CONTEMPORARY ART

- is an art made and produced by artists living today.

- today’s artists work in and respond to a global environment that is culturally diverse, technologically
advanced and multifaceted (J. Paul Getty Museum)

- is a continuing practice that has evolved with the following new elements and principles:

Appropriation – revival of interest to existing art forms by contemporary artists

Example:

- when you see T-shirts with the image of Jose Rizal wearing shades or the walls of Intramuros in canvas
bags, existing artworks are “appropriated” to form another artwork. The use of these prints , images,
and icons to produce another art form is a feature of contemporary art that combines the past with the
present.

Performance - “emphasize spontaneous unpredictable elements of chance” (Walker Art Center )

Performance artists have tried to interpret various human activities (chores, routines and rituals) to
socially relevant themes such as poverty, commercialism, war.

Space – art form is performed and positioned in specific spots, especially in public places

example: flash mob, sculpture installations in malls and parks

Hybridity – is the mixing of unlikely materials to produce an artwork.

Technology – through video posting, sharing, and even live streaming, people from the different part
and all over the world can share and enjoy art

PHILIPPINE CONTEMPORARY ART

Contemporary art allows Filipino artists to portray the subject and the medium in innovation and skillful
ways, reflecting Filipino identity.

Philippine contemporary art can be found even in the most unsuspecting places. It cannot be reduced to
conventional notions of space and medium.

CONTEMPORARY ART PRODUCTION

Architecture – mixture of the old and the new architecture

Literature

– writer Roland Tolentino describes that the Filipino writing in today’s world contains the diasporic
experience and the incorporation of both the rural and the urban experience
- writers have also explored the western genre and have produced legitimate texts on prose poetry,
flash fiction, magic realism, science fiction

- Dean Francis Alfar, an award-winning writer, poneered the speculative fiction movement and has been
publishing the Philippine Speculative Fiction series

- Flash Fiction – stories of 1 000 words or less has been gaining interests among writers

- publication of Vince Goryon’s Very Short Stories for Harried Readers

- Anvil Publishing’s Fast Food Fiction Delivery

- in 2008, Miguel Syjuco bagged the Man Asian Literary Prize for the novel Ilustrado

- Marivi Soliven published her novel The Mango Bride in 2013 under Penguin Books

- Sophia Lee won the 2014 Scholastic Asian Book Award for her novel What Things Mean

Theater

- contemporary Philippine Theater is still alive despite the dominance of television, movies, and the
internet
- Tanghalang Pilipino and the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) annually stage
memorable productions

PETA – founded in 1967 (Cecile Guidote-Alvarez) advocates the use of Filipino Theater in
inspiring change and development in society
- is composed of dedicated “artists-teacher-cultural workers” who strive for artistic
excellence
- volunteers work to promote the transformative power of theater through its production
of performances and workshops
- now in its 57th year

TANGHALANG PILIPINO - established in 1987, is the resident drama company of Cultural Center
of the Philippines (CCP)
- with its 15 seasons and 114 productions, it is the most attended
among the CCP’s resident companies
- distinct in its offering is its challenge to the commitment of the Filipino
to justice, truth, and patriotism
- continues to push Philippine theater to artistic and professional
excellence through the development and education of actors,
writers, directors, and technical staff
VIRGIN LABFEST – created in 2004, is a playwright’s festival of untried, untested, and
unpublished plays
- a collaboration of the National Center for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), CCP,
Tanghalang Pilipino, and the Manila-based playwrights group
The Writer’ Block
 OTHER THEATER GROUS
- Gantimpala Theater Foundation, Ballet Philippines
- private companies like 9Works Theatrical, Atlantis Productions, Repertory Philippines,
and Concertus Manila
- universities have their own theater companies like Dulaang UP in Diliman, Ateneo Blue
Repertory (ADMU), and Teatro Tomasino (UST)

Visual Arts

- expression of personal feelings and perspectives

- the influence of radical and modern art movements in Europe and the Americas have penetrated the
Philippine arts scene with the proliferation of installation and experimental art

- the institutionalization of museums and galleries have also revitalized the Philippine art scene

- The pilipinas Shell Foundation Inc. has been recognizing young talents in the visual arts for almost half
a century - winners like:

- Jose Joya, Benedicto “Bencab” Cabrera and Ang Kiukok

- notable works of art which is a reflection of social and environmental issues:

-Child Trafficking (Leomar Conejos),

- Juan’s Struggle sa Mundong Nobody’s Perfect (Ferd Angelo Failano),

- Tragic Bangus (Rene Sibulangcal – digital art), and

- Bandilang di Tumutumba (Melvin Anglaser)

ART PROMOTIONS and PRESERVATION

Art is a national heritage that is essential in building the nation and ensuring democracy. Paintings,
sculptures, songs, dances, poetry and other forms of art remind people of the origins, histories,
struggles and triumphs of the nation.

Executive Order #118 created the Presidential Commission on Culture and the Arts in 1987 (during the
Corazon Aquino Administration) and after 5 years, the Republic Act 7356 established the National
Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)

- is the country’s “overall policy making body, coordinating, and grants giving agency for the
preservation, development, and promotion of Philippine arts and culture.” Through its committees and
subcommittees, ensures that the interests of various regions are represented.
6 ARTS & CULTURAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES under NCCA

1. Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)

2. National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)

3. National Musuem of the Philippines (NMP)

4. National Library of the Philippines (NLP)

5. The National Archives of the Philippines (TNAP)

6. Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF)

THE NATIONAL ARTIST INSIGNA

- is a grand collar adorned by circular links representing the arts

- the main medallion commemorates the sun and the colors of the Philippine flag

- 3 letter K stand for katotohanan, kabutihan, kagandahan (the true, the good, and the beautiful)

- the honor of being part of the Order of National Artists are those talented Filipino artists in the fields of
music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, film, broadcast arts, and architecture

LIST of the NATIONAL ARTIST AWARDEES

YEAR AWARDEE CATEGORY NOTES

1972 Fernando C. Amorsolo Visual Arts - Painting posthumous conferment
Francisca Reyes-Aquino Dance
Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco Visual Arts - Painting posthumous conferment
Amado V. Hernandez Literature posthumous conferment
1973 Antonio J. Molina Music
Juan Nakpil Architecture
Guillermo E. Tolentino Visual Arts – Sculpture
Jose Garcia Villabuevaa Literature
Napoleon V. Abueva Visual Arts – Sculpture
Leonor Orosa-Goquingco Dance
Nick Joaquin Literature
1976
Jovita Fuentes Music
Victorio C. Edades Visual Arts - Painting
Pablo Antonio Architecture posthumous conferment
1981 Vicente S. Manansala Visual Arts - Painting posthumous conferment
Carlos P. Romulo Literature
1982
Gerardo de Leon Film posthumous conferment
1987 Honorata “Atang” de la Rama Theater & Music
Antonio R. Buenaventura Music
1988
Lucrecia Reyes Urtula Dance
1989 Lucrecia R. Kasilag Music
Francisco Arcellana Literature
1990 Cesar Legaspi Visual Arts – Painting
Leandro V. Locsin Architecture
Hernando R. Ocampo Visual Arts – Painting
1991
Lucio D. San Pedro Music
Lino Broka Film posthumous conferment
Felipe Padilla de Leon Music posthumous conferment
Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater posthumous conferment
Rolando S. Tinio Theater & Literature posthumous conferment
1997 N.V.M. Gonzalez Literature posthumous conferment
Levi Celerio Music & Literature
Arturo R. Luz Visual Arts - Painting
Jose Maceda Music
Carlos Quirino Historical Literature
J. Elizalde Navarro Visual Arts - Painting posthumous conferment
Ernani Jososn Cuenco Music
1999 Andrea O. Veneracion Music
Edith L. Tiempo Literature
Daisy Avellana Theater
Ishmael Bernal Film posthumous conferment
Severino Montano Theater posthumous conferment
2001
F. Sionil Jose Literature
Ang Kiukok Visual Arts - Painting
Jose T. Joya Visual Arts - Painting posthumous conferment
Virgilio S. Almario Literature
2003 Alejandro R. Roces Literature
Eddie S. Romero Film & Broadcast Arts
Salvador F. Bernal Theater & Design
BenCab Visual Arts - Painting
Abdulmari Asia Imao Visual Arts - Sculpture
Bienvenido Lumbera Literature
2006 Ramon Obusan Dance
I. P. Santos Architecture – Landscape
Fernando Poe, Jr. Film posthumous conferment
Ramon Valera Architecture posthumous conferment
Manuel Conde Film & Broadcast Arts posthumous conferment
Lazaro Francisco Literature posthumous conferment
2009
Visual – Painting,
Federico Aguilar Alcuaz posthumous conferment
Sculpture, Mixed Media
Alice Reyes Dance
Francisco Coching Visual Arts posthumous conferment
Cirilo F. Bautista Literature
2014
Francisco Feliciano Music
Ramon Santos Music
Jose Marie Zaragoza Architecture
THE NATIONAL ARTISTS of the PHILIPPINES for LITERATURE

The Philippines has an immense literary tradition that reflects the country’s history. The Philippines has
a rich collection of fables, legends and myths from different regions. The babaylan, the early healers,
used chants to please the supernatural beings or spirits to bestow good health and fortune in the home
and the fields.

Spaniards - they introduced Christianity and used literature to colonized the people and the country.

Americans – English was introduced and Filipinos have grown adept in the usage of the language

The following are the most talented and most influential writers who have received the greatest honor
for their significant contributions to Philippine Literature:

1. Francisco Arcellana (1916-2002) – YC: 1990

2. N.V.M. Gonzalez (1915-1999) – YC: 1997

3. Nick Joaquin (1917-2004) – YC: 1976

4. F. Sionil Jose (1924 - ) – YC: 2001

5. Jose Garcia Villa (1908-1997) – YC: 1973

6. Edith L. Tiempo (1919-2011) –YC: 1999

7. Virgilio S. Almario (1944 - ) – YC: 2003

8. Amado V. Hernandez (1903-1970) – YC: 1973

9. Carlos P. Romulo (1898-1985) – YC: 1982

10. Carlos L. Aquino (1910-1999) – YC: 1997

11. Alejandro R. Roces (1924-2011) – YC: 2003

12. Lazaro Francisco (1898-1980) – YC: 2009

13. Bienvenido Lumbera (1932 - ) – YC: 2006

14. Cirilo F. Bautista (1941 - ) – YC: 2014

THE NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES for ARCHITECTURE

Philippine architecture is unique in that it reflects its cultural heritage and the demand to adapt to its
environment. Surveying the architectural styles in the country reveals varieties that range from
traditional Filipino dwelling, the bahay kubo, which is a small one-room hut built using light woven
materials, to modern and stylish architectural designs that you usually see in urbanized areas. During
300 years of Spanish colonization, architecture in the country was subjected to Spanish influences. The
friars built several grand churches allover the country that continue to stand today.

The following are some of the best Filipino architects that have paved the way for creative design and
have become leaders in this form of artistry:

1. Pablo S. Antonio (1901-1975) – YC: 1976

2. Keandro V. Locsin (1928-1994) – YC: 1990

3. Juan F. Nakpil (1899-1986) – YC: 1973

4. Ildefonso P. Santos. Jr. (1929-2014) – YC: 2006

5. Jose Maria Zaragoza (1912-1994) – YC: 2014

THE NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES for FILM

On Jan. 1, 1897, the Philippines experienced its first movies shown in Salon de Pertierra on Escolta
Street using a Gaumont Chrono-photograph projector (60 mm) envisioned by a Spaniard named
Pertierra:

1. Un homme au chapeau (Man with a Hat)

2. Une scene de danse Japonaise (Scene from a Japanese Dance)

3. Les Boxers (The Boxers)

4. La place de’l opera (The Place of L’Opera)

In 1898, the first movie shot in the country happened by Antonio Ramos using a Lumiere Cinematograph
imported from Paris. The following shots are:

1. Panorama de Manila (Manila Landscape)

2. Fiesta de Quiapo (Quiapo Fiesta)

3. Puente de España (Bridge of Spain)

4. Esceñas Callejeras (Street Scenes)

Here are the national artists in the film category:

1. Lino Brocka (1939-1991) – YC: 1997

2. Ishmael Bernal (1938-1996) – YC – 2001

3. Gerardo “Gerry” De Leon (1913 -1981) – YC: 1982

4. Fernando Poe Jr. (1939-2004) – YC: 2006

5. Eddie s. Romero (1924-2013) – YC: 2003

THE NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES for VISUAL ARTS

Visual arts in the Philippines can be characterized as a mixture of western and native cultural influences.
When the Spaniards invaded the country, the friars were the ones who introduced the western styles of
Painting and carving. in which the Theme was mainly religious. All over the country, churches have
become informal museums where painting and statues abound.

1. Napoleon Abueva (1930 - ) – YC: 1976

2. Ang Kiukok (1931-2005) – YC: 2001

3. Victorio C. Edades (1895-1985) – YC: 1976

4. Cesar Legaspi (1917-1994) – YC: 1990

5. Vicente S. Manansala (1910-1981) – YC: 1981

6. Hernando R. Ocampo (1911-1978) – YC: 1991

7. Fernando C. Amorsolo (1892-1972) – YC: 1972

8. Carlos “Botong” V. Francisco (1912-1969) – YC: 1973

9. Arturo “Art” R. Luz (1926- ) – YC: 1997

10. J. Elizalde Navarro (1924-1999) – YC: 1999

11. Guillermo E. Tolentino (1890-1976) – YC: 1973

12. Jose T. Joya (1931-1995) – YC: 2003

13. Benedicto “Bencab” R. Cabrera (1942- ) – YC: 2006

14. Abdulmari Asia Imao (1936-2014) YC: 2006

15. Francisco Coching (1919-1998) – YC: 2001

THE NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES for DANCE

Dance scholar B.E.S. Villaruz states that the diversity of Philippine dances, as manifested in different
dynamics and forms, grew out of the various contexts and experiences of the people. It explains the
movement and choreography are based on the different environments in the archipelago.

Tinikling

– oldest dance in the country; derived from the movements of the tinikling bird as it wanders on grass
stems and crushes several branches of trees
Other dances in the country:

1. Binasuan

2. Cariñosa – courtship dance; derived from the Spanish words that means “the loving” or
“affectionate one”; closely associated with the Panay islands in the
Visayas region and is said to have Hispanic origin.

3. Pandanggo sa Ilaw

4. Maglalatik

Mindanao – home to the majority of the Muslims; known for spirituality, royalty, and splendor

Muslim dances are characterized y colorful and elaborate costumes as well as precise and regal
movements. Their most popular dances are: Pangalay, Burung Talo, and Asik.

Here are the national artists for dance:

1. Francisca R. Aquino (1899-1983) – YC: 1973

2. Leonor R. Goquingco (1917-2005) – YC: 1976

3. Ramon Obusan (1938-2006) – YC: 2006

4. Lucrecia Reyes Urtula (1929-199) – YC: 1988

5. Alice Reyes (1942- ) – YC: 2014

THE NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES for MUSIC

Early Philippine music was instrumental and vocal in form. Corazon Canave-Dioquino, however,
subsequent reports made by friars, civil servants and travelers identified that it is more on the use of
instruments like “gongs of various kinds of size and shapes, drums, flutes of different types, zithers,
lutes, clappers, and buzzers. As for vocal music, she enumerated “epics relating genealogies and exploits
of heroes and gods; work songs related to planting, harvesting, fishing; ritual songs to drive away evil
spirits; songs to celebrate festive occasions particularly marriage. birth, victory at war, or the settling of
tribal disputes; mourning songs for the dead, courting songs; and children’s game songs. She described
Philippine music as “religious music connected to and outside the Catholic liturgy and a European-
inspired secular music adapted by the Filipinos and reflected in their folk songs and instrumental music.
Philippine contemporary music is heavily influenced by the West because of colonization.

Here are the national artists for music:

1. Antonino R. Buenaventura (1904-1996) – YC: 1988

2. Ernani J. Cuenco (1936-1988) – YC: 1999

3. Jovita Fuentes (1895-1978) – YC: 1976

4. Jose Maceda 9 1917-2004) – YC: 1997

5. Lucio D. San Pedro (1913-2002) – YC: 1991

6. Levi Celerio (1910-2002) – YC: 1997

7. Felipe Padilla de Leon (1912-1992) – YC: 1991

8. Lucrecia R. Kasilag (1917-2008) – YC: 1989

9. Antonio J. Molina (1894-1980) – YC: 1973

10. Andrea O. Veneracion (1928-2013) – YC: 1999

11. Francisco Feliciano (1941-2014) – YC: 2014

THE NATIONAL ARTISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES for THEATER

According to the theater and culture scholar Doreen Fernandez, the Philippine dramatic tradition has its
roots in the rituals and ceremonies of precolonial Filipinos. The way they performed offerings to their
gods and held communal celebrations were already dramatic performances.

Colonization brought many forms of drama and theater; from the religious-themed cenaculo and moro-
moro, to the zarzuela, a traditional Spanish one-act comic opera and the American entertainment, and
the vaudeville, a stage performance that consists of various play acts. Many forms and innovations in
Philippine drama and theater were brought by colonization.

Here are the national artists for theater:

1. Daisy Avellana (1917-2013) – YC: 1999

2. Honorata “Atang” de la Rama (1905-1991) – YC: 1987

3. Rolando S. Tinio (1937-1997) – YC: 1997

4. Salvador F. Bernal (1945-2011) – YC: 2003

5. Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (1911-1995) – YC: 1997

6. Severino Montano (1915-1980) – YC: 2001