Contemporary and Ethnic Art Traditions in the Philippines

Study Notes

Defined as art created during the same time period as the people and things being observed
Often used to mean "modern" or "new" in everyday language
Plato (427-347 BCE) considered art to be an illusion or reflection
Eugene Veron believed art is an external manifestation created through lines, movements, sounds, and colors
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) saw art as powerful communication, expressing creativity, skill, beauty, and imagination
Art, or "sining", is the expression of human skills and imagination through different aesthetic creations, objects, and presentations
Key traditions in Philippine art include: Ethnic, Spanish Colonial, American Colonial, and Contemporary

Art forms reflect geographical location and experiences of Filipinos.
The purpose of art was deeply interwoven with life, reflecting pagan beliefs, farming, fishing, and specific decorative patterns
Angono Petroglyphs, a set of 127 human and animal figures carved into a rock surface, discovered in 1965, date back to the late Neolithic period.
Manunggul jar from Manunggul Cave, Palawan, an important burial jar, symbolizes the Filipinos' beliefs about life after death.
The Banga or pot dance is a performance of the Kalinga tribe, showcasing their elegant grace and strength.

Art forms were heavily influenced by religion and secularization, often used to spread Catholicism
Langit, Lupa, at Impyerno (Heaven, Earth, and Hell) by Josef Luciano Dans is a significant wall painting reflecting the historical religious context of the time.
Art structures, like St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral in Burgos, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, followed Baroque architecture.

Modern art emerged in the 1860s to 1960s, centered around the idea of national identity.
Fernando Amorsolo's "The Making of the Philippine Flag" is a painting illustrating Filipino customs and traditions.
Carlos "Botong" Francisco's "Bayanihan" depicts Filipino community spirit and unity
Contemporary art (1970s-present) reflects contemporary culture and society, showcasing diverse and emerging art practices
Federico Aguilas Alcuaz's "Cinco Marias/Tres Marias Series" explores domestic activities
Leeroy New's art installation in Sand Dunes of Paoay commemorated the La Milagrosa Festival, symbolizing celebration.

Key periods in Philippine art history are pre-colonial, Spanish colonial, American colonial, Japanese colonial, and modern.
Different art forms such as visual, performing, applied are highlighted
The expression and application of human creativity to produce works appreciated for beauty and emotional impact is considered art.
Art may be expressed in various visual forms (paintings, sculptures, drawings), performance art (plays, dances, music), and applied arts (crafts, products).

Shape: Outlines and boundaries of two and three dimensions (natural, irregular, rectangle, etc.)
Value: Lightness or darkness of tones or colors
Balance: Visual distribution of weight or apparent weight of a piece, creating equilibrium. Can include symmetrical or asymmetrical
Contrast: Differences in values, colors, shapes, and other elements
Emphasis: Dominance given to an element by the artist
Rhythm/Movement: Repetition showing a pattern or flow
Unity/Variety: Sense of completeness, or cohesive elements, versus creating visual differences that give movement or interest in a piece
Pattern: Organization and repetition in appearance/form

The highest honor awarded to outstanding Filipino artists for their contribution to the arts
Criteria for nomination, which includes the artist's body of work, style, expression, and contribution,
The award includes a cash prize, lifetime pension, state funeral, and burial

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