REVIEWER FOR ART APPRECIATION

ART HISTORY

WESTERN ART HISTORY

Pre-historic Art

Brief History
▪ Stone Age is a term used to describe a period of history when stones were used to
make tools for survival. The term “conjures an image of men and women dressed in
skins, huddling before a fire in a cave” (Fitchner-Rathus, 2013).
▪ It was the prehistoric cultural stage, or level of human development, that was
characterized by the creation and use of stone tools.
▪ Three Periods of Stone Age
• Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age)
➢ It is an ancient cultural stage of human technological development,
characterized by the creation and use of rudimentary chipped stone
tools.
➢ It was also characterized by the manufacture of small sculptures (e.g.,
carved stone statuettes of women (Venus figures), clay figurines of
animals, and other bone and ivory carvings) and paintings, incised
designs, and reliefs on cave walls.
➢ Early humans lived in caves and were hunters and gatherers. They were
called Nomads because they had no permanent home.
➢ Paleolithic Art is a product of climate change. As the climate got colder,
part of the early humans’ instinct was to look for shelters that would
provide them with warmth, caves became protective havens for the early
humans and these caves paved the way to the birth of their first attempts
to create art.
• Mesolithic Period (Middle Stone Age)
➢ It is an ancient cultural stage that existed between the Paleolithic (Old
Stone Age), with its chipped stone tools, and the Neolithic (New Stone
Age), with its polished stone tools.
➢ Mesolithic material culture is characterized by greater innovation and
diversity than is found in the Paleolithic.
➢ Early ancient people temporarily built unpolished houses. Their life was
called “semi-nomadic life”.
➢ Their stone tools were improved a little bit and they were able to do
fishing.
• Neolithic Period (New Stone Age)
➢ It is the final stage of cultural evolution or technological development
among prehistoric humans.
➢ This period is characterized by stone tools shaped by polishing or grinding,
dependence on domesticated plants or animals, settlement in
permanent villages, and the appearance of such crafts as pottery and
weaving.
➢ In this period, humans were no longer dependent on hunting, fishing, and
gathering wild plants.
➢ Ancient humans switched from hunter/gatherer mode to agriculture and
food production.
 ➢ Neolithic Art developed especially when life for the early humans has
become more stable.
➢ The release from nomadism and a hunting-and-gathering economy gave
them the time to pursue specialized crafts.
Cave Art
▪ Art appeared as one of the earliest activities of man.
▪ The first works of art were found inside the caves which primitive men inhabited
(painting of animals on the walls and ceiling and first works of sculpture).
▪ Painting & sculpture (like to create images of their gods/goddesses) are the most
ancient form of arts.
▪ Ancient people like to record their daily activities by engraving on the walls of the
caves (they draw symbols/images instead of writing words).
▪ Common subject: Animals (They mostly hunt and travel).
▪ Early man believed that by portraying animals on the walls, he would have mastery
over them in reality (Guarantees success in hunting)
▪ Cave paintings in Southern France and Northern Spain as old as 40,000 years.
Sculpture
▪ Prevalent during the time when men have settled into a home and started farming and
expanding their families.
▪ The sculptures symbolize companionship and establishment of an institution/family and
later into larger groups of people into a community, country, and nation.
▪ First work of sculpture: Fertility Sculptures (exaggerated treatment of the female sexual
attributes)
▪ The artist emphasized the opulent breasts and wide hips, but look no note of the face
(showing no individualizing qualities)
▪ They focused more on the body figure.
▪ Primitive man produced fertility statues in the belief that they would ensure him of many
offspring and the continuance of his species.
▪ Example: Venus of Willendorf – This figure is highly abstracted woman from highlighted
body parts associated with fertility.

Egyptian Art

• Brief History
▪ The Fertile Ribbon starts from the banks of the Nile River, which flows north to Africa and
ventures into Mediterranean.
▪ It is this indispensability and utility that eventually led to the belief that the Nile is to be
worshipped as a god.
▪ Ancient Egyptians were polytheistic (worshipping of many gods).
▪ The Egyptian civilization can be divided into three periods. Old, Middle and New
Kingdom. Looking at the three periods, it can be noticed that the Egyptians, art should
be something religious and spiritual. There may have been differences in the techniques
used and style emphasized, but there are common denominators among the artworks
created during their respective time periods.
▪ Three Periods of Ancient Egypt
• Old Kingdom (Age of the Pyramids)
➢ During this period, it was evident that religion was bound to the afterlife. A
concrete manifestation of this would have to be erection of tombs.
 ➢ But the tombs were not just for keeping the dead bodies of important
people, particularly the pharaohs; they also served as a shelter for the
next journey, which is the afterlife.
➢ They learn the science of mummification because they believe in
reincarnation and that there is life after death (If the pharaohs die, their
slaves must follow Him – they believe that after life they are still meant to
serve the pharaoh).
➢ Egyptians believe about death and immortality of the soul. They believed
that the spirit of man residing in the body, should be given utmost
importance to provide it with shelter after death to ensure its continued
existence. Therefore, it is necessary to preserve the image of the dead-on
painting sand sculptures.
➢ One of the most cosmetic palettes found in Egypt was called the Narmer
Palette. It was a palette that utilized and applied dark colors around King
Narmer’s eyes. The palette was also a symbol that commemorates the
unification of Upper and Lower Egypt. The Unification was significant
because it marked the beginning of their civilization.
➢ During the period, one of the architectural wonders was also constructed.
The pyramids in Giza served as tombs since their main purpose was to
provide resting place for pharaohs.
➢ These pyramids are massive in size and were constructed using roughly
more than two million limestone blocks. The stones used for the pyramid
were quarried from a nearby plateau. The construction of the pyramids
highlighted the ingenuity and advancement of the Egyptians for their
time.
• Middle Kingdom (Golden Ages)
➢ One of the key features of the Middle Kingdom is a shift in the political
hierarchy.
➢ For art to re-emerge and flourish, Egypt needed to have a more stable
situation. This happened during the rule of King Mentuhotep when Egypt
eventually got back on track.
➢ Art during the Middle Kingdom had some references from the old
kingdom, however there were some experimentations in terms of style
that transpired during this period.
➢ Portrait sculptures and fresco paintings that were freely drawn are some of
the styles that transpired during this period.
➢ This period was a golden age for Egypt because it was a stable and
relatively peaceful period, which allowed for the development of the arts,
architecture, and literature.
• New Kingdom (Imperial Age)
➢ The art of the New Kingdom had references from both preceding
kingdoms.
➢ Monuments and sculptures were still linked with death and reverence for
the deceased.
➢ During the previous kingdoms, tombs were just used for worshipping the
dead but with the New Kingdom, they started having mortuary temples.
➢ These temples, which were carved out of living rocks, served not only a
sanctuary for the dad but also a place of worship for the living.
 ➢ During this period, Egypt has established itself as a more advanced and
powerful civilization.
➢ With this newly found strength and power comes an inlayed ego. Their
high regard for their people can be seen through their sculptures built on
massive and monumental scales.
Amarna Revolution
▪ After the New Kingdom, Egypt witnessed the Amarna Revolution led by King Akhenaton
and Queen Nefertiti.
▪ During his reign, King Amenhotep wanted to revolutionize the arts and religion. He later
changed his name to Akhenaton, which came from Aton who is the sun god.
▪ During this period, the only god to be revered was Aton. Egypt became monotheistic
(worshipping of only one god) and Akhenaton ordered all to tear down all monuments
of other gods.
▪ He then fervently ordered the creation and erection of new monuments in reverence to
Aton.
▪ Most sculptures during this period had curving lines and full-bodied forms. There is
emphasis to life-like features of the face like an elongated jaw and thick-lidded eyes.
▪ Naturalism was not only used to depict the pharaoh but also was used for members of
the royal family.
▪ The use of naturalism in artworks was rather short-lived. When King Akhenaton died, his
successors returned to the more rigid and conventional styles they employed during the
period of the kingdoms. They also destroyed images and figures of Aton and subscribed
to monotheism.
Greatest Discoveries/Contributions
▪ Tomb of Tutankhamun (King Tut). He became king at a very young age and died at the
age of eighteen. Howard Carter discovered his tomb in 1922. They were astonished to
find gold artworks and that the coffin was made from solid gold. The body of the young
King was covered in linen and a gold mask covered his face.
▪ Great Sphinx of Giza. It is a limestone statue of a reclining sphinx, a mythical creature
with the head of a human, and the body of a lion.

ART OF EMERGING EUROPE

Introduction

❖ Art has been an integral part of European history. From the time of the ancient civilizations like
the Greeks and the Romans all the way to the modern times, art has been used to
communicate ideologies and belief systems prevalent within their context.
❖ Greek and Roman civilizations were also known as the Classical World because both cultures
aimed to embody the highest possible standard of quality in all aspects of their societies.
❖ When it comes to both art and architecture, both civilizations intended to promote the
possibility of having objective and widely accepted standards for beauty. The influence and
impact of both classical worlds are far-reaching.
❖ Each movement has a distinctive characteristic to them highlighting the different trends and
changes as they transition from one period to the next.
Ancient Greek Art

Brief History
▪ The Greeks were known to excel in various fields and aspects of society. For example,
their political ideas eventually became the framework for the democratic form of
government in modern times.
▪ They also valued poetry, drama, and philosophy, which remain interesting fields of study
for contemporary times. For those who want to be involved in the arts (paintings,
sculpture, and architecture), one is required to have a certain skill set and body of
knowledge.
▪ The Greeks were known to place prime importance in the use of reason.
▪ For this civilization, man was at the center of society and how they trained their minds
could be the very foundation of how they lived their lives.
▪ The humanist ideals of the Greeks were reflected in their democratic form of
government. This certain level of freedom was also reflected in their artworks,
architecture, literature, and philosophy.
▪ The Greeks were notably passionate about natural phenomenon and believed that
nature should be in perfect order.
Four Principal Periods of Ancient Greece
▪ Geometric Period
• It was a time when Greece was starting to get back from the onslaught of what
seemed to be their Dark Ages.
• It was a period when geometric shapes and patterns have taken the spotlight in
most of the artworks.
▪ Archaic Period
• It placed importance on human figures.
• This was primarily a result of Greece’s trading activities with other civilizations.
• In sculpture, there are 2 different types:
➢ Korus – nude male figure (athlete). Shows the influence of Egyptian
sculpture in the frontality and rigidity, one-foot slight forward, the fist
clinched at the side. It has also a smiling face, slightly bulging eyes, hair
arranged in tight geometric curls.
➢ Kore – characteristic of the woman; Kore was a fully clad woman figure,
the drapery of its robe rendered regular, vertical folds.
▪ Classical Period
• The peak of Greek sculpture and architecture was during this period.
• It was during this time when the Greeks found themselves rebuilding their temples
and focusing on creating artworks.
• This was the time the Greek had an outstanding period in cultural achievement,
a consistent point of reference in the history of art and philosophy.
• The Parthenon was designed by architects Ictinus and Callicrates and
ornamented by the sculptor Phidias.
• Three orders of Doric, Ionic and Corinthian (Form of pillars) play a central role in
Greek classical architecture.
▪ Hellenistic Period
• The word “Hellenistic” comes from the word Hellazein, which means “to speak
Greek or identify with the Greeks.”)
• It was the time of Alexander the Great, the Macedonian King and the beloved
student of Aristotle.
 • During this time, art was primarily focused on showcasing emotions and
depicting reality.
• Hellenistic sculptures started to emphasize balance while showcasing dynamic
poses and several emotions evoked by the subjects. One of the famous
Hellenistic sculptures is the “Lacoon and His Sons.”
Ancient Greek Theatre
▪ The followers of Dionysus (the god of fertility) started the Greek theater. People who
were devoted to Dionysus would dance during ceremonies while giving their offerings
to their god.
▪ Eventually, the Dionysian’s devised a more structured form of Drama involving dances
and choral songs, which depicted Greek mythologies. Eventually the Greek organized
theatrical contests where the performance was held in front of large citizens.
▪ These are the parts of Greek theatre:
• Orchestra. It (literally, "dancing space") was normally circular. It was a level
space where the chorus would dance, sing, and interact with the actors who
were on the stage near the skene.
• Theatron. It (literally, "viewing-place") is where the spectators sat. The theatron
was usually part of hillside overlooking the orchestra, and often wrapped around
a large portion of the orchestra.
• Skene. It (literally, "tent") was the building directly behind the stage.
• Parodos/Parodoi. They (literally, "passageways") are the paths by which the
chorus and some actors (such as those representing messengers or people
returning from abroad) made their entrances and exits.

Ancient Roman Art

Brief History & Art Formation

▪ The Roman Republic was established around 500 BCE.
▪ This civilization eventually transformed into one of Western Europe’s mightiest empires.
Since they had expanded and covered many territories, they interacted with
neighboring civilizations, particularly with the Greeks.
▪ It can be said that Roman civilization came of age during the Hellenistic Period.
▪ As mentioned earlier, it was a period when the Greek culture’s influence has reached
its peak in Mediterranean world.
▪ The Romans were fond of the Greeks and their achievements in the arts. The fusion of
Greek and Roman cultures can be seen in most Roman artworks.
▪ They also invoked the principles of realism in most of their works, highlighting the
features of human beings.
▪ Aside from this, the Romans were also known to be master builders, which earned their
reputation for grand monuments and architectural infrastructures.
▪ One of their architectural achievements would have to be the Colosseum. The
amphitheater was planned and constructed during the reign of Emperor Vespasian.
One of its main uses was for entertainment purposes like public events and gladiator
games. This structure was a concrete manifestation of Roman builders’ craftsmanship
which focused on logical organization of the entire edifice.
▪ There are a lot of Greek influences evident in Roman theater and drama. Writers of
comedy like Platus and Terence have patterned their works to those of Greek works.
Since the Roman audience was not as enthusiastic about theatrical works unlike their
Greek counterparts, most plays had to be included in the Roman games.
Middle Ages

❖ It is the period between the decline of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance.
❖ It was a period that is characterized by ignorance and darkness.
❖ Another dominant characteristic of the period was that the church was the central figure and
authority of the period.
❖ Since the church was the most important figure, the most important products of the early
Middle Ages would have to be copied of the Christian scriptures.
❖ The printing press came later after the Middle Ages, so copies of the scriptures were done by
hand. These copies were also done with illustrations and decorations which highlight the
religious focus of the period. During this time, great cathedrals were also built. These
cathedrals can be categorized into two periods:
o Romanesque (1050 - 1200), inspired by the Old Roman Empire
o Gothic (1200 - 1500), which had a more northern flavor from the Goths (vulgar and
barbarian).

Renaissance Art

❖ Renaissance is a French word means “rebirth”.

❖ During the Renaissance Period, artists valued the “individual” as a subject of arts.
❖ The influence of humanism shifted the focus of some artworks during the Renaissance period
to empower the “individual”. Most artworks emphasized naturalism, which was also an
influence of humanism since there was a great emphasis on the proportionality of the human
body.
❖ The technique provided a three-dimensional perspective of most Renaissance paintings.
❖ Renaissance artists also gave importance to non-religious themes or subjects.
❖ This was also brought by the privatizations of the art during the Renaissance Period, however
most artworks remained religious in its focus and theme.
❖ During the Renaissance Period, there was also a revival of Roman theatrical plays. These plays
were performed during special occasions at the courts of Italian princes. The plays were done
in such a way that showcased grand and lavish entertainment for the audience.

Mannerism

❖ It is a style of art that developed in the late Renaissance period, characterized by the use of
sophisticated and exaggerated proportions, unusual poses, and a sense of tension and
instability.
❖ Most artworks during this period displayed distorted figures, two-dimensional spaces,
discordant hues and colors, and lack of defined focal point.

Baroque Art & Music

❖ The term “baroque” is derived from the Portuguese term barocco which is translated as
“irregularly shaped pearl”.
❖ It is a style that emerged in Europe in the 17th century, characterized by dramatic, dynamic
compositions, strong contrasts of light and dark, and elaborate.
❖ It is an art movement that highlighted a serious and more provocative style.
❖ Aside from art, music also flourished during the Baroque Period.
❖ This is because people believed that music could serve as powerful tool to communicate
messages that can evoke certain feelings among its listeners.
❖ Baroque music was able to clearly distinguish loud from soft and solo from ensemble.
Rococo Art

❖ It sometimes called a "feminized" version of the Baroque style, is associated with the
aristocracy. Typically, the paintings depict aristocrats or aristocratic leisure-time activities -- like
courtship rituals, picnics in a harmonious natural environment, excursions to romantic places.
❖ It is a style of art that emerged in France in the early 18th century, characterized by a focus on
decorative arts, lightness and elegance, and a playful, whimsical quality.
❖ Rococo soon extended to painting, where its aesthetics combined with themes of sensual
love and nature.

Neoclassicism

❖ It is an artistic and architectural style that emerged in the 18th century, characterized by a
renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman art and culture, and a focus on simplicity,
order, and rationality.
❖ It was the dominant art movement that time which basically aimed to revive and rekindled
the influences of Greek and Roman into art and architecture.
❖ The ancient Greeks and Europeans had placed emphasis on human reason and keeping
society in order. These very principles were also the dominant principles during the
enlightenment period.

Romanticism

❖ It is an artistic and literary movement that originated in Europe in the late 18th century,
characterized by a focus on emotion, individualism, and the beauty of nature.
❖ Romanticists have highlighted heroic elements into their work.
❖ During the Age of Revolutions, there has been a tremendous focus on patriotic and
nationalistic movements.
❖ One of the major revolutions in history would be the French Revolution. Such revolutionary
movements became the focal point of most Romantic works.
❖ The major and central themes of Romanticism movement include the emphasis on the
goodness of mankind.
❖ Most works also promoted justice, equally, and social order.
❖ Artists also emphasized emotions and feelings of man, which was a deviation from the
humanist principles of rationalism.

Realism

❖ It is a style of work focuses on the accuracy of details that depicts and somehow mirror reality.
❖ It is also characterized by a focus on depicting the everyday lives of ordinary people, often in
a gritty, unromanticized style.
❖ This movement also expanded and widened existing notions of what can be considered as
art. Since artists worked within the context of revolutions and social change, artistic works
began to depict real-life events.

Impressionism

❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century, characterized by a
focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light and color in the natural world, often using loose
brushstrokes and a bright, vibrant palette.
❖ Impressionist artists incorporated scientific principles to achieve a more distinct representation
of color. The distinctive characteristic of this style is that it allows the artist to emphasize the
immediate impression he has of a particular event or scene.
 ❖ Artists usually did their paintings outside.

Post-Impressionism

❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in France in the 19th century, characterized by focus
on personal expression and emotional response, often using bold colors, thick brushstrokes,
and a rejection of traditional perspective and representation.
❖ Most artists that belong to this movement started off as impressionists but later saw the inherent
limitations and flaws of impressionism.
❖ Some of the famous post-impressionism artists include Paul Cezanne, Georges Seurat, Paul
Gauguin, and Vincent van Gogh, among others. Most of the works of the said painters
became the framework of the contemporary techniques and trends during the twentieth
century.
❖ Artists usually did their paintings in a studio or even at home.

Neo-Impressionism

❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in France in the late 19th century, characterized by a
focus on using small dots or points of pure color (pointillism) to create a more vibrant and
luminous effect, often using a scientific approach to color theory.
❖ The leading figure in neo-impressionism was Georges Seurat who recorded optical sensations
on a more scientific manner.
❖ Aside from Seurat, other neo-impressionist artists include Henri-Edmond Cross, Maximilien Luce,
and Luce and Camille Pissarro, among others.

Art Nouveau

❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in Europe in the late 19th century, characterized by a
focus on curvilinear forms, intricate patterns, and a celebration of nature, often using new
materials and techniques to create highly decorative works of art and design.
❖ This ornamental style of art was a break from the conservative historicism, which was the
prevailing and dominant theme of most Western artworks. This ornamental style uses long and
organic lines that are concretely manifested in architecture, jewelry, and glass design, among
others.
❖ In most works, the defining characteristics of Art Nouveau is the asymmetrical line that usually is
in the form of insect wings or flower stalks. The line is done in such a graceful and elegant
manner that somehow evokes a certain power to it.

Fauvism

❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in France in the early 20th century, characterized by a
focus on bold, bright colors and simplified forms, often using expressive brushstrokes and a
rejection of traditional perspective and representation.
❖ What makes fauvists revolutionary is that they used pure and vibrant colors by applying
straight from the paint tubes directly to the canvas. This is done to produce a sense of
explosion of colors in the canvas.
❖ Most fauvist works reject the conservative and traditional renderings of three-dimensional
space. What artist did was they introduced and promoted a picture space that is defined by
the movement of color.
❖ Fauvists focuses on the use of vivid colors and aggressive, abrupt brushstrokes.
Cubism

❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in France in the early 20th century, characterized by a
focus on breaking down objects into geometric shapes and planes, often using multiple
viewpoints and a flattened perspective to create a sense of depth and movement.
❖ Cubists highlighted the two-dimensional surface of the picture plane.
❖ Focusing on a flat surface was a rejection of the dominant techniques like the use of
perspective, foreshortening, and modeling.
❖ In addition, one of the things that cubism rejected was the existing and prevailing notion that
art should imitate nature.
❖ Cubists emphasized that they are not in any way obliged to copy texture, form, color, and
space. They presented a new depiction of reality that may appear fragmented objects for
viewers.

Futurism

❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in Italy in the early 20th century, characterized by a
focus on technology, speed, energy, and modernity or use of machines, often using dynamic
lines and bold colors to depict the energy and excitement of modern life.
❖ Italian poet and editor Filippo Tommaso Marinetti coined the term “futurism” to reflect his
purpose of disregarding the traditional methods of the art in the past. He believes that art
should embrace and embody change, innovation, creativity, and originality.

SOCIAL CONTEXT: CAUGHT IN BETWEEN MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART

Introduction

In everyday language, the terms “modern” and “contemporary” are often used interchangeably. In
the context of art, however, they designate two distinct moments in art history. There are specific
definitions for both terms, and these definitions will help us to establish an understanding of the
images and themes that emerge in both styles of art.

Another source of confusion is the fact that in the colloquial, “modern “and “contemporary” are
considered synonymous. This, however, is not the case when these terms are used in the context of
art. Therein, they refer to two different (but consecutive) periods qualified by different approaches to
artmaking and the functions that art served. To better make sense of contemporary art, it is best to
dial back to its predecessor, modern art.

Modern Art

❖ It is a term that signifies the philosophy and style of the artworks produced during the 1860-
1970 era.
❖ This art broke with convention, dealt with new subject matter, focused on conceptual
concerns, and changed the position of the artist within society.
❖ The main objective of modern art was to set aside the traditions of the past and put more
emphasis on experimentation with a new perspective of seeing the world.
❖ Many styles of art developed during the modern period, including impressionism, fauvism,
cubism, expressionism, surrealism, pop art, op art, art nouveau, and art deco.
❖ The Modernism movement introduced many fresh concepts in the world of art. Suddenly,
many artists started exploring dreams, symbolism, and personal iconography as their
signature. Modern artists also experimented with the expressive use of color, non-traditional
materials, and mediums.
Different Modern Art Movements

1. Abstract Art (Abstract Expressionism).

❖ Broad movement in American painting that began in the late 1940s and became a
dominant trend in Western painting during the 1950s, characterized by a focus on
spontaneous, gestural painting, often using large canvases, non-representational forms,
and a highly individualized approach to mark-making and color.
❖ The most prominent American Abstract Expressionist painters were Jackson Pollock, Willem
de Kooning, Franz Kline, and Mark Rothko.
❖ It is the term applied to new forms of abstract art.
❖ Two Major Styles from Abstract Expressionism
• Action Painting. It is a style of painting associated with Abstract Expressionism,
characterized by a focus on the physical act of painting itself, often using large
canvases, gestural brushstrokes, and dripped or splattered paint to create a
sense of spontaneity and movement. The central figure of this style is Jackson
Pollock.
• Color-Field Painting. It is a style of painting associated with Abstract
Expressionism, characterized by a focus on large areas of flat color, often using a
limited palette and minimal composition to create a sense of depth, luminosity,
and emotional intensity. It focuses on color and contrast. The main figures of this
style are Mark Rothko, Barnett Newman, and Clyfford Still.
2. Op Art
❖ It is a form of abstract art (specifically non-objective art) which relies on optical illusions to
fool the eye of the viewer.
❖ It is also called optical art or retinal art. The leading figure here is Victor Vasarely.
❖ It relates to geometric designs that create feelings of movement or vibration.
3. Kinetic Art
❖ It is art from any medium that contains movement perceivable by the viewer or depends
on motion for its effect.
❖ It is a term that today most often refers to three-dimensional sculptures and figures such as
mobiles that move naturally or are machine operated.
❖ It is in the early 1950’s onward.
4. Minimalism
❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by a focus on simplicity,
austerity, and the reduction of form to its most essential elements.
❖ Minimalist art often uses geometric shapes, monochromatic palettes, and industrial
materials to create works that emphasize the beauty of pure form and the relationship
between the object and its surroundings.
5. Pop Art
❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in the 1950s and 60s, characterized by a focus on
popular culture and mass media imagery, often using bright colors, bold patterns, and a
sense of irony or satire to comment on the commercialization and commodification of
contemporary life. Pop artists often drew inspiration from advertising, comic books, and
consumer products, and sought to blur the boundaries between high and low culture.
❖ One of the leading figures of this style is Andy Warhol. His name has become synonymous
with American Pop art. Warhol’s works typify many aspects of the movement, like an
obsession with celebrity, the repetition of images, and the use of advertising as subject
matter.
 ❖ It is popular (designed for a mass audience), transient (short-term solution), expandable
(easily forgotten), low cost, mass produced, young (aimed at youth), witty, sexy,
gimmicky, glamorous, big business.
6. Gutai
❖ It means embodiment or concreteness, it preceded the later forms of performance and
conceptual art.
❖ It was an artistic movement that emerged in Japan in the 1950s, characterized by a focus
on the materiality of art and the creative process itself.
❖ Gutai artists often used unconventional materials and techniques, such as fire, water, and
soil, to create works that emphasized the physical properties of the materials and the role
of the artist's body in the act of creation. The movement was also characterized by a spirit
of experimentation, collaboration, and openness to new ideas and influences.
❖ The goal was not only to explore the materiality of the implements used in performance,
but also to hold a deeper desire to make sense of the relationship that is struck between
the body, the movements, and the spirit of their interaction during the process of creation.

Contemporary Art

❖ The term “contemporary art” is generally regarded as referring to work made between 1970
and the present.
❖ The 1970s saw the emergence of "postmodernism". The affix was a clue that whatever
followed was segregated from its precursor.
❖ The 1970s saw the decline of the clearer identified artistic movement.
❖ It also implies art that is made by living artists, but essentially contemporary art is seen as
something that has never been done before.
❖ It is known to produce more experimental works and tackles a wider variety of social,
economic, and political issues.
❖ Modern and contemporary art build on existing subject matter and themes that artists have
incorporated into their work for ages. However, changes in the world, new developments in
art technologies, a revised conception of art materials, and an expanding view of the
definition of “art” have changed the images artists create and the art forms artists choose to
use.

Different Contemporary Art Movements

1. Neo-Pop Art
❖ It is an artistic movement that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by a revival of the
bright colors, bold patterns, and pop culture imagery of the original pop art movement,
often with a more ironic or critical edge.
❖ Neo-pop artists often drew inspiration from consumer culture, advertising, and mass media,
but also incorporated elements of street art, graffiti, and other forms of urban culture.
❖ The movement was also characterized by a focus on the intersection of art, commerce,
and celebrity culture.
❖ The leading figure of this art movement is Jeff Koons, best known for his neo-pop artworks
like Puppy and Balloon Dog.
2. Photorealism
❖ The term "photorealism", "photo-realism" or "photographic realism", describes a style of
highly detailed 20th century realist painting in which the artist attempts to replicate an
image from a photograph in all its microscopic exactness. As a movement, photorealism,
sometimes also referred to as Superrealism or Hyperrealism.
 3. Conceptualism
❖ Modern form of contemporary art which gives priority to an idea presented by visual
means that are themselves secondary to the idea.
❖ Conceptual art, while having no intrinsic financial value, can deliver a powerful message,
and thus has served as a vehicle for socio-political comment, as well as a broad challenge
to the tradition of a 'work of art' being a crafted unique object.
4. Performance Art
❖ As a movement, it began in the 1960s and instead of being concerned with entertaining its
audience, the heart of the artwork is its idea or message.
❖ It may be planned or spontaneous and done live or recorded. Since it is also duration in
nature, it is also considered as ephemeral works of art.
❖ An interesting proposition is that performance is not about the medium or the format;
rather, it is how a specific context is made in which through engagement or interaction,
questions, concerns, and conditions will be fleshed out.
❖ Performance art is related to conceptual art, whose rosters of well-known artist include the
likes of Marina Abramovic, Yoko Ono, and Joseph Beuys.
5. Installation Art
❖ It is a kind of an immersive work where the environment or the space in which the viewer
steps into or interacts with (going around ins allative art) is transformed or altered.
❖ It is relatively new genre of contemporary art-practiced by an increasing number of
postmodernist - which involves the configuration or "installation" of objects in a space, such
as a room or warehouse. The resulting arrangement of material and space comprises the
"artwork".
❖ Well-known installation artists are Allan Kaprow, Yayoi Kusama, and Dale Chiluly.
6. Earth Art
❖ It is a type of art that is created using natural materials found in the environment. It often
carries a message of environmental awareness and appreciation for the natural world.
❖ It is different from environmental art in the sense that it does not focus on the subject
(environmental issues or concerns) but rather on landscape manipulation and the
materials used, taken directly from the ground or vegetation (rocks or twigs).
❖ Artists known for Earth Art are Robert Smithson, Christo, Richard Long, Andy Gold Worthy,
and Jeanne-Claude.
7. Street Art
❖ It is a type of art that is created in public spaces, such as on buildings, sidewalks, or walls. It
often carries a message or political statement and can be seen as a form of protest or
social commentary.
❖ Artworks created are not traditional in format but are informed by the illustrative, painterly,
and print techniques band even a variety of media (even video projections).
❖ Since these works are mostly found in the public sphere, various people who have access
to them have formed the impression and perception of the artwork themselves.
❖ Gordon Matta-Clark, Jenny Holzer, and Barba Kruger are some of the known street artists.

ART IN ASIA

Introduction

Asia is one of the continents is rich in art. The collective and various practices and traditions of art,
architecture, music, literature, lifestyle, philosophy, politics, and religion that have been practiced
and perpetuated by the different ethnic groups of Asia through prehistory are referred to as Asian
culture. Countries belonging to Asia have different expertise in various fields. China is well-known for
its calligraphy, painting, and metalwork, while Japan is well-known for its crafts like woodcuts,
origami, and ceramic art.

Chinese Art

In the present context, China is in the forefront of economic development. Its booming economy has
led to its modernization. History also shows that China has been at the leading edge of development
especially in terms of cultural development.

❖ Inhabitants of China in the past were able to produce primitive artisan works.
❖ The three perfections are a term referring to Chinese poetry, painting, and calligraphy
understood and practiced as related endeavors.
❖ Excavated pieces show bronze vessels with intricate designs depicting a lot of imagery dating
from the second millennium BCE.
❖ The Chinese during the Zhou Dynasty was under a feudal kind of social system.
❖ It was a parallel period with that of Greece’s Golden Age:
▪ A period when culture, particularly art, has flourished tremendously.
▪ During this period metal works befitting the royal family were produced in abundance.
▪ Jade was also a popular choice of material for artworks.
❖ Confucianism was the dominant way of life subscribed to by general public.
▪ Those who subscribed to principles espoused by Confucius believed that in order for
society to work, one must learn how to sympathize to others.
▪ These principles became evident in most artworks depicting everyday life how these
social interactions come to play.
❖ The Chinese also had interactions with Western missionaries who came from India and brought
some of the Indian influences in China.
▪ Indian models inspired a lot of Chinese artists for a few centuries.
▪ By the start of the 6th century, Chinese artists started making art that highlighted their
very own culture.
▪ Paintings usually depicted magical places and realms that were born out of sheer
imagination while still infusing the Chinese characters that define their culture.
▪ It was a dominant belief that a great power coming from a higher spirit is the one
moving the artist and his work together.
▪ Most paintings were done in monumental styles wherein rocks and mountains served as
a barrier that made the viewer distracted initially from the main subject of the work.
▪ Rounded forms rise in a way that it flows from the background into the foreground.
▪ Artist also used sharp brushstrokes to provide detail in their works.
▪ Western landscapes usually had a single vanishing point while Chinese paintings had
the opposite since most paintings aimed to give the audience a multiple perspective
on the subject.
❖ Porcelain is one of the commonly used items to make decorative ornaments, such as vases
and jars. Some artifacts from excavation sites show intricate works of the Chinese in these
porcelain vases. This can be attributed to the tradition of passing down the artistry from one
generation to the next.
▪ Just like most Chinese artworks, the focal point in these vases depicts a central theme:
nature.
▪ They believe that man is an integral part of nature ensuring that there is a certain
balance in it.
▪ Part of their culture is emphasizing a form of social life, giving importance to
communities and interactions among people.
 ▪ Some of the common overarching themes of Chinese works include everyday activities,
war and violence, death, and nature.
▪ It can also be noted that Chinese artworks are infused with a lot of symbolism.
▪ Art becomes an avenue for the artist to convey his reflection of the things he is aware
of.
▪ It is customary for the ancient Chinese people to show respect for their ancestors and
departed relatives. From a Western point of view, this reverence of the Chinese can be
mistaken for as that of worshiping gods.
▪ Most of the departed of the ancient Chinese were placed in either gold or bronze
vessels, depending on their social status.
❖ Calligraphy, literally "beautiful writing," has been appreciated as an art form in many different
cultures throughout the world, but the stature of calligraphy in Chinese culture is unmatched.
❖ Like calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting or guohua, is done using a brush dipped in black
ink or colored pigments, usually on paper or silk. The finished work can be mounted on scrolls
and hung. There are two main techniques in Chinese painting:
▪ Gongbi, literally “working pen”, is a meticulous style, rich in color and detailed brush
strokes. It is often used for portraits or narrative subjects.
▪ Xieyi, meaning “freehand", is a looser style of painting, and usually used in landscapes.
Xieyi often features exaggerated forms and expresses the artist’s feelings. It is also
called shuimo, meaning “watercolor and ink”.
❖ Chinese sculptors have sculpted delicate objects, such as figures, animals, plants, and
landscapes, with a number of new kinds of raw materials, such as sand and coal, apart from
the traditional bronze and jade.

Japanese Art

Art in Japan has undergone a series of transitions and periodization. From an isolated nation to that
of embracing Western influences and modernization, Japan has transitioned into a modern cultural
mixing pot.

Here, the commonly accepted periodization of Japanese history:

❖ Jomon (from origins to about 300 B.C.). The period takes its name from the "string texture"
with which were decorated the first ceramic artifacts and includes the first artistic
testimonies of Japanese proto.
❖ Yayoi (from 300 B.C. to about 300 A.D.). The artistic production is aesthetically simple but
begins to contemplate the use of revolutionary technologies such as the lathe. A
fundamental characteristic is the introduction of metallurgy.
❖ Yamato (from 300 to 710). It is the period marked by the supremacy of the eponymous clan
who was the first to unify the country. The distinctive architectural feature is the building of
rich and impressive burial mounds.
❖ Nara (from 710 to 794). For the first time there is a fixed capital for the empire: Nara.
Previously, in fact, it ranged when the emperor died. Decisive the influence of Buddhism in
artistic production.
❖ Heian (from 794 to 1185). Flourishes the production of mandala, and of the first pagodas.
The court began to develop great attention to the arts. By this time the famous Genji
Monogatari.
❖ Kamakura (from 1185 to 1333). It takes its name from the shogunate during which we are
witnessing the shift of power from the aristocracy to the military samurai class. In art prevails
realism.
❖ Muromachi (from 1336 to 1573). After the interlude of the city of Kamakura, the imperial
capital back to being Kyoto. The artists take up less popular and aristocratic themes.
Decisive influence of Zen.
❖ Azuchi Momoyama (from 1573 to 1603). Azuchi and Momoyama are the respective castles
of both Nobunaga and Hideyoshi daimyo whose series of wars characterizes the period. It
affirms the Kano school of art.
❖ Edo (from 1603 to 1868). It is the triumph of political and military power of the Tokugawa
who moved the capital to Tokyo and closed all the doors to contacts with foreigners. Great
attention given to science and techniques.
❖ Meiji (from 1868 to 1912). The renewal Meiji return power to the emperor after centuries of
rule of the shogun. The country, as a result of a strong impetus of industrialization, become
a military power.
❖ Taisho (from 1912 to 1926). It is a phase of democratization. The emperor's weakness allows,
despite the imperialist tendencies in the war years, the affirmation of a widespread cultural
liberalism.
❖ Showa (from 1926 to 1989). With the long reign of Emperor Hirohito, the country lives
immense social and cultural upheavals determined by both the World War II and the post-
conflict reconstruction.
❖ Heisei (from 1989 to 2019). With the rise to power of Akihito, the cultural characteristics of
modern Japan are defined: a country where cohabit marvelously futuristic instances and
ancestral traditions.
❖ Reiwa (from May 1st, 2019). The new era of Japan officially began on 1 May 2019, the day
on which Crown Prince Naruhito ascended the throne, as the 126th Emperor of Japan,
succeeding his father, Emperor Akihito.

It is evident how the Japanese were able to infuse local and indigenous materials with modern
Western subjects and focal points.
It is important to take note that there are Korean and Chinese influences evident in Japanese
artworks which is based on artifacts such as ceramic figures and ornaments.
One of the ceramic products created by the Japanese is called Haniwa. These are ceramic
figures that are made up of clay. They are placed beside burial spots for reasons that are
unknown.
The native religion of Japan is Shintoism. Although this religion subscribes to beliefs such as
being one with nature and embracing the notion of the existence of many gods, it did not use
art to communicate its beliefs.
When Japan established trading relations with China, they did not only trade goods with
them, but they were also influenced by the Chinese with their religious beliefs and practices.
Buddhism became an integral part of Japanese culture.
Artworks such as images and sculptures of Buddha were produced.
Japan and China had a long-standing relationship, were in addition to Buddhism, China also
influenced Japan in terms of paintings.
After the 14th century, Japan isolated itself from the rest of the world, which in effect, gave
them avenue to let their culture flourish.
Japanese style of painting leaned toward abstract and naturalistic handling. In essence, the
artist is given the free reign for his work, which had more room for spontaneity and
individuality.
Many artists focused on individual portraits, elements of nature, scenes from everyday life in
creating their artworks.
The Japanese also developed a kind of painting called the ukiyo-e, which was crafted
through woodcut prints.
The artists developed a technique that used lines and colors in a very distinctive manner.
 Some Western artists were intrigued and influenced by these ukiyo-e paintings. Ex.: Woodcuts
of Hiroshige and Sharaku who had a lasting impact on Western artists like Vincent van Gogh
and Edouard Manet.

Philippine Art

Different art forms have emerged in the Philippine art scene, throughout Philippine history, that spans
from the precolonial period to the contemporary periods.

Before the colonizers came to the Philippines, ethnic minorities have used art not only for daily
activities but also for religious rituals and practices.
Most art forms used by ethnic communities include pottery, weaving, carving, and the use of
metalwork and jewelry.
Pottery is said to be one of the earliest art forms used by the early Filipino people.
One of the most prominent artifacts related to pottery is the Manunggul Jar found in Palawan.
It serves as burial jar, which depicts two men rowing a boat. This reflects their beliefs in afterlife-
the crossing of the body of water is a transition from life here on earth unto the next.
Weaving was also one of the earliest forms of art expressions in the Philippines.
One of the most popular artisans of weaving is the people from the Cordilleras. They are
known for their colorful woven cloth, which also have both religious and practical value.
The T’boli people from Mindanao are also known for their woven abaca cloth called t’nalak.
Woodcarvings from Palawan also depict animals like birds, which are representations of their
religious beliefs. According to local stories, the birds serve as the messengers of the people to
the heavens and vice versa.
In Mindanao, the Tausug and Maranao people are known for their okir, which are designs
applied to their woodcarvings. Their common subjects include the sarimanok, naga, and the
pako rabong.
o Sarimanok. It is a stylized design of a mythical bird either standing on a fish or holding a
piece of fish on its beak. The story of the sarimanok was a central figure to a number of
legends.
o Naga. The naga forms an S-shape, depicting an elaborate figure of a mythical dragon
or serpent. The numerous curved lines serving as detail for the figure depicts the scales.
o Pako Rabong. It, on the other hand, is like a growing fern with a broad base. The fern
gracefully stems and tapers upwards.
It was in the 16th century that the Spaniards discover the Philippines, and they introduced their
religion to the local people.
Aside for acquiring resources, they had a goal to replace the existing indigenous cultural
practices and belief of the early Filipinos.
Art was used by the Spaniards to propagate their Christian faith while at the same time, subtly
establishing their foothold in the country.
Art became one of the avenues for Filipino patriots and nationalists.
One of the famous works that expressed Filipino nationalism and stood against the colonizers
would be Juan Luna’s “Spoliarium.”
Artists focused on modern takes when it comes to content, form, and subject matter.
A debate emerged on whether art should be done as “proletarian art” or “art for art’s sake. As
modern paintings started to emerge, a triumvirate of artist was formed-Carlos Francisco, Galo
B. Ocampo and Edades.
Eventually photography has evolved into art form, which highlights various artistic expressions
evident in a variety of events, scenes, and activities.
Famous Filipino Painters

Classicism

Fabian Dela Rosa

▪ It is considered the first significant Filipino painter of the 20th century who is recognized
for his realistic portraits and landscapes which usually employed subdued and cool
colors.
▪ He is the first dean of the School of Fine Arts established in 1909 at the University of the
Philippines.
Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto
▪ It is considered as the father of Classicist school in the Philippines and is noted for his
striking colors.
▪ He is famous for his portrayal of rural folkways and characters like the “dalagang bukid”
or a typical Filipina and indigenous landscapes bathed in striking sunlight which
became the trademark of his works.
▪ He was employed as a faculty member of the School of Fine Arts of U.P. and became
its dean from 1952-1955 and some of his best students emulated his works.
▪ Later the “Amorsolo school” was born which produced some of the top artists of the
next generation like Jorge Pineda, Ireneo Miranda and Toribio Herrera.
▪ He is the first one to receive the National Artist Award for Fine Arts in 1972.

Modernism

Miguel Zaragoza
▪ His two pointillist works in 1890’s already had a touch of modernism.
Triumvirate of Modern Art in the Philippines
▪ It includes Victorio C. Edades, Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Galo B. Ocampo which
produced collaborative murals like the Interaction.
✓ Victorio C. Edades. He was the first among those who questioned the Amorsolo
style as the standard for painting. Influenced by the modern art technique in the
United States, he opened a show at the Philippine Columbian Club in Ermita
Manila which featured Marcel Duchamp’s Nude Descending the Staircase.
Instead of smiling farmers, fisherfolks or a “dalagang bukid,” he chose to portray
them naked covered with sweat and grime in his famous work “The Builders” in
1928. This is considered as the modernist painting in the Philippines.
✓ Galo B. Ocampo. He is popular for his brown Madonna made in 1938 which is a
Filipinized mother and child portrayal. He is famous for his Flagellant series which
depicts scenes during the Lenten season as period of war and penitence. He
was commissioned to make the “coat-of-arms” of the Republic of the Philippines
and served as director of the National Museum.
✓ Carlos “Botong” Francisco. He is an Angono-based painter who is known on the
use of fluid lines and brilliant colors. The same technique employed in the mural
at the Manila City Hall entitled “History of Manila.” His collections include his
grand interpretation of important historic events in the country like the First Mass
and local activities like fiesta and Bayanihan. The highlight of his career aside for
claiming the National Artist Award in 1973 was when his mural entitled “500 years
of Philippine History” was featured in Time Magazine.
 Diosdado Lorenzo
▪ He is known for his illustration of conservative subject like landscapes, nipa huts and
women but done in modernists’ strong, vigorous brushstrokes and with the use of bright
green and oranges. His first attempt was in 1938 at the Philippine Columbian Club.
Vincente Manansala
▪ He is considered as the major proponent of Cubism in the country and his Jeepneys
and Madonna of the Slums best represent his styles.
Hernando R. Ocampo
▪ He produced the “first” pure non-representational artwork in the country, and his
abstract work is nor produced by a formal training for he was self-taught. His most
famous work Genesis serves as the theatre curtain of the Main Theater in CCP.
Cesar Legaspi
▪ He is always remembered for his illustration and representation of Filipino masses. One
great work includes “Gadgets” which present half naked factory workers.
Demetrio Diego
▪ He is a comic illustrator by profession who is famous for his presentation of the sufferings
of Filipino and American soldiers in the infamous prison camp in Capas, Tarlac.
Anita Magsaysay-Ho
▪ She is the first Filipina to win national and international recognition for her works which
rural folk women doing daily chores are presented thin, with long necks, slant eyes and
flat noses which is a typical Filipina.

Contemporary Period

Fernando Zobel
▪ He comes from a prominent business family rose as an artist, critic and educator. He is
known for his Carroza which is an abstract illustration of the carriage carrying the Virgin
Mary on a procession during the fiesta.
Jose T. Joya
▪ He followed Jackson Pollock’s Abstract Expressionism but in tropical colors and Filipino
sensibility.
Nena Saguil
▪ She loves to interpret the cosmos in orbs, spheres, circles, mandallas, cells and moons.

Famous Filipino Sculptors

Classicism

Guillermo Tolentino
▪ His masterpieces include Oblation in the University of the Philippines and the Bonifacio
Monument in Caloocan. In 1973, he was named as a National Artist for Sculpture.

Modernism

Napoleon Abueva
▪ He went against the standard of classicist Tolentino and worked with variety of materials
and techniques. Some of his works are noted for its stylized, simplified, and later
abstraction which argued to be influenced by Moore and Brancusi. His “Kaganapan” is
one of the best examples of this style which depicts a woman at the height of
pregnancy.