ELEMENTS OF ART/DESIGN

1. Line - refers to a prolongation of a point, or a mark on a surface.

2. Shape - a closed space made when a line connects to itself.
3. Space - the distance or area around or between elements of an artwork. The illusion of depth created on
a flat surface through the use of perspective, overlapping elements, size, level of detail, color and value.
It can be described as two-dimensional (2D) or three dimensional (3D).
4. Form - refers to a shape that is or appears to be three dimensional, having weight, width and depth. Forms
could also be categorized as geometric or organic in nature.
5. Texture - the feel or appearance of a surface.
6. Value - the lightness or darkness of an area
7. Color - the visible spectrum of reflected light. It has the 3 attributes such as hue (it’s unique color
name), value (lightness or darkness), and intensity or saturation (purity and strength).

PRINCIPLES OF ART
1. Balance refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition. It is a sense that the painting feels
stable and "feels right." Imbalance causes a feeling of discomfort in the viewer.
2. Contrast is the difference between elements of art in a composition, such that each element is made
stronger in relation to the other. When placed next to each other, contrasting elements command the
viewer's attention. Areas of contrast are among the first places that a viewer's eye is drawn.
3. Emphasis is when the artist creates an area of the composition that is visually dominant and commands the
viewer's attention.
4. Movement is the result of using the elements of art such that they move the viewer's eye around and within
the image.
5. Pattern is the uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or any combination thereof. Anything can be
turned into a pattern through repetition.
6. Rhythm is created by movement implied through the repetition of elements of art in a non- uniform but
organized way.
7. Unity/Variety - You want your painting to feel unified such that all the elements fit together
comfortably.

A. Examples
ELEMENTS OF ART/DESIGN

1. Line - Lines can be: vertical, horizontal, diagonal, straight, curved, angular or bent, thick or wide,
thin, blurred, fuzzy, controlled, or meandering.

Figure 1. Source: https://tinyurl.com/4cyfdrfu

Different characteristics of lines may convey different meanings:

a) Horizontal Line creates an impression of serenity and perfect stability.

b) Vertical Line creates an impression of strength and perfect stability.

 c) Diagonal Line creates an impression of action.

d) Curved Line creates an impression of gradual change of direction.

e) Circular Line creates an impression of abrupt change of direction.

2. Shape - A shape may be based natural or living forms. This shape is called an organic shape, and can be
irregular or rounded. A shape may also be based on measured form called geometric shape.
3. Space- A space may either be positive space or negative space. Positive space is the space occupied

by the subject, while negative space surrounds it.

Organic shape/ Geometric shape/

negative space positive space
Figure 2. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz Figure 3. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz

4. Form - Form gives shape to a piece of art, whether it is the constraints of a line in a painting or the edge of the
sculpture. The shape can be two-dimensional, three-dimensional restricted to height and weight, or it can
be free-flowing.

Figure 4. Source: https://tinyurl.com/mwx794yj

5. Texture – The texture is also how your eye perceives a surface, whether it is flat with little texture or
displays variations on the surface, imitating rock, wood, stone, and fabric.
a. Real Texture is the actual texture of an object. Artist create real texture in art to give it visual interest
or evoke a feeling.

Figure 5. Source: https://tinyurl.com/mwx794yj

b. Implied Texture makes a piece of art to look like a certain texture.

6. Value – Value can be changed by adding white or black to a color and these described as tint and shade.
a. Tint pertains to the lightness of a color.
b. Shade pertains to the darkness of a color.

Figure 6. Source: https://tinyurl.com/39p7dmda

7. Color contains characteristics, including hue, value, and saturation. Primary hues are also the primary colors:
red, yellow, and blue. When two primary hues are mixed, they produce secondary hues, which are also the
secondary colors: orange, violet, and green. When two colors are combined, they create secondary hues,
creating additional secondary hues such as yellow-orange, red-violet, blue-green, blue-violet, yellow-green,
and red-orange.

Figure 7. Source: https://tinyurl.com/mwx794yj

 PRINCIPLES OF ART
1. Balance refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition. Balance can be achieved in 3
different ways: Symmetry, in which both sides of a composition have the same elements in the same
position, as in a mirror-image, or the two sides of a face. Asymmetry, in which the composition is balanced
due to the contrast of any of the elements of art. For example, a large circle on one side of a composition
might be balanced by a small square on the other side. Radial symmetry, in which elements are equally
spaced around a central point, as in the spokes coming out of the hub of a bicycle tire.

Figure 8. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz

2. Contrast can be achieved by juxtapositions of any of the elements of art. Negative/Positive space is
an example of contrast. Complementary colors placed side by side is an example of contrast.

Figure 9. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz

3. Emphasis is often achieved by contrast.

Figure 10. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz

4. Movement. A sense of movement can be created by diagonal or curvy lines, either real or implied, by edges,
by the illusion of space, by repetition, by energetic mark-making.

Figure 11. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz

5. Pattern. Some classic patterns are spirals, grids, weaves. A popular drawing practice is Zentangles,
in which an abstract or representational outline is divided into different areas, each of which contains
a unique pattern.

Figure 12. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz

6. Rhythm is related to rhythm in music. Unlike pattern, which demands consistency, rhythm relies on variety.

Figure 13. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz

7. Unity/Variety. Too much unity creates monotony, too much variety creates chaos. You need both.
Ideally, you want areas of interest in your composition along with places for your eye to rest.

Figure 14. Source: https://tinyurl.com/2p9f8ewz

(a) Traditional arts

 The traditional arts in the Philippines encompass folk architecture, maritime transport, weaving,
carving, folk performing arts, folk (oral) literature, folk graphic and plastic arts, ornament, textile, or fiber art,
pottery, and other artistic expressions of traditional culture.

o Ethnomedicine – the arts of the albularyo, the babaylan, and the manghihilot
o Folk architecture – stilt houses, land houses, and aerial houses
o Maritime transport – boat houses, boat-making, and maritime traditions
o Weaving – back-strap loom weaving, and other forms of related weaving
o Carving – woodcarving and folk non-clay sculpture
o Folk performing arts – dances, plays, and dramas
o Folk (oral) literature – epics, songs, and myths
o Folk graphic and plastic arts – calligraphy, tattooing, folk writing, folk drawing, and folk painting
o Ornament – mask-making, accessory-making, ornamental metal crafts
o Textile, or fiber art – headgear weaving, basketry, fish-gear arts, and other forms of textile or fiber art
o Pottery – ceramic making, clay pot-making, and folk clay sculpture
o Other artistic expressions of traditional culture – non-ornamental metal crafts, martial arts, supernatural
healing arts, medicinal arts, and constellation traditions

(a) Non-traditional arts

The non-traditional arts in the Philippines encompass dance, music, theater, visual arts, literature,
film and broadcast arts, architecture and allied arts, and design.

o Dance – dance choreography, dance direction, and dance performance

o Music – musical composition, musical direction, and musical performance
o Theater – theatrical direction, theatrical performance, theatrical production design, theatrical light and
sound design, and theatrical playwriting
o Visual arts – non-folk sculpture, printmaking, photography, installation art, mixed media works, illustration,
graphic arts, performance art, and imaging
o Literature – poetry, fiction, essay, and literary/art criticism
o Film and broadcast arts – film and broadcast direction, film and broadcast writing, film and broadcast
production design, film and broadcast cinematography, film and broadcast editing, film and broadcast
animation, film and broadcast performance, and film and broadcast new media
o Architecture and allied arts – non-folk architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban design
o Design – including, but not limited to, industrial design, and fashion design

A. READINGS

Traditional Arts

Ethnomedicine

It is one of the oldest traditional arts in the Philippines. These arts possess traditions (and
objects associated with it) which are performed by medical artisans and shamans, ranging from the
 babaylan, the manghihilot, and the albularyo. The practices, grounded on the principles of the
physical elements, is both an ancient science and art known to the natives. Herbal remedies,
complemented with mental, emotional, and spiritual techniques, are inherently part of many of the
traditions as well.

Folk Architecture

Folk Literature in the Philippines differ significantly per ethnic group, where the structures can

be made of bamboo, wood, rock, coral, rattan, grass, and other materials.

Fig.1 Fig.2 Fig.3

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines
Rice granaries from Ifugao,
called Bale
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines
Daru Jambangan (Palace of Kawayan Torogan, a National
Flowers), the royal residence Cultural Treasure in Lanao
of the ruler of the Tausug in Sulu

Fig. 4 Fig. 5 Fig. 6

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines
Dakay house, the oldest surviving Bahay na Bato houses in Bahay na Bato in Intramuros
coral house in the Batanes that is Vigan, World Heritage Site
still being used today (c. 1887) and part of a National
Treasure
Maritime Transport
Maritime transport in the Philippines includes boat houses, boat-making, and maritime
traditions. These structures, traditionally made of wood chosen by elders and crafts folks, were used
as the main vehicles of the people, connecting one island to another, where the seas and rivers became
the people's roads.

Fig. 7 Fig. 8 Fig. 9

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
3
_in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines Balangay of
Agusan Del Norte A modernized falua in Batanes Paraw in Palawan
Weaving
It is an ancient art form that continue in the Philippines today, with each ethnic group having
their distinct weaving techniques.
Cloth and Mat Weaving
Expensive textiles are made through the intricate and difficult process called back-strap
looming. Fibers such as cotton, abaca, banana fiber, grass, and palm fiber are used in the Filipino
weaving arts.

Fig. 10 Fig. 11 Fig. 12

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines
Binakol of Itneg Tribe T’nalak by the T’boli of A double ikat mat from
from Northern Luzon Mindanao Sulu

Basketry
The fine art of basket weaving has developed intricate designs and forms directed for specific
purposes such as harvesting, rice storage, travel package and so on. The art is believed to have
arrived in the archipelago due to human migration.

Fig. 13 Fig. 14 Fig. 15

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines
Pasiking from Mountain
Province
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines
baskets made by the Iraya
Mangyan of Mindoro
4
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines
Various rice baskets from
Central Luzon

Carving
Wood Carving
Indigenous woodcarving is one of the most notable traditional arts in the Philippines, with
some crafts in various ethnic groups date back prior to Hispanic arrival with perhaps the oldest
surviving today are fragments of a wooden boat dating to 320 AD
 Fig. 16
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines
Kulintang from Mindanao
Fig. 17 Fig. 18
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_ in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines
San Agustin Church door Carved saddle of the
Carvings (1607), part of a Yakan people of Sulu,
World Heritage Site inlaid with shells

Non-Traditional Arts
Dance
The art of dance under the non-traditional category covers dance choreography, dance
direction, and dance performance. Philippine dance is influenced by the folk performing arts of
the country, as well as its Hispanic traditions.

Fig. 19 Fig. 20 Fig. 21

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines
Singkil dance of Lanao Pangalay dance of Sulu Lumad dance of Bukidnon
Music

Philippine folk music includes the chanting of epic poetry, such as the Darangen and Hudhud ni Aliguyon,
and singing of folk music traditions through various means such as the Harana. Some Filipino music genre
include Manila sound which brought hopeful themes amidst the decaying status of the country during the
martial law years, Pinoy reggae which focuses on dancehall
5 music faithful to the expressions of Jamaican
reggae, Pinoy rock which encompasses rock music with Filipino cultural sensibilities, Pinoy pop which is one
of the most popular genre in the country, Tagonggo which is music traditionally played by finely-dressed male
musicians, Kapanirong which is a serenade genre, Kulintang which is a genre of an entire ensemble of
musicians utilizing a diverse array of traditional musical instruments, Kundiman which is a traditional genre of
Filipino love music, Bisrock which is a genre of Sebwano rock music, and Pinoy hip hop which is genre of hip
hop adopted from American hip hop music.
Visual Arts
Painting
Folk painting has always been part of various cultures in the Philippines. Petroglyphs and
 petrographs are the earliest known folk drawings and paintings in the country, with the oldest made during the
Neolithic age.

Fig. 22 Fig. 23 Fig. 24

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines
Tampuhan (1895) Women working in the rice La vendedora de
by Juan Luna field (1902) by Fabian de la lanzones (1877) by Felix
Rosa Ressurreccion Hidalgo y
Padilla

Sculpture
Non-folk sculpture in the Philippines is a major art form, with many artists and students focusing on the
subject. Notable non-folk sculptures include Oblation, which reflects selfless dedication and service to the
nation, Rizal Monument, depicting Filipino martyr and scholar José Rizal, Tandang Sora National Shrine,
depicting the revolutionary mother of the Katipunan Melchora Aquino, Mactan Shrine, which depicts the
classical-era hero Lapulapu who vanquished the colonizers during his lifetime, People Power Monument, which
celebrates the power and activism of the people over its government, Filipina Comfort Women, which
immortalizes the suffering of and judicial need for Filipina comfort women during World War II, and
the Bonifacio Monument, depicting the revolutionary hero Andres Bonifacio.

Fig. 25 Fig. 26 Fig. 27

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines _in_the_Philippines
Oblation Bonifacio Monument Rizal Monument
Literature

Poetry, fiction, essay, and literary/art criticism are the focal arts of literature under the non-traditional
arts, which are usually based on or influenced by the traditional art of folk (oral) literature of the natives, which
focuses greatly on works of art from epics, ethnic mythologies, and related stories and traditions.
 Fig. 28
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines
Doctrina Christiana, 1593
by Fray Juan de Plasencia
Fig. 29
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines
Florante at Laura, 1869
by Francisco Balagtas
Fig. 30
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
_in_the_Philippines
Noli Me Tangere by Jose
Rizal

Architecture

Fig. 31 Fig. 32 Fig. 33

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Arts__the_Philippines
Fort Santiago (1593)
Intramuros, Manila
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts
Arts__the_Philippines _in__the_Philippines
The Ruins (mansion), Panglao Watch Tower,
Talisay Intramuros, Manila Bohol
Negros Occidental
7
Brief History of Philippine Arts

 Pre-conquest. In art historical terms, “pre-conquest” is used to refer to arts made before the coming of the
colonizers. Prior to colonization, art of the ancient Filipinos were woven into everyday life. Every
expression was integrated within rituals that marked significant moments in a community’s life like planting
and harvesting of crops, or burying of the deceased. Our ancestors mimicked the movement and sounds of
nature, especially the animals in their surroundings. These simple activities evolved into dance, music,
theatre, and even literature.

 Islamic Colonial Period (13th Century to early 16th Century). Historians ascribe the introduction of Islam
to the Philippines to Tuan Masha’ika, supposedly an Arab religious leader or missionary, who landed on the
island of Jolo in what is today the Province of Sulu in the southern Philippines, in the mid to late-13th
century. One particular writer however, points out that it is likely that Islam was actually introduced much
earlier, perhaps as early as the 10th century, through Arab traders who subsequently settled down and
married local inhabitants and spread their religion in that manner.

 Spanish Colonial Period. While the south remained resistant to Spanish colonization, the colonizers gained
power in the central part of the islands whose inhabitants we now referred to as “Lowland Christians.” Art
that flourished during the Spanish colonial period conformed to the demands of the church and the colonial
state. The art forms from this period are referred to stylistically and culturally as religious art, lowland
Christian art, or folk art. Images of saints and interpretations of biblical narratives were considered essential
to worship. Under the strict watch and patronage of the church, images were produce through painting,
sculpting and engraving.

 American Colonial Period (1898-1940) to the Post War Republic (1946-1969).

The independence that the Philippines gained after the revolution of 1896 was cut short with the
establishment of the American colonial government in the bound by the Treaty of Paris in 1898, Spain
surrendered the Philippines to the United States. With the coming of the Americans, Filipino playwrights
who had just undergone the Philippines Revolution of 1898 against Spain now found themselves confronted
by censorship with the issuance of the Sedition Law which banned the writing, printing and publication of
materials advocating Philippine independence and engaging in activities which championed this cause.
 Japanese Occupation (1941-1945). Under the Japanese occupation the Modern Art project slowed down in
pace. Early moderns and conservative alike continued to produce art and even participated in KALIBAPI
(Kapisanan sa paglilingkod ng Bagong Pilipinas) sponsored art competition. In 1943 and 1944, Purugganan
and Francisco won KALIBAPI awards. Art production once again tilted to fulfill the agenda and demands
of the new colonial order. The Japanese forces led the formation of the Greater East Co-Prosperity Sphere, a
proganda movement that sought to create a Pan-Asian identity that rejected western traditions.

 70’s to Contemporary. Under the helm of Ferdinand Marcos and Imelda Marcos beginning in 1965,
many cultural projects ensued amid the backdrop of poverty and volatile social conditions. Amidst claims
of national chaos of emergency proportions, Martial Law, Marcos envisioned a New Society or Bagong
Lipunan, which worked toward the rebirth of a long lost civilization, on one hand, and aspiration to
modernization and development, on the other (https://pdfcoffee.com/history-of-philippine-art-pdf-
free.html).

I. MUSIC

Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are tools used to create sound, in the early times, as an adjunct for dance and labor,
and in later times, as a form of entertainment. These instruments are made from different materials. Following
the Hornbostel-Sachs classification, these instruments are divided into the following categories: idiophones,
aerophones, chordophones and membranophones.

Idiophones – Instruments that produce sound from the instrument itself, most commonly are wood and metal.

Metal idiophones are of two categories:

1. Flat Gongs are most commonly referred to, in the north, as Gangsa. They are made of bronze, brass, or
iron. They are found principally among the Isneg, Tingguian, Kalinga, Bontok, Ibaloi, Kankanai,
Gaddang, Ifugao, and Ilonggot. Gong playing among the Cordillera highlanders is an integral part of
peace pact gatherings, marriages, prestige ceremonies, feasts or rituals.

Figure 1. Gangsa. The Philippines Today

2. Bossed Gongs have a central protrusion or knot and is basically found in the southern part of the
Philippines. There are three types of bossed gongs: kulintang, agung and gandingan.
 Figure 2. Agung. www.kipas.nl

Wood Idiophones-Bamboo idiophones abound in the Philippines-xylophones, drums, quill-shaped tubes,

stamping tubes, scrapers, buzzers and clappers. Wooden idiophones include sticks, suspended logs and log drums.
These instruments are played while hiking through forest and mountain trails, in ceremonies for the sick, at rites which
entail the offering of sacrificial pigs, at death rituals or at wedding celebrations.

Aerophones – instruments that need air to be blown in to produce sound. Philippine bamboo aerophones
include various types of flutes, pan-pipes and reed pipes. The most widespread and numerous are the flutes
which are mostly end-blown with the air stream directed into the open end of the tube. Other blown instruments
are those made from shell or carabao horn. These are used for calling people or sending messages over wide
distances. Shell trumpets include the budyong, lungga, taburi. Carabao horns are the tambuli (Tagalog)
and kogao (Ifugao).

Chordophones - These are bamboo or wood stringed instruments that may be struck, plucked, or bowed. They
include zithers, lutes and bowed strings.

Membranophones - They are variously shaped–conical, cylindrical, goblet shaped, barrel shaped. Animal skin
(snake, deer, or goat) is used as head/heads of the drum. They may be beaten with sticks or by the palm portion
of bare hands.

II. DANCE

Dance is the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space, for the
purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself
(Britannica).
.

Figure 3. Dinagyang. Viva Pinas

III. VISUAL ARTS

In terms of visual arts, our ancestors already have their own way of expression using materials available
in their surroundings. However, this has been replaced, or at least influenced by western forms when the
colonizers came. Filipinos were able to study abroad, and when they came back in to the Philippines, they
brought along with them new and different styles and techniques in producing visual arts.

Sculpture

Sculpture is the making of three-dimensional works of art in stone, clay, metal, wood, or any other materials
found in the surroundings (Webster, 1995). In the Philippines, Napoleon Abueva (Father of Modern Philippine
Sculpture) used a wide range of materials in his works like hardwood, stones, and metals. He also started the
trend in mixing different materials, like metal and stones, in making his sculptures. Among his notable works
are Nine Muses, Kaganapan, Stations of the Cross, Sunburst and The Transfiguration (Sayseng, A. H., 2016).

Painting

Painting is the art of producing pictures by applying paint to a surface. Different kinds of paint and media
from different regions are now being employed to produce such arts. However, one of the latest and most
common medium used today is coffee. Coffee painting provides a monochromatic scene which appeals to a lot
of viewers. It is in stark contrast with the brightly colored media we see in the past decades.

Photography

Photography came from the Greek terms photos, which means light; and graph which means to draw. It is
the process of recording an image on light-sensitive film or, in the case of digital photography, via a digital
electronic or magnetic memory. In the past, photography was limited to persons who can afford the art because
of the high price tags of light-sensitive film, and the high cost of developing the films to produce an image. In
the advent of the digital era, photography has become more accessible to anyone anywhere. Technology has
made photography an art that can be enjoyed by the masses.

Figure 4. Bay Walk.

Art Galleries

Art Galleries in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao share the common goal of uplifting the arts in their
respective regions. Although most of them specialize in contemporary art, all are appreciative of the Filipino
masters and the more established contemporary artists as reflected in the curators’ and/or owners’ knowledge of
the artists and their artworks and its contribution to the development of art in the country.
Majority of the local artists use materials and elements that are indigenous to their region. Examples are the
use of vista-inspired colors in ethnic art and the use of ash glaze in pottery/sculptures of Luzon, particularly
those from the Pampanga area.
As a whole, art galleries in the provinces (Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao), while catering to art patrons from
their respective places, look to art galleries and cultural institutions situated in Metro Manila as models for
programs that may enhance their own respective gallery’s services, their artists’ creations, and patronage
(Quingco II, ncca.gov.ph)

Art Forms from the Regions

Major Art Galleries in Luzon:

 Christine’s Art Gallery – Baguio City
 Café by the Ruins – Baguio City
 Anita Gallery - Casa San Miguel, San Antonio, San Miguel, Zambales
 Surrounded by Water Gallery, and Balao-Balao Restaurant and Gallery – Angono, Rizal
 Blueridge Gallery – Tagaytay City
 Ka Lui Restaurant, and Galeri Kamarikutan - Puerto Princesa City

Major Art Galleries in Visayas:

 Casa Gorordo – Cebu City
 CAP Art Center and President Sergio Osmena Sr. Memorabilia – Cebu City
 SM Art Center – SM City Cebu
 Mariyah Gallery - Dumaguete City
 Phinma Gallery – Bacolod City
 Museo Iloilo – Iloilo City
 CAP Center - Tacloban City
 Leyte SME Center

Major Art Galleries in Mindanao

 Genluna Art Gallery – Davao City
 Recuerdos Gallery – Zamboanga City
 Cotabato Art Gallery in the Premises of Notre Dame University – Cotabato City

Support Systems of Philippine Art

1. National Commission for Culture and the Arts

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts is the overall policy making body, coordinating and
grants giving agency for the preservation, development and promotion of Philippine arts and culture; and an
executing agency for the policies it formulates (Dumandan, 2019).

2. Cultural Center of the Philippines

The mission of the Cultural Center of the Philippines is the leading institution for the arts and culture in the
Philippines by promoting artistic excellence and nurturing the broadest publics to participate in art making and
appreciation (Dumandan, 2019).

3. National Museum
The National Museum is an educational, scientific, and cultural institution that acquires, documents,
preserves, exhibits, and fosters scholarly study and public appreciation of works of art, specimens, and cultural
and historical artifacts representative of the unique cultural heritage of the Filipino people and the natural
history of the Philippines (Dumandan, 2019).

4. Metropolitan Museum of the Philippines

The Metropolitan Museum of Manila is one of the major museums in the Philippines. The museum was
among the first to develop and extend its audience by embracing the philosophy of art for all, adopt a bilingual
approach in exhibition texts and implement a vigorous education and community outreach program.

5. Ben Cab Museum

The Ben Cab Museum houses the permanent collection of Philippine National Artist Benedicto Cabrera
(Ben Cab) in several galleries, as well as venues for art shows and exhibitions. The Bencab Museum is
committed to the promotion of arts and the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and
culture and traditions of the Cordilleras.

6. Art Fair Philippines

Art Fair Philippines is the premier platform for exhibiting and selling the best in modern and contemporary
Philippine visual art. The fair aims to mirror the vibrant local art scene and continue to generate support for
Filipino art practitioners (Dumandan, 2019).

7. ManilART
ManilART is the Philippines' premier international art fair. It showcases the best in contemporary visual arts
for the development and promotion of Filipino art and culture locally and internationally. ManilART elevates
the standards and celebrates the dynamic Philippine art scene through various art exhibitions connecting world
class artists, institutions, and the community.
8. Finale Art File
Finale Art File is considered as a premier gallery institution in the Philippines. It showcased hundreds of
exhibits by some of the most talented names in contemporary visual arts. It has successfully balanced the
demands of a commercial establishment and an artistic venue. This gallery occasionally features experimental
works that push artistic boundaries and challenge audience expectation (Dumandan, 2019).

9. Kublai Art Gallery and Davao Contemporary

The Kublai Art Gallery and Davao Contemporary Art Gallery is a unique cultural expression of Davao’s
visual artists. The gallery showcases various works by Mindanao’s famed artist Kublai Ponce-Millan, as well as
different artists from the city (Dumandan, 2019).

10. Thirteen Artists Awards

The Thirteen Artists Awards mark the turnings in and of Philippine contemporary art, to update its
modernizing potential and to assess how artists today engage with other forces in the art world (Dumandan,
2019).

A. Readings

2018 National Artists and Their Promotions in their Artworks

National Artists Art Forms Promotions of their Artworks

Lauro “Larry” Alcala Visual Arts His most iconic series, A Sip of Life was spread
across the pages of various newspapers and
magazines all over the country of decades.
Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio Theatre & Literature One of her notable play is “Sita & Rama: Papet
Ramayana,” staged at the 2006 Kaohsiung Country
International Puppet Festival in Taiwan
Ryan Cayabyab Music He won several international music festival
competitions
Francisco T. Mañosa Architecture and Allied A series of exhibits on his works at the National
Arts Museum of the Philippines
Resil B. Mojares Literature He networked actively in many organizations.
Ramon Muzones Literature He wrote more than 60 novels, most of them
serialized in Hiligaynon magazine and other
regional publications where they were avidly read
by thousands.

There are a lot of traditional ways on promoting, preserving, and maintaining artworks depending on the
art forms. Literature is promoted through publishing using books, magazines, and newspapers; theater and
dance promoted by playing and performing on stage; architecture and visual arts promoted through exhibitions
and gallery representations.
As time goes by, in emerging markets of technology, promotions become easy through posting your
artworks on the internet. Not only Filipino citizens can reach your artworks but also other citizens across the
world. When your artworks become popular across the world, it can be a big point to be selected not only as
National Artist but internationally. To become a National Artist in the Philippines, you should meet the set
standards or criteria for selection.

B. Examples

Here are some examples on how to promote artworks:

1. Online Promotion
Using technology, digital promotion is very in demand nowadays. There are a lot of different ways in
digital promotion such as starting a blog, joining social media network, creating your own videos, guest posting
on other blogs, joining open forums, publishing free eBooks, submitting your blog posts to article directories,
and making comments on other art blogs.
 Mandalla Meadow Blog
https://tinyurl.com/5n7e83sv

2. Look for Gallery Representation

There are a lot of museums across the region where you can display your artworks such as Negros
Museum (Region VI), University of Nueva Caceres Museum (Region V Bicol Region), Museo de Oro (Region
X), Museo Dabawenyo (Region XI), General Paulino Santos Museum (Autonomous Region in Muslim
Mindanao – ARMM), BenCab Museum (Cordillera Administrative Region - CAR), Metropolitan Museum of
Manila (NCR)

Underground art gallery

https://tinyurl.com/yckkpbab

3. Joining Arts Competition

Arts competition helps you showcase and promote your artworks with different artists. It also helps you
enhance your artworks through the experts’ feedback about your works.

2017 Philippine Art Fair

https://tinyurl.com/2s3ad3d4