Overview of Philippine Art

Ancient Visayan people known for their extensive tattoos, considered a symbol of courage and bravery in warfare.

The practice of marking the skin with permanent designs using needles and ink.

The term used by ancient Visayans for tattoos, signifying markings of snakes or lizards.

A Visayan word meaning 'to go to other lands to plunder, raid, or fight.'

Ancestral guardian figures commonly found in the Cordilleras, representing granary gods, ancestors, and nature deities.

Central stone platforms in Cordilleran villages serving as focal points for rituals, social gatherings, and spiritual practices.

The traditional way of sitting in the Cordilleras, with the rear end raised off the ground.

The artistic style of Bulul figures, emphasizing flat planes and geometric designs.

The Philippines' art reflects a society with diverse cultural influences, primarily from Malayan, Chinese, Indian, Islamic, Spanish and American traditions. These influences shaped the country's artistic landscape, highlighting its rich cultural heritage.

The Malayan peoples, being the indigenous inhabitants of the Philippines, were exposed to various influences from traders, introducing Chinese and Indian elements into their art. Later, Islamic traditions reached the southern islands in the 14th century.

During the Spanish colonization, Catholicism became a dominant force, influencing art and culture. While some groups retained their independence, the lowland Filipinos were acculturated through conversion to Catholicism.

American influence in the 20th century made the Philippines one of the most Westernized nations in Southeast Asia, resulting in a strong Western impact on Filipino art.

Despite the influence of foreign cultures, Filipino artists remained rooted in their cultural identity, expressing the richness of their archipelago's diversity.

Music, dance, and sculpture reflect distinct traditions among Muslim and upland tribal groups in the Philippines, showcasing the enduring presence of their cultures.

The integration of indigenous folk motifs into modern forms by Filipino artists demonstrates their pride in their heritage and their creative fusion of tradition and modernity.

The earliest known Filipino ornaments, dated 4854 B.C., were found in a grave in Palawan, showcasing the use of shells for both tools and decoration, representing the beginning of art beyond mere craft.

A style of painting that uses expressive brushstrokes, bold colors, and often distorted forms.

A style of painting that emphasizes the artist's subjective feelings and experiences, often using abstract forms and non-representational imagery.

A style of painting that uses geometric shapes, lines, and colors to create abstract compositions.

A type of painting that depicts scenes from everyday life, often focusing on ordinary people and their activities.

A type of painting that uses realistic details and imagery to create a sense of wonder and the extraordinary.

A style of painting that emphasizes the textures and surfaces of objects, often using thick layers of paint.

A type of sculpture that uses a realistic style to depict the human form or other subjects.

A type of sculpture that represents religious figures and scenes, often used in churches and other religious institutions.

A style of sculpture that emerged in the Philippines after World War II, characterized by a focus on pure form, experimentation with materials and techniques, and a rejection of traditional, classical styles.

One of the pioneers of modern Philippine sculpture known for his emphasis on pure form and design. His work often incorporated elements of indigenous Filipino art.

A sculptor who uses embossed brass to create reliefs, often depicting the sarimanok motif. He is an important figure in the preservation and expression of Filipino culture through sculpture.

A type of architecture that flourished in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era, influenced by Spanish styles and reflecting the needs and traditions of the Filipinos.

The buildings constructed during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines for religious purposes, primarily Catholic churches.

The buildings constructed during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines for military purposes.

The buildings constructed during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines for government and administrative purposes.

The buildings constructed during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines for residential purposes.

A distinctive design style in Maranao art, featuring curvilinear lines and Arabic geometric figures. It often uses leaf, fern, or vine motifs and is categorized based on gender: 'okir a dato' for men, 'okir a bay' for women.

A sacred cloth woven by the T'boli people in communities around Lake Sebu, Mindanao. It's typically made by women of royal blood and features intricate patterns referencing T'boli folklore and stories, guided by a spiritual guardian.

The traditional house of Maranao royalty. It was home to the sultan, his wives, children, and servants. It served as a central point for communal affairs.

One of the key elements of Okir design, the 'sarimanok' is a legendary bird symbolizing prosperity, good luck, and good fortune. It's often depicted with a fish in its beak, representing abundance.

Another significant element of Okir design, the 'naga' is a serpent or dragon symbolizing strength, power, and authority. It often has intricate scales and a powerful presence.

A fern motif in Okir design, 'pako rabong' symbolizes growth, renewal, and resilience. It's often depicted with delicate, intricate frond shapes.

A distinctive feature of the Torogan, the 'tapuwilih' is a central wooden post that supports the entire house and serves as a crucial architectural element.

The ground space beneath the Torogan's wooden beams, the 'dorung' served multiple purposes, including storage and shelter.

This period at the turn of the century saw a revival of architectural styles from the past, drawing inspiration from European buildings.

The Americans put a strong emphasis on public education, leading to the establishment of the University of the Philippines as a key institution.

Seeking to develop the city of Manila, the American military government invited renowned architect Daniel Burnham to create a city plan.

The Burnham Plan envisioned Manila as a European-style city in the tropics, using existing architectural motifs but with durable materials like concrete.

This architectural style combines various historical styles, producing a rich and varied architectural landscape.

The Art Nouveau movement found its way into Philippine architecture, influencing commercial buildings and private residences.

Art Deco emerged in the 1920s, leaving its mark on prominent theatres, buildings, and commercial spaces in Manila.

After World War II, a new chapter began in Philippine architecture, embracing the International Modern Style with its clean lines and modern aesthetic.