Contemporary Visual Arts Overview

Study Notes

Paintings are defined as two-dimensional art forms created on flat surfaces, showcasing artistic expression.
Common painting mediums include oil, acrylic, watercolor, poster color, pastel, and ink.
Early paintings mainly depicted religious themes, reflecting cultural and spiritual values during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines.

Religious: Predominant during the Spanish colonial era, with works often focusing on spiritual subjects, exemplified by pieces such as "Hapag ng Pag-asa."
Historical: Portrayed events and narratives from the past; noted artists like Carlos "Botong" Francisco, known for "Filipino Struggles through History."
Portraiture: Captures images of individuals, often for commemoration, playing a significant role in curriculums and governmental institutions.
Still Life: Features representations of inanimate objects, traditionally including arrangements of fruits and flowers in bowls or vases.
Landscapes: Depicts outdoor vistas, with early Filipino artists influenced by traditional academic styles under mentors like Fernando Amorsolo.
Nude: Historically rare, depictions of nudes became more accepted in the twentieth century and now form part of contemporary Philippine art.
Genre: Focuses on everyday life and activities, portraying people engaged in common tasks.

Recognized as one of the oldest art forms, sculptures are three-dimensional artworks that can be classified into free-standing and relief types.
Free-standing sculptures (in the round) are independent structures that can be viewed from all angles.
Relief sculptures are attached to a background, with two subcategories:
- Bas-relief: Projects slightly from the background, offering minimal depth.
- High relief: Features prominently raised forms that create a more dynamic three-dimensionality.

Bul-Ul sculptures exemplify the ancestral traditions of certain cultures, designed to embody the spirits of ancestors and communicate power and wealth.
Both painting and sculpture reflect the historical and cultural narratives of the Philippines, revealing community values and historical contexts.