MIDTERM NOTES FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTS

ART FORMS IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. Music – art form that appeals to the sense of hearing, composed by combining
notes into harmony
2. Literature – art form of language through the combined use of words, creating
meaning and experience
3. Theater – art form of performance. Dramatic text is portrayed on stage by actors
and actresses and enhance by props, lights and sounds. Form of art in which
artist use their voices and their bodies, often in relation to other objects, to
convey artistic expression.
4. Film – a technological translation of theater, special effects are utilized to
enhance the story telling.
5. Dance - body form, body is used, mobilized and choreographed in a specific
time, form and space.
6. Architecture, design and allied arts – structure that meant to be used as shelter,
its arts relies on the design and purpose of the structure.
7. Visual – artwork such as painting, or sculpture that appeals primarily to the visual
sense and typically exist in the permanent form.
PHILIPPINES
Has a diverse art forms from its different regions. These are forms, when
integrated, give a clear picture of how abundant the culture and tradition of the
Philippines. As Filipino, we should have the knowledge about the art forms in the
Philippines to fully understand the culture, tradition and nation’s identity.

3 MAJOY TRADITION IN THE PHILIPPINES

1. ETHNIC TRADITION
Artforms are primarily influenced by the geographical locations and
experiences of the Filipinos. Art reflected to pagan beliefs and practices,
everyday practices and specific decorative art pattern to the community.
 Angono Petroglyphs
o Situated in Binangonan, Rizal. Discovered by the National Artist,
Carlos “Botong” Francisco, in 1965. There are 127 huma and
animal figures engraved on the rock wall dated back to circa late
Neolithic.
 Manunggul Jar
o A secondary burial jar excavated from a Neolithic burial site in
Manunggul Cave, Lipuun Point, Palawan in early 1960’s. it is a
burial jar which signifies of early Filipino in life after death.
 Banga Dance
o Means literally pot. This dance is a performance of Kalinga of the
Mountain Province of the Philippines. This dance shows the
elegance grace of Igorot tribe and the skill and strength of women.
2. SPANIARD COLONIAL TRADITION
Art forms are primarily influenced by religion and secularization. In this
time, Spaniards used arts to propagate the Catholic faith.
 Langit, Lupa at Impyerno
 o Wall painting that will be found in ST. James the Apostle Church in
Paete, Laguna. This painting was dated 1850 and depicts the
heaven, crucifixion of Christ; earth. Adan and Eve’ and hell, sinner
with different transgressions.
 St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
o Located in Burgos, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. The original structure
was built in 1574 and replaced as a church in 1641. The cathedral
follows a Baroque (Western art) architectural design.
3. AMERICAN COLONIAL AND CONTEMPORARY ARTS TRADITION
a. Modern Art
Refers to the practice of art from 1860’s to 1960s. The main theme
of art works in this time is national identity
The Making of Philippine Flag
o The painting was made by Fernando Amorsolo, “Grand Old
Man of Philippine Art” and born in Manila. It shows a
reminder of traditions and customs of the Filipino
 Bayanihan
o Made by Carlos “Botong” Francisco who was born in Ango,
Rizal. This painting was dated in 1962. This mural paint of
him shows the Filipino’s bayanihan tradition. This also shows
the distinctive style of Francisco’s painting that showcased
his mastery in arts.
b. Contemporary Art
Refers to the practice of art from 1970s to the present. It mirrors
contemporary culture and society. Diverse and emerging practices
were being introduced in those era.
 Art Installation in Sand Dunes of Paoay
o Leeroy New is one of the Philippine contemporary artists. He was
born in General Santos City. This art installation of Leeroy new was
made for the La Milagrosa Festival in Illocus Norte. According to
him, the art installation symbolizes the great festivals, feasts and
celebrations.

ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLE OF ARTS

1. Rhythm: In design and visual arts, rhythm refers to the repetition or alternation of
elements to create a sense of movement or flow. It guides the viewer’s eye
through the composition and can be achieved through patterns, colors, and
shapes.
2. Balance: Balance is the distribution of visual weight within a composition. It can
be symmetrical (evenly distributed) or asymmetrical (uneven but still
harmonious). Balance ensures that no part of the design overpowers another,
creating a sense of equilibrium.
3. Emphasis: Emphasis involves drawing attention to a particular area or element in
a design. It is achieved through contrast, color, size, or placement, highlighting
the focal point and guiding the viewer’s attention to the most important aspects of
the composition.
4. Color is the characteristic of visual perception that enables us to distinguish
different wavelengths of light, resulting in various colors and shades perceived by
the human eye.
 5. Shape is the distinct outline or external form of an object, characterized by its
boundaries and spatial dimensions, which defines its overall structure and visual
appearance.
6. As an element of art, form connotes something that is three-dimensional and
encloses volume, having length, width, and height, versus shape, which is two-
dimensional, or flat. A form is a shape in three dimensions, and, like shapes, can
be geometric or organic.
7. Variety refers to how artists add complexity to their work using visual elements.
Ex. by using different shapes, sizes, and/or colors in a work of art.
8. Movement is the path the viewer's eye takes through the work of art, often to
focal areas.
9. Value is the lightness or darkness of objects in an artwork. From means of
artwork has height, width, and depth.
10. Texture is the way the art feels, or looks like it would feel.

NATIONAL ARTIST
1. GUILLERMO ESTRELLA TOLENTINO -was a Filipino sculptor and professor of
the University of the Philippines. He was designated as a National Artist of the
Philippines for Sculpture in 1973, three years before his death. Born: July 24,
1890, Malolos Died: July 12, 1976 (age 85 years), Quezon City Award: National
Artist of the Philippines
 TOLENTINO'S ARTWORKS: RIZAL MONUMENT & UP OBLATION
o For Tolentino, the Oblation is the answer to Padre Florentino's
search for the Filipino youth who is capable of self-sacrifice in the
name of nation-building. In honor of José Rizal, a plaque of
recognition was bestowed on the house where he stayed at. A
monument now stands at the center of Biñan's town plaza in
recognition of Biñan's affiliation to Rizal.
2. Lucrecia Reyes-Urtula (June 29, 1929 – August 4, 1999) was a Filipino
choreographer, theater director, teacher, author, and researcher from Iloilo City.
She dedicated nearly four decades to studying and transforming Philippine folk
and ethnic dances into theatrical performances. As the dance director of the
Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, she choreographed various dances,
including mountain dances, Spanish-influenced dances, Muslim pageants, and
regional variations, earning international acclaim. Reyes-Urtula's innovative
approach made traditional folk dances suitable for stage shows, allowing a wider
audience to appreciate them. Her exposure to diverse cultures, due to her
father's military career, deeply influenced her work. She received numerous
awards, including the National Artist of the Philippines for Dance and the
Republic Cultural Heritage Award for Research in Folk Dance.
 Her famous works are singkil, salidsid, tagabili, vinta, and pagdiwata.
o Singkil - - a Bayanihan signature number based on a Maranao epic
poem. Singkil, the Filipino dance that involves rich ornamental
costumes and a female lead and male lead and other dancers
elegantly dancing between rhythmically striking bamboo poles held
by the fellow dance troupe.
o Tagabili -This is a dance of T'boil, a minority national group from
South Cotabato, in southwestern Mindanao. This narrates a story
about a datu, who is cursed for killing his brother in jealously over
one of his wives. The datu's daughter is to be wed by a likely suitor,
 but dies as a result of the curse. In rage, the datu sets his village in
flames.
3. Juan Nakpil - Juan Felipe de Jesús Nakpil, known as Juan Nakpil, was a Filipino
architect, teacher and a community leader. In 1973, he was named one of the
National Artists for architecture, who is regarded as the Dean of Filipino
Architects and the Father of Philippine Architecture. The country’s first National
Artist for architecture, Juan Nakpil was born in Quiapo, Manila. May 26, 1899 -
May 7 1986 to Julio Nakpil, a musician, and Gregoria de Jesus, the widow of
Andres Bonifacio, both of whom were illustrious leaders of the Philippine
Revolution against Spain.
 Famous Works:
o The Quiapo Church - Officially known as the Minor Basilica of the
Black Nazarene, the original Quiapo Church burned down in the
late 1920's. The church was reconstructed in 1933 from plans by
Nakpil. It's edifice has slight baroque influences.
o The Capitol Theater - This famous theater in downtown Escolta is
another of Nakpil's Art Deco gems done in an exaggerated,
geometric style.
4. Levi Celerio- Levi Celerio (April 30, 1910 – April 2, 2002) was a Filipino
composer and lyricist who is credited with writing over 4,000 songs. Celerio was
recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines for Music and Literature in
1997.He is also known for using the leaf as a musical instrument which led to
being recognized as the "only man who could play music using a leaf" by the
Guinness Book of Records. This led to him making guest appearances on
television shows recorded outside the Philippines. Aside from being a musician,
Celerio was also a poet and a film actor who appeared in various Philippine films
of the 1950s and 1960s.
 Sa Ugoy ng Duyan
o "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan" (literally in Tagalog: "In the Rocking of the
Cradle"; official English title: "The Sway of the Baby Hammock" is a
Filipino lullaby. The music was composed by Lucio San Pedro while
the lyrics were written by Levi Celerio. Both of them were National
Artists of the Philippines and this song was their most popular
collaboration. Due to its popularity in the Philippines, it was said by
an entertainment writer in the Philippine Entertainment Portal to be
as familiar as the Philippine national anthem. It has been performed
and recorded by various Filipino artists.
 Ang Pipit
o Ang Pipit", translated as "The Pipit" (a type of bird), tells a poignant
tale of a small bird that was hit by a stone while perched on a tree
branch. The bird’s wing was injured, and due to the pain, it could no
longer fly. The bird fell, and the song compares this to a person
falling in life. The lyrics express the bird’s sorrow, lamenting the
cruelty of the person who threw the stone, and saying that when it
dies, another pipit will mourn its passing. The song’s narrative is a
metaphor for life’s struggles, particularly those of the
underprivileged and oppressed. It serves as a social commentary
on the harsh realities faced by many Filipinos and a call for
compassion and empathy.
5. Pablo Antonio - (1901–1975) was one of the Philippines’ most influential
architects, known for his pioneering contributions to modern Filipino architecturel.
His architectural style was characterized by simplicity, functionality, and
elegance, which helped shape the urban landscape of Manila during the mid-
20th century. Here are key details about his architectural works and
achievements:
Early Career and Education: Born on January 25, 1901, in Binondo, Manila,
Pablo Antonio initially studied architecture at the Mapúa Institute of Technology
but later pursued further studies in the University of London.
Modernism in the Philippines: Antonio is regarded as one of the early
proponents of modern architecture in the Philippines. He was known for rejecting
excessive ornamentation and focusing on clean lines, open spaces, and
functionality in his buildings. His works were often described as “uncluttered” and
“efficient.”
 Architectural Works:
o FEU Campus (Far Eastern University – Perhaps his most famous
work, Antonio was responsible for the design of the FEU campus in
Manila. He employed modern architectural elements, such as
straight lines and large windows for natural lighting, making the
university a landmark in modern Filipino architecture.
o Manila Polo Club – Another notable work, Antonio’s design for the
Manila Polo Club emphasized utility while maintaining an aesthetic
that combined elegance and simplicity.
o Life Theater – Known for its streamlined design, the Life Theater
was a popular cinema house in Manila that showcased Antonio’s
ability to blend modern architecture with commercial functionality.
o Galaxy Theater – Another significant cinema project, Antonio’s
Galaxy Theater design embodied his signature modernist style.
o Ideal Theater – Located on Avenida Rizal, this theater was one of
Antonio’s landmarks of cinema architecture. He made extensive
use of art deco elements, and its streamlined look became iconic in
the architectural landscape of Manila.