RICE PLANTING

FERNANDO AMORSOLO

Fernando Amorsolo’s work generally depicted Filipino people, working or doing things which are native
to their country and culture. The painting, Planting Rice, depicts farmers working in a field, with a cluster
of huts in the background to give the painting an authentic as well as native feel. In the painting,
Amorsolo captured the traditional occupation of men and women in the Philippines. It is a realistic
painting which is representational of his own childhood which was spent in a small town. Amorsolo’s
famous ‘backlighting’ technique is visible in the painting.

The human figures are highlighted by a lighter outline which provides a characteristic lighting and makes
the viewer focus on the figures rather than any other element in the painting. Amorsolo’s Planting Rice
appears on brochures and travel guides till date. It is the most famous painting of perhaps the best
known Filipino artist.

I believe the painting aims to teach or to deliver some value to an audience especially if he or she is a
foreigner. He or she would interpret the painting as showing the endurance, hard work and the lifestyle
of the Filipinos. In short it gives a glimpse of the Filipino culture in one aspect such as the farm life.

Reason why i choose this painting as an audience to the work of Amorsolo. The perceived value,
importance, function or significance of this painting is the aesthetic appreciation I give to it.I believe the
painting aims to teach or to deliver some value to an audience. He would interpret the painting as
showing the endurance, hard work and the lifestyle of the Filipinos.In short it gives a glimpse of the
Filipino culture in one aspect such as the farm life.Thee several versions proves that it is not only painted
because of the simplicity but the underlying significance to our culture