CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE

ARTS FROM THE REGIONS

As you go on with this module you will be able to ________________ 8. It is an element of art in which it
describe various contemporary art forms and their refers to the extension of a point, a short or long
practices from the various regions. But before that, let mark drawn or carved on a surface.
us assess your previous knowledge by answering this ________________ 9. An element of art that refers to a
test. By doing so, follow the direction below. sensation created by visible wave lengths of light
caught in a prism.
Direction: Write the correct answer on the blank ________________ 10. It is the surface of an artwork. A
provided before each statement. Choose texture can be actual or tactile. What element of art
your answer from the given choices inside the box. is it?
________________ 11. In visual arts, it is the degree of
lightness and darkness of a color
________________ 12. It is the era that give birth to
what we know now as contemporary art.
________________ 1. It is the newest form of art, amusing
________________ 13. It is describe as a figure separate
people from the middle to the late 20th century up to
from its surrounding area or background.
this very minute.
________________ 14. Famous contemporary prolific
________________ 2.This form of art emerged in the late
artist from Mindanao.
1800s and continued to grow for more or less a
________________ 15. In visual arts can be defined as a
century.
void, an emptiness which can either be positive or
________________ 3. A form of art of applying paint,
negative.
pigment, color or other medium to a solid surface
(called the "matrix" or "support").
Lesson 1: Contemporary Art Forms and
________________ 4. It is a traditional Tausug dance,
Practices from the Regions
from Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, characterized by elaborate
body postures and gestures and the graceful arm and
Contemporary art is essential to you not only
hand movement of the dancer, amplified by the use of
because it belongs to your time, but it also serves as
janggay or metal claws.
a form of expression of the people’s present feelings
________________ 5. Refers to a racked gong chime
and longings. Contemporary works of art are the
instrument played in the southern islands of the
means through which the artists of today
Philippines, along with its varied accompanying
communicate their sentiments.
ensembles.
________________ 6. A performing art that involves
In order to understand more about the topic, you are
rhythmic body movement within a given space,
going to read and comprehend the discussions
choreographed based on musical beat. Performed
presented in this portion. What is contemporary art
either in front of an audience or by everyone on a
for you? How do you compare and contrast
dance floor.
contemporary art and that of the modern art? What
________________ 7. This ethnic dance is originated from
are the subject and elements of art? What are some
the Maranao people who inhabit the shores of Lake
forms of art in various regions in the Philippines?
Lanao. It is derived from a story in the Darangen, the
Let’s find out!
Maranao interpretation of the ancient Indian epic, the
Ramayana.
Contemporary Art Defined
Contemporary art is the art that springs out of the
present-day events and passions of the society. It is
the newest form of art, amusing people from the
middle to the late 20th century up to this very minute.
Authorities in the arts place the emergence of
contemporary art sometime during the start of
postmodernism in the west, around the late 1970s.
This was the time when artists reacted to the previous
art called modernism, whose idea of using a pure,
simplified, and a streamlined form and style was
fundamental in creating something new at that time.
This gave birth to the idea that “less is more.”
Contemporary Art vs. Modern Art
In grade 10, you have come across the different art
forms of the Modern Era. You have learned about the
movements, the artist and the other by-products of
the late 1800s up to the mid-20th century. Perhaps
the main distinction between modern art and
contemporary art is the time period in which they
have existed. Modern art emerged in the late 1800s
and continued to grow for more or less a century. It
slowly waned in the middle to late 20th century when
postmodernism came to light. Postmodernism then
give birth to what we know now as contemporary art.
This art exists up to this day, and no one knows when a that object or subject. An illusion of space can still
new period will arrive to veil contemporary art in its be created in a two-dimensional surface using
shadow.
The Subject and Elements of Art
The Subject of Art
To create your own contemporary piece, you must fully use of vanishing points and receding hidden lines.
understand what makes an artwork a true work of art.
You must first explore the subject of art. In visual
design, there are different ways or styles of depicting
a subject. Get to know these styles through the works
of art of various Filipino contemporary artist
1. Realism
The first style is realism in which the subject is done
the way it actually looks. An example of this is the
painting of Araceli Dans, the Bridal White.
2. Distortion
The artist uses his or her imagination and alters the
subject according to his or her desire. A stylized
work is a form of distortion like Norma Belleza’s
painting, the Fiesta.
3. Abstraction
The artist breaks a part a subject and rearranges it
in a different manner. The paintings of the National
Artist Vicente Manansala belong to this category.
4. Non Objectivism
In here, there is no subject at all-just an interplay of
pure elements, like line, shape or color, and so on. A
good example of this is the painting of Roberto
Chabet which is on Acrylic paper.
Elements of Art
Art forms in the different regions vary in subject,
theme, style, medium, and technique. However as
you have learned in Grade 7, there are certain
characteristics that are common to all. The
following are the elements of art:
1. Space
Space in visual arts can be defined as a void, an
emptiness which can either be positive or negative.
Space refers to the area that is occupied by an
object or a subject, as well as the area surrounding
perspective. There are two types of perspective:
atmospheric perspective, which utilizes the
properties of light and air in depicting the illusion of
distance; and linear perspective, which involves the
2. Line
Line is the extension of a point, a short or long mark
drawn or carved on a surface.
This refers to a prolongation of a point or a mark on
a surface. Solid lines can be used in order to define
form while broken lines are typically used to suggest
hidden forms.
3. Shape and Form
When the ends of a line meet, they form a shape. It
can also be described as a figure separate from its
surrounding area or background.
This element refers to an area with boundaries
identified or drawing lines. A shape may be natural or
living forms called an organic shape and can be
irregular or rounded. It may also be measured forms
called geometric shape.
4. Color
Probably the most striking art element that catches
the eye is color. It is a sensation created by visible
wavelengths of light caught in a prism.
This refers to visual perception that allows a person
to differentiate objects due to the way various
wavelengths of light are reflected. Color is a very
important element because it can communicate
information and emotion to the viewer. These are the
three properties of color:
Hue, which refers to the basic or pure color, and is
represented in the color wheel.
Value, which refers to the lightness and darkness of
color. A
light color or tint is the result of adding white to a
hue, while a dark color or shade results from adding
black to a hue.
Saturation, which refers to brightness and dullness
of color. It is also referred to as purity of the color. A
bright color can be produced by adding more pigment
to the same hue, while a dull color can be produced by
adding gray or the color’s complement to the pigment
The color wheel is an arrangement of primary,
secondary and tertiary colors. It is important tool to
identify which colors can work well if used in a certain
artwork which is the color schemes
5. Value
In visual arts, value is the degree of lightness and
darkness of a color.
6. Texture
Texture is the surface of an artwork. A texture can
be actual or tactile, meaning, it can really be felt by
touch, or it can be simulated or illusory, which
mean it can only be seen, not felt.
This element refers to the feel or appearance of a
surface. Person may describe as actual or implied.
Actual texture can be felt tangibly based on the
material that is used for the artwork while implied
texture can be exhibited, for instance, in a painting
of fur of an animal.
7. Time and Motion
Movement in the visual arts can either be an
illusion or an actual motion. An illusion of
movement is more common in two-dimensional
artworks. On the other hand, actual motion is easily
seen in kinetic sculpture that moves with the wind
or are vibrating with the surrounding air.
Philippine Art Forms in Modern and
Contemporary Era in Various Regions
Artistic works produced in the period beginning in
the 1860s and ended in the 1970s. On this module
let us describe the two forms of arts in the
Philippines, the dance and the painting.
Philippine Arts in Modern Era
It has evolved into a wide variety of expressions
and medium turning the country into
a situation of creative upheavals
Modern Filipino Artists have more freedom to
explore on his own.
Their style is from cross-cultural exposures in the
Eastern and Western world yet
they have not forgotten their Filipino roots.
Many of them use color for their emotional rather
than intellectual values.
Contemporary Era
It follows modern art, beginning from 1970s to now
and ongoing.
Contemporary artworks use a variety of materials
and techniques, including new technologies such as
computers, three-dimensional, live elements and
performances, etc.
Example of Contemporary Art in Some Regions
in the Philippines
I. Dance
A performing art that involves rhythmic body
movement within a given space, choreographed based
on musical beat. Performed either in front of an
audience or by everyone on a dance floor.
Elements of Dance
1. Theme – most basic element of a dance. It conveys
the message of a dance.
2. Design – pattern of movement in time and space.
3. Movement – the bodily actions of the dancer that
include his steps
4. Technique – the skill of movement executed by the
dancer
5. Music – the auditory background to which a dancer
moves
6. Costume & body paraphernalia – properties worn by
the dancer that help reflect the message, customs and
beliefs
7. Choreography – the figures and steps in dancing
that enable the dancers to perform in an organized
manner
8. Scenery – the background or setting where the
dance is performed to make it more realistic and
enriching
Some Examples of Contemporary (Folk/Ethnic) Ingat Kapandayan Performing Arts of the Notre
Dance in Mindanao
A. Pangalay: A Tausug Dance
Pangalay is a traditional Tausug dance, from Jolo and the dancer's arms and hands flowing in synchrony
Tawi-Tawi, characterized by elaborate body postures
and gestures and the graceful arm and hand
movement of the dancer, amplified by the use of
janggay or metal claws. The dance is performed to the more pronounced as they are imitating the waves of
music of the kulintangan, gandang, agong and gabang. the Sulu Sea.
Commonly referred to as the fingernail dance,
Pangalay is usually performed during weddings and
other festive celebrations.
Kulintang/Kulintangan
Refers to a racked gong chime instrument played in
the southern islands of the Philippines, along with
its varied accompanying ensembles.
Pangalay is a living link to the traditional dance
cultures of Asia with closest affinity to the Indian,
Javanese, Thai, Burmese and Cambodian styles of
classical dancing.
Pangalay is basically pure dancing. A sense of anti-
linear time pervades the slow, refined, meditative,
elegant and almost hypnotic movements. The
dancer’s serious face with downcast eyes creates a
mask-like expression, matched by a countenance
generally refined, dignified but without stiffness.
Postures and gestures suggest emotional metaphors
and symbols that offer a broad range of expression.
For instance: outstretched palms and arms can stand
for salutation, welcome or joy; or, as a symbol of
things in nature such as a palm leaf, flowers, sea
waves, the wind, sea weeds, a bird and a flutter of
wings.
The Pangalay Courtship is one of the versions of the
dance wherein a pair of dancers imitate the graceful
courtship dance of birds. During wedding
performances, it is a tradition that guests would
tuck money between the fingers of the female
dancer.
Pangalay has a number of versions including the
Pangalay Linggisan, which is performed by a solo
female dancer imitating the movement of a bird in
flight. According to Mr. Rapih Jairi, Director of the
Dame of Jolo College, the Pangalay performed in
Sulu is characterized by the graceful movement of
the gentle blowing of the wind. While in other parts
of the Sulu Archipelago, including Tawi-Tawi and
Sabah, the movements of the arms and hands are
The Pangalay ha Patung is characterized by two men In art, the term painting describes both the act
carrying two bamboo poles on their shoulders with a and the result of the action (the final work is called
solo female dancer keeping her balance on top of the "a painting"). The support for paintings includes such
two bamboo poles. This version of Pangalay paints a surfaces as walls, paper, canvas, wood, glass,
picture of a woman dancing on a sail boat. lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper and concrete, and the
painting may incorporate multiple other materials,
B. Singkil: A Maranao Dance including sand, clay, paper, plaster, gold leaf, and
The Singkíl originated from the Maranao people who even whole objects.
inhabit the shores of Lake Lanao. It is derived from a Among the famous artist in the field of painting is
story in the Darangen, the Maranao interpretation of Fernando Amorsolo. Below is one of his paintings.
the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The name of
the dance itself means "to entangle the feet with Fernando Amorsolo (1892-1972) was a dominant
disturbing objects such as vines or anything in your figure in the visual arts of the Philippines during the
path". It is a popular dance performed during decades before the Second World War and into the
celebrations and other festive entertainment. post-war period. The ‘Planting Rice with Mayon
Originally only women, particularly royalty, danced the Volcano, Exhibits the happiness across from the
Singkíl, which serves as either a conscious or difficulties in planting rice. The Filipino Villagers in
unconscious advertisement to potential suitors. A their bright clothes and straw hats plant together
kulintang and agung ensemble always accompanies with a fresh and green landscape of plenty.
the dance. While often erroneously referred to by non- Behind the Filipino villagers is the peaceful flume of
Maranaos as a "Muslim dance", the Singkíl is in fact steam.
secular in nature, performed by the Ummah
communities of the Maranao and Maguindanao. Assessment
Initially, the dance was performed with just one pair of
Direction: Select the best answer from the given
bamboo poles, eventually adopting the use of two choices. Encircle the letter of the correct
criss-crossing pairs. answer.
1. It is a traditional Tausug dance, from Jolo and
Costume Used in Singkil Tawi-Tawi, characterized by elaborate body postures
A Maranao costume is mainly worn in this form of and gestures and the graceful arm and hand
dancing. In addition, the female lead dancer wears an movement of the dancer, amplified by the use of
elaborate dress of a princess and holds “decorated janggay or metal claws.
fans” in both hands, while the male lead dancer holds a. singkil c. carińosa
either handkerchiefs in both hands and in some cases b. pangalay d. tinikling
a sword and a shield. 2. This form of art emerged in the late 1800s and
continued to grow for more or less a century.
II. Painting a. traditional art c. contemporary art
Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, b. modern art
color or other medium to a solid surface (called the 3. A form of art of applying paint, pigment, color or
"matrix" or "support").The medium is commonly applied other medium to a solid surface (called the "matrix"
to the base with a brush, but other implements, such or "support").
as knives, sponges, and airbrushes, can be used. a. sculpture c. drawing
b. painting d. writing
4. Refers to a racked gong chime instrument played in 13. Famous contemporary prolific artist from
the southern islands of the Philippines, along with its Mindanao who built some famous sculptures in
varied accompanying ensembles. Region XI and Region XII.
a. kulintang c. agong a. Lang Dulay c. Kublai Millan
b. tambol d. piano b. Poly Manalo Herrera d. Leonor Goquingco
5. A performing art that involves rhythmic body 14. In visual arts can be defined as a void, an
movement within a given space, choreographed based emptiness which can either be positive or
on musical beat. Performed either in front of an negative.
audience or by everyone on a dance floor. a. color c. line
a. martial art c. gymnastic b. shape and form d. space
b. yoga d. dance 15. This ethnic dance is originated from the
6. It is an element of art in which it refers to the Maranao people who inhabit the shores of Lake
extension of a point, a short or long mark drawn or Lanao. It is derived from a story in the Darangen,
carved on a surface. the Maranao interpretation of the ancient Indian
a. color c. line epic, the Ramayana.
b. texture d. value a. singkil c. carińosa
7. It is the newest form of art, amusing people from b. pangalay d. tinikling
the middle to the late 20th century up to this very
minute.
a. traditional art c. contemporary art
b. modern art d. old art
8. An element of art that refers to a sensation created
by visible wave lengths of light caught in a prism.
a. color c. line
b. texture d. value
9. It is the surface of an artwork. It can be actual or
tactile. What element of art is it?
a. color c. line
b. texture d. value
10. In visual arts, it is the degree of lightness and
darkness of a color.
a. color c. line
b. texture d. value
11. It is the era that give birth to what we know now as
contemporary art.
a. modernism c. post-modernism
b. renaissance d. pre-historic
12. It is describe as a figure separate from its
surrounding area or
background.
a. color c. line
b. shape and form d. space