Philippine Arts Traditions

Philippine Arts Traditions

• Philippine art has three major traditions: Ethnic, Spanish Colonial, and American Colonial/Contemporary.

Ethnic Tradition

• Art forms are primarily influenced by the geographic location and experiences of Filipinos.
• The purpose of art is integral to life, reflecting pagan beliefs and practices.
• Everyday activities like fishing and farming, and community-specific decorative patterns are reflected in the art.

Ethnic Tradition: Specific Examples

• Angono Petroglyphs: Located in Binangonan, Rizal, with 127 human and animal figures carved on rock, dating back to the late Neolithic period. Discovered by Carlos "Botong" Francisco in 1965.
• Manunggul Jar: Found in Manunggul Cave, Lipuun Point, Palawan, in the early 1960s. A burial jar signifying the belief of early Filipinos in life after death.
• Banga Dance: A performance by the Kalinga people of Mountain Province. This dance portrays the grace and strength of the Igorot women.

Spanish Colonial Tradition

• Art forms were primarily influenced by religion and secularization.
• Spaniards used art to promote the Catholic faith.

Spanish Colonial Tradition: Specific Examples

• Langit, Lupa, at Impyerno: A wall painting in St. James the Apostle Church in Paete, Laguna. Dated 1850, depicting heaven, earth and hell, including Christ, Adam and Eve, and sinners.
• St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral: Located in Burgos, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. The original structure was built in 1574, later replaced in 1641, and follows a Baroque architectural design.

American Colonial/Contemporary Tradition

• Modern art (1860s-1960s) emphasizes national identity.
• Works often reflect Filipino traditions, customs, and everyday experiences.

American Colonial/Contemporary Tradition: Specific Examples

• The Making of the Philippine Flag: Painted by Fernando Amorsolo, "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art", this work was created in Manila. It represents Filipino traditions and customs.
• Bayanihan: A mural painting by Carlos "Botong" Francisco, showing the Filipino bayanihan tradition (cooperation).
• Cinco Marias (Tres Marias Series): Painted by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz in Manila, showcasing domestic activities of Filipino women.

Elements of Art

• Space: Physical space in art and its use of positive or negative space within a piece
• Line: A series of connected points, expressed as curved, broken, or other forms with defined directions.
• Shape and Form: Areas enclosed by lines; shapes are two-dimensional, forms are three-dimensional with height, width, and volume.
• Different kinds of shapes exist, including geometric (e.g., triangle, square), organic (e.g., leaf, cloud), and abstract (asymmetrical or free-flowing).
• Color: Associated with the natural phenomenon in our environment. Scientifically produced through wavelengths when light passes through a prism. This may also include characteristics such as lightness, darkness, coolness, and warmth. Colors have different symbolic meanings.
• Texture: The tactile quality (or feel) of a surface (rough, smooth, bumpy, slippery).
• Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
• Appropriation: Modifications made by the artist to existing works.
• Hybridity: The combination of different art mediums.
• Technology: Creative use of technology in art.
• Performance: Art that is experienced (performed).