CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ART FROM THE REGIONS REVIEWER

MODULE 1: LOCAL MATERIALS USED

Local
Material Definition Source Example of Art Used

T'nalak cloth (South

Fiber extracted from the leaf sheath of the Mainly cultivated in the Cotabato), Sinamay
abaca plant (Musa textilis), known for its Bicol region, Visayas, fabric, bags, hats, mats,
Abaca strength and durability. and Mindanao. ropes.

Thin, fibrous material obtained from the

bark of certain tree species, commonly Various regions across Handmade paper, textile
used in papermaking and textile the Philippines, notably products such as clothing
Bakbak production. Luzon and Mindanao. and accessories.

Fast-growing woody grass with a hollow Musical instruments

stem, valued for its versatility and Abundant in forests and (e.g., kulintang, kubing),
sustainability in various industries rural areas throughout furniture, sculptures,
Bamboo including construction, crafts, and art. the Philippines. handicrafts.

Fine fiber extracted from the stalk of the Mainly sourced from the
Buri palm (Corypha utan), renowned for its Bicol region, particularly Buntal hats (salakot),
flexibility and luster, commonly used in Albay and Camarines bags, mats, fans,
Buntal weaving and hat making. Sur. accessories.

Palm tree native to the Philippines,

yielding strong and durable fibers used in Found in abundance in
various traditional handicrafts and weaving regions like Bicol, Bags, hats, fans, mats,
Buri practices. Visayas, and Mindanao. baskets, decorations.

Fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts

(Cocos nucifera), characterized by its Coconut-producing Coir ropes, mats,
resilience and water-resistant properties, regions such as Bicol, brushes, upholstery
Coir widely utilized in rope and mat production. Quezon, and Samar. stuffing.

Vine-like plant endemic to the Philippines, Found in forests and Nito baskets, trays,
valued for its strength and flexibility, rural areas across the placemats, furniture
Nito commonly used in weaving and basketry. archipelago. accents.

Indigenous plant species with long, narrow Commonly cultivated in

leaves, prized for its suitability in weaving the Visayas and Pandan bags, mats, hats,
Pandanan intricate patterns and designs. Mindanao regions. fans, accessories.

Climbing palm species renowned for its

strength and flexibility, extensively utilized Indigenous to tropical Rattan furniture, baskets,
in furniture making and various regions including the trays, lampshades,
Rattan handicrafts. Philippines. decor.

Grass-like plant species known for its

pliability and durability, typically found in Grows abundantly in
marshy areas and utilized in weaving marshlands across the Tikog mats, bags, hats,
Tikog traditional items. Visayas region. table runners, wall decor.
Local:
"Local" refers to anything that originates from or is characteristic of a particular place or region. In the
context of art, "local" typically denotes materials, techniques, motifs, or cultural elements that are
indigenous to a specific area within the Philippines. These may include materials sourced locally, traditional
artistic practices, or cultural symbols that are deeply rooted in the heritage of Filipino communities.
Local Materials Used in Art in the Philippines:
Local materials used in art in the Philippines are those derived from the country's natural resources and are
integral to the creation of artworks that reflect Filipino culture and identity. These materials are often
sourced locally, processed using traditional methods, and employed in various artistic disciplines such as
painting, sculpture, weaving, pottery, and basketry. Examples of local materials used in Philippine art
include:
1. Abaca (Manila Hemp): A fiber extracted from the leaf sheath of the abaca plant, used in weaving
textiles, bags, hats, mats, and ropes.
2. Bamboo: A versatile and sustainable material with a hollow stem, used in crafting traditional
musical instruments, furniture, sculptures, and household items.
3. Buri: Fine fiber extracted from the stalk of the Buri palm, used in weaving hats, bags, fans, mats,
and decorative items.
4. Coir: Fiber extracted from the husk of coconuts, used in making ropes, mats, brushes, and
upholstery stuffing.
5. Nito: Vine-like plant used in weaving baskets, trays, placemats, and furniture accents.
6. Rattan: Flexible vine-like plant used in making furniture, baskets, trays, lampshades, and
handicrafts.
7. Tikog: Grass-like plant used in weaving mats, bags, hats, table runners, and wall decor.
8. Clay: Used in traditional pottery making, producing earthenware pots, vases, jars, and decorative
ceramics.
9. Natural Dyes: Extracted from plants, insects, or minerals, used to color textiles and other artworks,
preserving traditional dyeing techniques.
10. Indigenous Plants: Various plants such as pandan, coconut leaves, and banana fibers are used in
weaving, basketry, and textile production.
These local materials not only serve as mediums for artistic expression but also embody the cultural
heritage and sustainable practices of Filipino artisans throughout history. They contribute to the uniqueness
and authenticity of Philippine art, reflecting the diverse traditions and creativity of its people.
MODULE 2: TRADITIONAL TECHNIQUES
1. Definition of Technique:
• Technique refers to the manner in which artists use and manipulate materials to achieve
desired formal effects and communicate concepts or meanings, often reflecting personal style.
2. Distinctive Nature of Medium:
• The distinctive character or nature of the medium determines the technique. For instance,
stone is chiseled, wood is carved, clay is molded and shaped, metal is cast, and thread is
woven.
3. Significance in the Philippines:
• Traditional techniques play a significant role in various forms of Philippine arts, including
painting, sculpture, dance, architecture, music, and textile production.
 • They serve as a source of pride for Filipinos, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage
and artistic traditions.
4. Examples of Traditional Techniques:
• Wood Carving:
• Encompasses various methods of shaping wood into aesthetic objects.
• Prominent in Philippine arts, reflecting intricate designs and cultural motifs.
• Molding:
• Involves shaping liquid or pliable materials such as clay.
• Traditional pottery making in the Philippines is a prime example, with techniques
passed down through generations.
• Fabric Weaving:
• Method of textile production involving interlacing yarns or threads.
• Hand-weaving techniques are prevalent in the Philippines, producing textiles with
cultural significance and historical value.
• Basketry Technique:
• Encompasses coiling, plaiting, wickering, and twining methods.
• Utilizes various raw materials such as rattan, abaca, nito, tikog, buri, bamboo, and
pandan.
Table Form:

Traditional Significance in Philippine

Technique Definition Arts Examples

Encompasses methods of Prominent in Philippine arts,

shaping wood into aesthetic contributing to the creation of Carved religious icons, intricate
Wood objects, reflecting intricate sculptures, furniture, and wooden furniture, decorative
Carving designs and cultural motifs. architectural details. panels.

Traditional pottery making in

Involves shaping liquid or the Philippines is a significant Earthenware pots, vases, jars,
pliable materials like clay, art form, with techniques and decorative ceramics
preserving traditional pottery passed down through adorned with incised designs
Molding making techniques. generations. and patterns.

Hand-weaving techniques are

Method of textile production prevalent in the Philippines, Inabel fabric, T'nalak cloth,
involving interlacing yarns or contributing to the creation of handwoven textiles with
Fabric threads, producing textiles traditional garments and intricate patterns and designs
Weaving with cultural significance. textiles. reflecting regional cultures.

Basketry is a traditional craft Coiled baskets, plaited mats,

Encompasses coiling, in the Philippines, producing twined containers, utilizing
plaiting, wickering, and functional and decorative materials such as rattan,
Basketry twining methods, utilizing items using indigenous abaca, nito, tikog, buri,
Technique various raw materials. materials. bamboo, and pandan leaves
MODULE 3: ART CRTIQUING
1. Definition of Critiquing and Criticizing:
• Critiquing: The systematic evaluation of artworks or artistic elements, focusing on strengths,
weaknesses, and areas for improvement, with the aim of providing constructive feedback.
• Criticizing: The act of expressing negative judgments or opinions without offering constructive
analysis or suggestions for improvement.
Critiquing available materials and appropriate techniques involves systematically evaluating the suitability,
effectiveness, and practicality of the materials and techniques chosen for an artistic endeavor. This process
aims to assess whether the selected materials and techniques align with the artist's creative vision,
conceptual goals, and intended artistic outcomes. Critiquing in this context involves a thorough examination
of various factors, including the availability, accessibility, affordability, appropriateness, mastery, and
practicality of the materials and techniques used. It also entails providing constructive feedback and
suggestions for improvement to enhance the quality and impact of the artwork. Overall, critiquing available
materials and appropriate techniques is essential for artists to make informed decisions, refine their artistic
practice, and create meaningful and impactful artworks.
2. Critiquing Available Art Materials:
• Availability: Examining the range and accessibility of materials necessary for artistic
endeavors. This includes considering factors such as local availability, seasonal variations,
and the impact of economic or environmental factors on procurement.
• Accessibility: Assessing the ease with which artists can obtain materials. This involves
evaluating factors such as geographical location, socioeconomic status, cultural barriers, and
the inclusivity of supply chains.
• Affordability: Analyzing the cost-effectiveness of materials in relation to artists' budgets and
financial resources. It involves considering the price, durability, and longevity of materials, as
well as the availability of alternatives for artists with limited financial means.
3. Critiquing Appropriate Art Techniques:
• Appropriateness: Evaluating whether the chosen techniques align with the artist's conceptual
goals and aesthetic intentions. This involves considering the cultural, historical, and contextual
relevance of techniques to the artwork's themes and narratives.
• Mastery: Assessing the artist's level of proficiency and technical skill in executing chosen
techniques. This includes evaluating factors such as craftsmanship, precision, innovation, and
the ability to adapt techniques to suit artistic objectives.
• Practicality: Determining the feasibility and logistical considerations associated with selected
techniques. This involves assessing factors such as time constraints, material constraints,
environmental impact, and the scalability of techniques for large-scale or long-term projects.
4. Summary:
• Critiquing available materials and appropriate techniques in art involves a multifaceted
process that encompasses considerations of availability, accessibility, affordability,
appropriateness, mastery, and practicality. By engaging critically with these aspects, artists
can make informed decisions, enhance their creative practice, and contribute meaningfully to
the discourse of Philippine art.
Table Form:

Aspect Description

Definition of
Critiquing: Systematic evaluation of artworks for constructive feedback.
Critiquing and
Criticizing Criticizing: Expressing negative judgments without constructive analysis.

Availability: Examination of material accessibility and local availability.

Accessibility: Assessment of ease in material procurement considering geographical,
Critiquing
socioeconomic, and cultural factors.
Available Art
Materials Affordability: Analysis of cost-effectiveness and financial accessibility of materials.

Appropriateness: Evaluation of technique suitability for artistic goals and thematic

relevance
Mastery: Assessment of artist's skill level and technical proficiency.
Critiquing
Appropriate Art Practicality: Consideration of logistical feasibility and environmental impact of chosen
Techniques techniques.

Module 4: CONCEPTUALIZING CONTEMPORARY ART BASED ON LOCAL TECHNOQUES AND

PRACTICES

Contemporary Art Techniques and Productions

Introduction
• Techniques and productions are integral to art creation, especially in the context of contemporary art.
• In Bukidnon province, artists often blend traditional techniques with modern innovations to create
unique artworks.
Examples of Local Materials
• Tinikling Bamboo Weaving: Utilizing bamboo strips to create intricate patterns, commonly used in
indigenous dances.
• Binanog Feather Art: Incorporating feathers from local birds into artworks, reflecting indigenous
cultural motifs.
• T'boli T'nalak Weaving: Employing abaca fibers to produce geometric designs in traditional T'boli
textiles.
• Higaonon Woodcarving: Crafting intricate sculptures and functional items from native hardwoods,
showcasing indigenous craftsmanship.
• Kaamulan Beadwork: Using colorful beads to adorn garments and accessories, symbolizing cultural
identity and heritage.
• Banig Mats: Weaving natural fibers into mats and baskets, showcasing the community's skill in
traditional craftsmanship.
• Waway Saway's Soil Painting: Waway Saway, a local artist, explores innovative techniques by using
soil as a medium for his paintings, reflecting the connection between art and the environment.
Discussing New Concepts
• Mixed-Media Sculpture: Integrating various materials such as wood, metal, and found objects to
create sculptural artworks.
• Street Mural Art: Transforming public spaces with large-scale paintings, reflecting local culture and
social issues.
• Digital Photography: Using digital cameras to capture and manipulate images, allowing for new
forms of artistic expression.
• Performance Art: Engaging in live performances that combine elements of theater, dance, and visual
arts to convey messages and emotions.
• Installation Art: Creating immersive environments using found objects and materials to evoke
specific experiences and meanings.

New Concept Description

Mixed-Media Integrating various materials such as wood, metal, and found objects to create
Sculpture sculptural artworks.

Transforming public spaces with large-scale paintings, reflecting local culture and
Street Mural Art social issues.

Digital Using digital cameras to capture and manipulate images, allowing for new forms of
Photography artistic expression.

Engaging in live performances that combine elements of theater, dance, and visual
Performance Art arts to convey messages and emotions.

Creating immersive environments using found objects and materials to evoke specific
Installation Art experiences and meanings.

• Contemporary artists in Bukidnon often utilize local materials such as bamboo, feathers, and natural
fibers in their artworks, reflecting indigenous cultural traditions.
• Techniques and productions are intertwined in the creative process, with artists carefully planning and
experimenting with materials to achieve their desired artistic outcomes.
• By exploring new concepts such as mixed-media sculpture and street mural art, artists in Bukidnon
can further expand their artistic repertoire while staying connected to their cultural roots.
Conclusion
• Encourage artists in Bukidnon to experiment with new techniques while honoring their cultural
heritage.
• Promote the fusion of traditional and contemporary elements to create artworks that resonate with
local and global audiences.