  Positive side - actual objects and shapes within an artwork.
 Negative side - space around and between those object.
7. Value
 The lightness or darkness of an object or color.
 Use to create depth and light, to lead the eye, or to emphasize.

Principles of Design:
1. Pattern
 Refers to keeping your design in a certain format.
 A regular arrangement of alternated or repeated elements.

2. Contrast
 Refers to the juxtaposition of different elements of design.
 Use to emphasize or highlight the key elements in your design.
 Juxtaposition is the act of positioning two or more things side by side or close together.
 Arrangement of opposite elements.
 Light vs dark colors, rough vs smooth textures, large vs small shapes.

3. Harmony
 Is the visually satisfying effect of combining similar, related elements.
 This does not mean that all elements have to be the same, but they must relate to each other in a purposeful way.

4. Balance
 Refers to the appropriate arrangement of objects in a design.
 Overall distribution of visual weight in a composition.

5. Proportion/scale
 Scale and proportion are both design elements that have to do with size.
 Used to convey unique insights to the viewer.
 Scale - size of one object in relation to the other objects in a design or artwork.
 Proportion - size of the parts of an object in relationship to other parts of the same object.

6. Emphasis
 To give one special attention to one part of a work of art.
 The part that catches your attention first.
 Typically, the focal point or main subject.

7. Rhythm/movement
 Refers to a regular repetition of elements to produce the look and create the feeling of movement.
 Arrangement of shapes in a way which created an underlying beat.
 It is similar to the rhythm of music, but instead of notes and sounds, we use colors and shapes.

Additional Items:
1. Capiz - Materials for making windowpane.
2. Seashell - Making body ornaments.
3. Rattan - Best used for making furniture.