Philippine Art Traditions and Contemporary Art

Defining Contemporary Art

• Contemporary art is a human creative activity using human skills, perceptible through all senses.
• Art is diverse and found everywhere, by anyone.

Philippine Art Traditions

• Philippine art developed through three major traditions:
  • Ethnic Tradition: Indigenous art before colonization, reflecting location and experiences.
  • Spanish Colonial Tradition: Western-influenced art, focused on religious themes and Catholicism, commissioned by churches/priests.
  • American Colonial and Contemporary Traditions: American ideals infused into education and media, leading to commercial design within Fine Arts; reflecting contemporary culture and society.

Ethnic Art

• Indigenous art styles reflect ancestral locations.
• Ethnic art uses traditional methods/aesthetics, serving functional and ritual purposes, reflecting Pagan beliefs.

Examples of Ethnic Art

• Old Stone Age Tools: Earliest Philippine Paleolithic implements.
• Flake Tools: Cagayan Province, 9 million years old, Paleolithic tools.
• Shell Bracelets and Pendants: Ornamentation and tomb placement.
• Kalyanai or Bancas: Prehistorical boats for long-distance voyages and trade, showing early seamanship.
• Angono Petroglyphs: Prehistoric rock drawings in Rizal Province, early artistic expressions and beliefs.
• Burial Jars: Palawan, earthen containers, symbolizing life after death.
• Banga: Kalinga women's clay pots for cooking, storage, and bartering.

Spanish Colonial Art

• Spanish introduced Catholic art, using visuals for Catholic concepts.
• Religious art (paintings, engravings, sculptures, hymns, verses) prevailed.
• Patronage (commissioned work) replaced communal ritual art.

Examples of Spanish Colonial Art

• Wall Paintings: Churches, depicting Holy Family, saints, and sacraments.
• Saint Paul Metropolitan Cathedral: Baroque architecture, earthquake-resistant modifications.

American Colonial and Contemporary Art

• American colonization emphasized education and American ideals.
• Native creativity was limited, but commercial design emerged.

Examples of American Colonial Art

• Philippine Flag: Fernando Amorsolo's design, signifying unity and independence.
• "Bayanihan" Painting: Carlos "Botong" Francisco's work; showing cooperation and unity.

Contemporary Art

• Contemporary artists reflect modern cultural, political, and social issues through diverse practices.
• Themes of race, gender, sensuality, and globalization are prevalent.
• Abstract and non-representational forms are explored.
• Contemporary art is a dynamic expression of the present.

Examples of Contemporary Art

• "Maria Series" by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz: Three one-act plays, depicting Filipino stories and cultural beliefs.
• "Sandus's Power" Art Installation by Leeroy New: Contemporary project blending with the natural beauty of the Sandos dunes in Ilocos Norte, reflecting the area's culture.

Elements of Art

• Line: Formed by points, varying thickness, color, and shade.
• Shape: Two-dimensional, enclosed by line, non-defined (triangle, circle, square).
• Form: Three-dimensional, enclosing volume, length, width, height.
• Color: Hue, tone, tint, shade, values, durations, temperatures, and combinations.
• Value: Light and shadow, influencing structure and composition.
• Texture: Tactile qualities, evoking sensation (pleasure, discomfort, familiarity).
• Space: Area around focal point, highlighting focal point.

Principles of Art

• Proportion: The size relationship between elements.
• Harmony: Unity and similarity among art elements.
• Variety: Using different elements for visual interest.
• Movement: Directing the viewer's eye, creating excitement/drama.
• Rhythm: Repetition of elements creating visual tempo.
• Balance: Offsetting components for unity and cohesion.
• Emphasis: Highlighting certain elements to create a focal point.

Artists and Their Works

• Carlos "Botong" Francisco: "Bayanihan," painting about Filipino unity.
• Leeroy New: "Sandus's Power," art installation blending with landscape.
• Federico Aguilar Alcuaz: "Maria Series," depicting Filipino stories.
• Fernando Amorsolo: Realistic Filipino life paintings, including Philippine Flag design.
• Staff Christiana Dance: Early recorded Filipino painter, innovative materials/techniques.

Significance of Philippine Art

• Art shapes Filipino cultural identity, reflecting unique geography and history.
• Understanding art elements/principles enhances appreciation of artworks.
• Philippine art provides insights into traditions, beliefs, and experiences.