ART FORMS
CONTEMPORARY
ARTS Reviewer
LESSON 1: WHAT IS ART?
The left brain is more verbal, analytical, and
orderly. The right brain is more visual and deals
in images more than words.
HUMANITIES
- From the Latin word “Humanus” educated
- Refers to the learning of art
- Humanities is more concerned on how a
person expresses his or her feelings
ART
- The expression or application of human
creative skill and imagination, typically in a
visual form such as painting or sculpture.
- Art is something we do, a verb. Art is an
expression of our thoughts, emotions, intuitions,
and desires.
❖ `Arts improve your creativity skills
❖ Art gives you the opportunity to
showcase your own talent
❖ Arts helps you to express your emotion
❖ Art can never be possible without the
knowledge of its basic concepts
❖ Art is a tangible manifestation and
product of human activity
❖ Art is a means of communicating or
conveying insights and emotions
ARISTOTLE
- He defined art as, “the realization in the
external form of a true idea.” Humans love to
imitate. Art, however, is not limited to just mere
copying. This idealizes nature and completes its
deficiencies. Each person would have a different
realization of an idea. For example, the idea is to
“draw an apple”. Two different persons will not
create an output that is EXACTLY ALIKE,
because the mind of one person who realizes
completes the idea according to his
understanding and his hand would create an
external form (drawing/sketch) of his realized
idea (apple).
★ PICTURE (PAINTING, DRAWING)
★
★
SCULPTURE
ARCHITECTURE
★ MUSIC
★ LITERATURE
★ THEATER
★ CINEMA
★ DANCE
PHILIPPINE ART AS FILIPINO
What are the main characteristics of a
Filipino art work?
VILLAGE LANDSCAPE 1958 N.V.M. Gonzales
LANDSCAPE 1969 Edith Tiempo
- Speculation on the FILIPINO-NESS
- Spanish, American, Asian Countries
- Influenced Philippine Culture
- Filipinos adapted to foreign culture
*When a Filipino Artist paints a farmer casting
nets, the subject is Filipino. The medium of
expression should portray the subject as true to
what it is in reality.
*Many regarded the works written in Filipino or
regional languages more Filipino than in English.
But as Filipinos learn and adapt, the usage of
English usage, regardless of language, is truly
Filipino.
*The Identity of the Filipino arts is constantly
changing, struggling and evolving.
LESSON 2: ELEMENTS OF ART
- building blocks of composition in art
- stylistic features that are included within an art
piece
LINE
- Also termed as “strokes” distance between two
points which is used for outlines and implied in a
design
DIFFERENT LINES
● Expressive lines - are often the ones
we “see in nature”; often composed of
curly, swirly, or wavy lines
● Constructive lines are very measured,
geometric, directional, and angular.
These include horizontal, vertical,
diagonal, zigzag, or jagged, and broken
lines.
TYPES OF LINES
❖ Vertical - Represents dignity, formality,
stability, and strength.
❖ Horizontal - Represents calm, peace,
and relaxation.
❖ Diagonal - Represents action, activity,
excitement, and movement.
❖ Curved - Represents freedom, the
natural, having the appearance of
softness and creates a soothing feeling
or mood.
SHAPE
- made when lines are enclosed
DIFFERENT SHAPES
● Geometric
● Organic
FORM
- Three dimensional, perceived volume, mass,
depth, width or height.
TEXTURE
- denotes the smoothness, ruggedness of the
image or object
TYPES OF TEXTURE
● Actual texture - can be felt tangibly
● Implied texture - can be exhibited
ex. Fur/Pebbles
SPACE
- the area between the objects
- space in a work of art refers to a feeling of
depth or three dimensions
TYPES OF PERSPECTIVE
LINEAR ATMOSPHERIC
TYPES OF SPACE
● Shallow space – objects seem really
close to the viewer
● Deep space – objects may look close to
the viewer, but some objects are shown
as far away
COLOR
PROPERTIES OF COLOR
● HUE - the color itself
● INTENSITY - opacity
● VALUE - lightness and darkness
“Every child is an artist”
- Pablo Picasso
COLOR THEORY
● Monochromatic - involves using the
same color but with different value
● Analogous - use of three or four color
adjacent to the color wheel
● Complementary - colors that is located
in the opposite sides of the color wheel
● Split complementary - 2 colors
adjacent to the complement
● Triadic - 3 colors that are equal
distance with each other
 ● Tetradic - 2 pairs of complementary
colors in the color wheel
LESSON 3: PRINCIPLES OF ART
The elements of art are fundamental tools to
better understand the complexities of the
principles of art. The integration of the elements
and principles of art is vital in producing or
understanding a contemporary piece of art.
The principles of design are the rules a designer
must follow to create an effective and attractive
composition. The fundamental principles of
design are Emphasis, Balance and Alignment,
Contrast, Repetition, Proportion, Movement.
BALANCE
- the distribution of the elements of art in a
picture plane to achieve a visual equilibrium; the
way the elements are arranged to create a
sense of “stability” in the composition.
● Symmetrical – creates a “mirror-effect”;
happens when all elements are
identically distributed
● Asymmetrical – happens when the
elements are unevenly distributed in the
composition but still achieves a “felt”
equilibrium
● Approximate – often confused as
symmetrical; “almost, but not quite”; one
or more elements are seemingly or
similarly looking the same.
● Radial – the elements radiate in/out
from a central point to all the quadrants
of the plane
TAJ MAHAL TAHITIAN WOMEN
AGRA, INDIA Paul Gauguin
GREAT WAVE OF KANAGAWA
Kasushika Hokusai
BAYANIHAN NORTH ROSE WINDOW
Fernando Amorsolo Notre Dame
UNITY AND HARMONY
- the feeling of being, or looking like the
elements are “put together”. A lack thereof
makes an image “chaotic”, or “unreadable”.
- Unity in design occurs when the elements in a
space work together in such a way that the
resulting look is balanced and harmonious.
- Harmony is the principle of art that creates
cohesiveness by stressing the similarities of
separate but related parts.
RHYTHM
- A continuance, a flow, or a feeling of
movement achieved by the repetition of
regulated visual information.
- Rhythm is created when one or more elements
of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling
of organized movement.
- Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing.
To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is
essential.
● Regular – has an identical motif or
visual beats; has an equal amount of
space between motifs
● Alternating – achieved by changing
motifs at regular intervals
● Random – motif is repeated in no
particular order; unpredictable. The
motif is repeated in no apparent order.
You can not predict exactly where the
next motif will be.
 ● Progressive – there is a regular change in
motif every time it is repeated. In
progressive rhythm there is a change in
motif or visual beat each time it is
repeated.
● Flowing – uses curly, swirly, wavy, or
expressive lines
MOVEMENT
- used to create the look and feel of action; the
path that our eyes follow
It can be created by:
- Overlapping objects/elements
- Aligning the edges to produce a feeling of
continuous movement
- Create a path between objects
- Emphasizing/exaggerating elements
- Blurry outlines
- Multiple images
Movement can apply to a single component in a
composition or the whole composition at once.
Visual movement is dependent on the other
elements and principles of art. Rhythm, line, color,
balance, and space are all examples of elements
and principles of art that can play a major role in
developing movement in a work of art.
CONTRAST
- The way how the elements are arranged to point
out differences in the composition
- Contrast refers to the arrangement of opposite
elements (light vs. dark colors, rough vs. smooth
textures, large vs. small shapes, etc.) in a piece to
create visual interest, excitement and drama.
- Contrast is most associated with readability,
legibility, and accessibility.
EMPHASIS
- the focus or the focal point of the artwork;
happens when one area stands out the most and
the remaining part of the composition becomes
subordinated.
- Usually the artist will make one area stand out by
contrasting it with other areas. The area could be
different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.
PROPORTION
- The size relationship of objects; comparison of
dimensions or distribution of forms.
- Refers to the relative size and scale of the various
elements in a design.
- It is the feeling of unity created when all parts
(sizes, amounts, or numbers) relate well with each
other.
VARIETY
- the principle of art that adds interest to an
artwork. Variety works through juxtaposition and
contrast. When an artist places different visual
elements next to one another, he/she is using
variety.
SUBJECTIVE AND OBJECTIVE ART
Art can be evaluated according to its objective
qualities and the subjective perception of the one
who makes or appreciates it.
OBJECTIVE ART
- This is dependent on the physical attributes of the
art composition itself. The evaluation is based on
the usage of the elements and the principles of art.
It shall be devoid of personal thoughts, feelings, or
emotions. It may answer the question/s:
What shapes are used?
What colors are present?
What image is there?
For this one, it is NOT going to base on one’s
interpretation but on what the eyes can see, and
which depicts something that is easily recognized
by people who view it. Is it a house? A running
horse? A child crying?
Art that is easily recognized because of the
“objects” (thus, the term objective) included in it are
also called objective art, representational art, or
figurative art.
SUBJECTIVE ART
- Subjectivity in art is the word we use to explain
how different people can respond to a work of art in
different ways
- Subjectivity is based on personal opinions and
feelings rather than on agreed facts. A painting
might be “beautiful” to one person and “ugly” to
another, but the material object remains
unchanged.
LESSON 4: ART NOUVEAU
- Art nouveau is a French term that translates as
"new art" in English.
- Art Nouveau, an ornamental style of art that
flourished between about 1890 and 1910
throughout Europe and the United States.
- Art Nouveau is characterized by its use of a
long, sinuous, organic line and was employed
most often in architecture, interior design,
jewelry and glass design, posters, and
illustration.
Because art is produced by people who are
influenced by time, contemporary art is a
continuing practice that has evolved with the
following new elements or principles:
● Appropriation
● Performance
● Space
● Technology
APPROPRIATION
- By appropriation, the contemporary artist
revives interest in existing forms of art.
- Example: The use of prints, images, and icons
to produce another art form, combining the past
with the present .
PERFORMANCE
- Performance of contemporary artist has
evolved to "emphasize spontaneous,
unpredictable elements of chance" -Walker Art
Center
SPACE
- A site-specific art form wherein the art form is
performed and positioned in a specific spot.
- Examples: Flash mobs, Sculpture installation
HYBRIDITY
- Hybridity in contemporary art is the mixing of
unlikely materials to produce an artwork.
- Examples: using coffee for painting using
crayons for sculpture
TECHNOLOGY
- The internet provides accessibility in
experiencing art forms. Contemporary artists
have used video and the internet as a way of
propagating art.
- Examples: Youtube
LESSON 5: PHILIPPINE CONTEMPORARY
ART
Ang Kiukok (1931-2005)
- was a renowned Filipino expressionist whose
colorful and striking paintings portrayed a variety
of cubist-like figures such as a mother
embracing her infant, grisly crucifixions, tables
holding on array of fish and fruit, stray dogs, and
screaming subjects.
“The feeling (is) that all is possible in the
contemporary, and conceived as a constantly
extending and deepening constellation of art.”
-Dr. Patrick Flores, Metropolitan Museum
Curator
● Filipinos are becoming more aggressive
● Arts that express themselves
- Mural in EDSA, graffiti walls
ARCHITECTURE
CARLOS ANTONIO SANTOS-VIOLA
- Architect in the Philippines
- Best known for designing and building
churches for the Iglesia ni Cristo
JASON BUENSALIDO
“I believe that we need to rediscover, assert, and
claim our own identity if we want to compete,
converse, and be recognized globally. I started
LESSON 6: ARTS PROMOTION AND
PRESERVATION
- Art is a national heritage that is essential
in building the nation and ensuring democracy.
- Paintings, sculptures, songs, dances,
poetry,and other art forms remind people of
the origins, histories, struggles, and triumphs of
the nation.
National Commission for Culture and the Arts
(NCCA)
- An overall policy-making body, coordinating, and
grants giving agency for the development and
promotion of the Philippine Arts and culture.
- Alab ng Haraya (The Flame of Imagination) which
symbolizes the wellspring of Filipino art and
culture..
- The fire is a stylized letter K of Philippine
indigenous script that stands for kadakilaan or
greatness. The fire represents the highest level of
imagination and emanates from a three-tiered
censer.
- The three tiers stand for organization, economic
support, and an orientation rooted on a thorough
grasp of tradition and history, which the NCCA
provides.
- Done in gold to symbolize the immense wealth of
Philippine culture, it was designed by the late
Romeo “Boy” Togonon.
Six Arts and Cultural Government Agencies
CULTURAL CENTER OF THE PHILIPPINES
(CCP)
- Sentrong Pangkultura ng Pilipinas
- National center for performing arts
- Promote Excellence in the arts through the
initiation and implementation of activities that aim
to improve and elevated standards among Filipino
artist
- Home of Nine Artistic resident Companies Such
as National MUsic Competition for young Artist
Foundation (NAMCYA), Ballet Philippines,
Philippine Madrigal Singers, Philippine Ballet
Theater, UST Symphony Orchestra, Tanghalang
Pilipino, Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance
Company, Ramon Obusan Folkloric Group
- The logo, derived from the Baybayin character Ka
and styled based on a Katipunan design,
represents Katotohanan, Kagandahan at
Kabutihan(Truth, Beauty and Goodness)
NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE
PHILIPPINES (NHCP)
- The NHCP was created with a vision of a Filipino
society with citizens informed of their history, who
love their country and are proud of their cultural
heritage.
- The NHCP carries out its mandate by promoting
“Philippine history and cultural heritage through
research, dissemination, conservation, site
management, and heraldry works.
- identification, conservation, and restoration of
historical sites around the different regions of the
country.
- awareness and appreciation of the noble deeds
and ideals of our heroes and other illustrious
Filipinos to instill pride in the Filipino race and to
rekindle the Filipino spirit through the lessons of
history
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE PHILIPPINES
- the country’s repository of archaeological
artifacts, national treasures, and rare specimens
found and produced in the country
- solicit, document, preserve, exhibit, and promote
natural and artificial wonders
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES
- serving as a “repository of the printed and
recorded cultural heritage of the country and other
intellectual literary and information sources”
- providing “access to these resources for our
people’s intellectual growth, citizenship building,
lifelong learning, and enlightenment.”
NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF THE PHILIPPINES
- goes back to as early as the Treaty of Paris in
1898 stipulated the relinquishment or cession of
documents from Spanish to American authorities
and provided for the preservation of documents.
- guardian to over 400 documents from the
Spanish era dating from 1552–1900 and various
records from the American period to the Republic.
KOMISYON SA WIKANG FILIPINO
- "shall undertake, coordinate and promote
research for the development, propagation, and
preservation of Filipino and other Philippine
languages.”
- promote and develop our national language
- KWF has annually given the Talaang Ginto:
Makata ng Taon for Filipino poetry, Aklat ng
Bayan, and other grants or programs on
funding, awards, and project