Contemporary Philippine Arts Overview

Art created in the second half of the 20th century or the 21st century, often reflecting global influences and technological advancements.

The methods and skills used by an artist to create their artwork, including techniques specific to a particular art form.

Performance practices are the techniques and approaches used in musical performance, often involving implied or unwritten methods.

Filipino art encompasses all artistic expressions developed in the Philippines from its beginnings to the present day, showcasing a blend of diverse cultural influences.

The use of stone, wood, gold, and clay as materials for sculpture, mainly focused on idols, nature, status, and the way of life of ancient Filipinos.

Carved statues or figures by the Ifugao people, representing anitos (spirits) and used in rice production and healing ceremonies.

A long wooden bench made of narra or ipil wood, signifying wealth and prestige for Ifugao families. It's placed under the eaves in the stone-paved yard surrounding the house.

A legendary bird of the Maranao people, often made of copper or wood. According to Maranao beliefs, it symbolizes a rooster encounter by Prophet Muhammad in heaven.

Geometric and flowing plant-based motifs found among the Moro and Lumad peoples in the Southern Philippines. It appears in textiles, woodcarvings, and sword designs.

The period after Spanish colonization, where indigenous materials were still used alongside introduced materials like ivory and marble, with a focus on religious carvings.

Giant paper maché figures typically measuring four to five feet in diameter and ten to twelve feet in height, representing a form of protest against Spanish landlords.

A thriving woodcarving industry in Paete, Laguna, known for its intricate carvings dating back to the Spanish era. Today, it encompasses both traditional and modern carvings.

Paper maché figures made using carved wooden sculptures as molds. Common subjects include animals and Christmas figures.

The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, where elaborate lanterns compete for the title of “Best Lantern.” It's a major Christmas tradition in the Philippines.

Intricately designed wooden molds used to create the Panecillos de San Nicolas, a cookie associated with the saint known as the “healer.”

Decorated bamboo arches used as welcome signs for towns and cities in the Philippines. It's a traditional art form and a significant part of town fiestas.

Decorative wrappers used for pastillas de leche in Bulacan. Originally a local tradition, it has evolved into an art form representing the town's creativity.

An art form in Bulacan that uses coconut leaves to create various items, including toys, bags, baskets, and religious symbols. It encompasses folding, plaiting, braiding, and weaving techniques.

Rock carvings found in Angono Rizal, showcasing human and animal figures engraved on the rock wall. Believed to have been created during the Late Neolithic period.

The practice of applying tattoos using sharp tools and black powder to create intricate designs on the skin, a prominent feature of the Visayan people.

Religious paintings introduced during the Spanish colonization, primarily used to spread Christianity and promote religious icons.

Secular paintings that gained popularity in the 19th century, featuring landscapes and deviating from purely religious motifs.

Paintings created during World War II, often reflecting the war's effects, including battle scenes, destruction, and human suffering.

Contemporary paintings produced today that showcase experimentation with techniques and styles, expressing diverse emotions and perspectives.

A traditional weaving technique that involves measuring, cutting, and mounting threads on a wooden platform. Before the Spanish colonization, abaca, cotton, and bark cloth were commonly used to weave textiles, clothes, rugs, and hats.

A type of binakul weave from Ilocos that uses a complicated brocade technique. Sticks are inserted on chosen warp threads, creating designs that appear to “float”, giving the weave a three-dimensional quality.

A resist-dyeing technique used in Ifugao weaving, where the yarn is wrapped and dyed before weaving. The tied areas create colorless patches, resulting in intricate patterns.

A weaving tradition of the T'boli people in South Cotobato. T’nalak cloths are woven from abaca fibers and inspired by the weavers' dreams, earning them the name 'dream weavers'.

A woven cloth made using the mabal (abaca weaving) process by the Blaan people. It also refers to the traditional Blaan tubular skirt.

The creation of pottery which began 3500 years ago in the Philippines. Early Filipinos used ceramic jars for burial and other purposes, often decorating them with anthropomorphic designs.

This burial jar, topped with two figures, is a national treasure of the Philippines. It was found in the Tabon cave and other caves in Palawan.

Kalinga pottery is divided into three types: Ittoyom (rice cooking), Oppaya (vegetable and meat cooking), and Immosso (water storage).

Contemporary pottery in the Philippines has evolved from traditional wares to sophisticated artistic pieces with unique designs, varying shapes, and uses of glazes. It showcases the adaptability of pottery amidst technological advancements.

The basic form of architecture in pre-Spanish Philippines was governed by functionality, using available natural materials like bamboo for shelter. This tradition continues today in some rural areas.

The traditional native houses of the Philippines built before Spanish colonization. They were designed to withstand the climate and environment, using natural materials like bamboo and palm leaves.

A sturdier type of house that emerged during the Spanish colonial period, using brick and stone instead of bamboo and wood. It reflects a blend of Filipino, Spanish, and Chinese influences and is still found in many parts of the Philippines.

American architecture introduced to the Philippines after 1898, often resembling Greek or Roman architecture. It featured government buildings and structures made of more durable materials like concrete.

A contemporary style of architecture embracing various designs and influences, including eco-friendly features. It often utilizes modern materials like iron, steel, and reinforced concrete.

Pre-Spanish Filipino music was largely oral, with songs used in daily life, rituals, and social gatherings. Instruments were traditionally made of bamboo and wood, reflecting the simplicity of the time.

A traditional string orchestra popular in the Philippines, originating from the Iberian rondalla tradition. It consists of mandolin-type instruments, a guitar, and a double bass, used to accompany Hispanic-influenced songs and dances.

A popular lyrical song from the Spanish period, traditionally used for courtship, rooted in the Mexican-Spanish habanera tradition.

American music has influenced music in the Philippines, with Filipino Americans playing a significant role in preserving and adapting traditional music. It has paved the way for Pinoy pop, a diverse genre covering various modern musical styles.

Contemporary music in the Philippines refers to compositions influenced by Western art music, including styles like impressionism and expressionism. It embraces modern trends and musical styles from the entertainment industry.

Filipino folk dances represent a rich heritage, passed down through generations, with origins in rituals, celebrations, and mimicking natural life forms.

A mimetic folk dance from Surigao, Mindanao, that imitates the movements of a duck.

A traditional Philippine dance from Leyte and the Visayas that mimics the movements of the 'tikling' bird as it walks through tall grasses and between tree branches.

A dance originating from Pangasinan, where performers balance and move on a narrow bench while showcasing acrobatic skills.

A festive dance from Pangasinan where dancers gracefully balance glasses of rice wine on their heads and hands as they spin and move around.

A mock war dance from Biñan, Laguna, representing a fight over coconut meat. Dancers wear coconut shell halves on their hands and vest, creating rhythmic clangings and movements.

A dance similar to the Spanish Fandango, performed with three oil lamps balanced on the head and hands. It originated from Mindoro and is often associated with fishermen celebrating a good catch.

A dance adapted from an old Spanish dance, combining Spanish and Ilocano steps. It's set to Spanish music and involves castanets. Traditionally, it accompanied bereaved families to the burial of a loved one.

A Muslim-influenced Philippine dance that showcases the various ways the malong (tubular garment) can be worn. There are separate versions for men and women.

A traditional dance from Bicol, known as a courtship and wedding dance. It mimics the mating behaviors of doves, with graceful movements and a romantic feel.

A folk dance originated from Cuba, also known as Danza or Danza Habanera. It's a social in duple time with Filipino and Spanish steps, often performed at weddings and social events.

A dance from Maranao, traditionally performed by single women to attract suitors. Dancers move gracefully in and out of bamboo poles that are rhythmically clapped together.

A courtship dance of Hispanic origin from Panay Island. It portrays flirtation between a man and a woman, originally performed with Maria Clara dresses and Barong Tagalog.