Philippine Arts and Traditions

Philippine Arts

• Art, or "Sining," encompasses various methods of expressing human skills and imagination through aesthetic creations. It involves using all senses to appreciate art, reflecting Philippine culture, history, and traditions.
• Philippine arts exhibit diverse forms across regions, showcasing a rich and abundant cultural heritage that continues to evolve.
• The development of Philippine arts follows three primary traditions: Ethnic, Spanish Colonial, and American Colonial/Contemporary.

Ethnic Tradition

• Art forms in this tradition are deeply influenced by geographical location and the everyday experiences of Filipinos.
• Examples include:
  • Angono Petroglyphs: Engraved rock figures (human and animal) dating back to the late Neolithic period, found in Binangonan, Rizal.
  • Manunggul Jar: A burial jar found in Manunggul Cave, Palawan, representing the early Filipinos' belief in life after death.

Spanish Colonial Tradition

• Spanish rule significantly influenced Philippine art, favoring religious and secular themes.
• Examples include:
  • Langit, Lupa, at Impyerno: A 1850 wall painting in St. James the Apostle Church in Paete, Laguna, which illustrates heaven, earth, and hell, and the consequences of human actions.

American Colonial and Contemporary Arts Traditions

• American influence, through education and governance, shaped art forms in this era.
• Examples include:
  • The Making of the Philippine Flag: A painting that reflects Filipino traditions and customs, created by Fernando Amorsolo.
  • Bayanihan: A mural by Carlos "Botong" Francisco, depicting the shared spirit or unity of Filipinos, highlighting the distinctive style of this artist.

Contemporary Arts Tradition

• Contemporary art forms mirror contemporary culture and society.
• Examples include:
  • Cinco Marias (Tres Marias Series): A series of paintings by Federico Aguilas Alcuaz depicts various Filipino domestic activities.
  • Art Installation in Sand Dunes of Paoay: A contemporary art installation created by Leeroy New for the La Milagrosa Festival in Ilocos Norte, that symbolizes the importance of celebrations.

Elements of Art

• Space: Emptiness around a form; may be positive or negative space.
• Line: Connected points with form, direction, and meaning. Forms include curved, dotted, broken, vertical, horizontal, or diagonal.
• Shape and Form: Two-dimensional enclosed areas (shape) or three-dimensional structures (form).
• Color: An optical phenomenon resulting from varying wavelengths of light (lightness, darkness, coolness, or warmth).
• Value: The lightness or darkness of a color; related to color.
• Texture: The feel of a surface (rough, smooth, bumpy, or slippery); related to visual art.

Principles of Art

• Proportion: Relationship between the sizes of elements.
• Harmony: Unity within an artwork, specifically in the arrangement of elements.
• Variety: Adding different elements to break the monotony for greater interest.
• Movement: Illusion of motion in a piece of art.
• Rhythm: Repetition of elements.
• Balance: Equal distribution of elements.
• Emphasis: A principle of arts that gives more impact on a specific element.