Understanding Contemporary Art

• Contemporary art springs from present-day events and passions in society.
• It is the newest art form and amuses people from the mid-to-late 20th century.
• Contemporary art explores life, thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and other defining aspects of human existence.

Characteristics of Contemporary Art

• Contemporary artwork exist outside traditional museum settings.
• Contemporary artworks are in galleries, art schools, streets, train stations, shopping centers, and parks.
• Example: Nicolas Aca's "Boto: Goto" performance art in a church.
• Increased internet and social media presence allows artists to sell their work online.
• Buyers view and purchase art from different geographic locations.
• Many contemporary artists develop their skills independently.
• Self-taught artists read about other artists, experiment with learning techniques and materials.
• Modern technology leads to more material choices and improved flexibility in art-making.
• Artists can work with fabricators, carpenters, electricians, or welders.
• Conceptual artists use engineering and construction techniques.
• Originality is not an issue, and artists modify existing works with new materials.
• Example: "Malliarium" reinterprets Juan Luna's Spoliarium by various artists.
• Artists' message and experience in art is more important than sales or financial success.

Subject Matter and Style in Contemporary Art

• The subject is any person, animal, thing, or issue represented in artwork.
• Subjects can include children, women, the environment, or abstract concepts.
• The technique itself can become the primary subject of the artwork.

Styles of Contemporary Art

• Abstract Expressionism expresses emotions through spontaneous painting.
• Example: "Dimension of Fear" by Jose Joya
• Kinetic Art uses wind, machines, or electricity to create movement.
• Example: "Bubble Machine" by David Medalla
• Op Art utilizes lines and images to create optical illusions.
• Example: "Perpetual Motion" by Constancio Bernardo
• Performance Art uses the human body in live performances.
• Environment Art involves the artistic creation of spaces like landscapes or buildings.
• Example: "Cordillera Labyrinth" by Roberto Villanueva
• Feminist Art explores identity, gender roles, and societal treatment of women.
• Example: "Filipina: A Racial Identity Crisis" by Pacita Abad
• Minimalism has a stripped-down, clean, and pre-fabricated aesthetic.
• Example: "Precincts" by Mario Yrisarry
• Video Art presents artworks through video or digital screens.
• Example: "Haiku" by Mark Salvatus
• Graffiti Art consist of public drawings or inscriptions on walls or surfaces.
• Postmodern Art employs extreme modern styles using found materials.
• Example: "Faith and Devotion 1" by Ian Quirante
• Body Art uses the human body as a medium like tattoos and piercings.
• Example: "Pambabatok" by Apo Whang-od
• Digital Art are artworks created using computers and can be printed.

Techniques in Contemporary Arts

• Collage is sticking materials like photos, paper, or fabric onto a surface.
• Decalcomania transfers pictures from prepared paper to another surface.
• Decoupage decorates objects with cutouts and layers of varnish or lacquer.
• Frottage creates a design by rubbing over an object placed under the paper.
• Montage rapidly shows a succession of images to create meaning, often used in films.
• Trapunto creates a quilted design padded from underneath to create high relief.
• Digital Applications use software on computers, mobile devices, or tablets to create art.

The Order of the National Artists

• Established under Proclamation No. 1001 in 1972.
• To recognize Filipino artists with major contributions to Philippine arts.
• It is administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).
• Granted by the President every three years.

Objectives of the awards

• Aims to recognize Filipino artists with cultural heritage contributions.
• To recognize high-level Filipino artistic accomplishment for national cultural identity.
• To recognize artists who forge new artistic paths for future generations.

Criteria for Selection

• Nominees must be natural-born Filipino citizens.
• Their work must contribute to Filipino nationhood.
• Should be pioneers in their field.
• Nominees must have consistently excellent works.
• Requires recognition from peers.

Honors and Privileges

• Conferral of the rank and title of National Artist by the President.
• A gold-plated medallion minted by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

Lifetime benefits

• Living awardees get P200,000 tax-free.
• Heirs of posthumous awardees receive P150,000.
• Monthly stipend of P30,000.
• State funeral benefits up to P500,000.
• A place of honor in state functions and national events.

National Artists in Architecture

Pablo Antonio (1976)

• Pioneer in modern Philippine architecture.
• Notable works: FEU buildings, Manila Polo Club, Ideal Theater.

Juan Nakpil (1973)

• Known as the "Dean of Filipino Architects".
• Notable works: Rizal Theater, UP Admin & Library.

Ildefonso Santos (2006)

• Known as "Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture".
• Notable works: Tagaytay Highlands, Mt. Malarayat Golf Club.

Jose Maria Zaragoza (2014)

• Specialized in modern ecclesiastical architecture.
• Notable works: Meralco Building, and Sto. Domingo Church.

Leandro Locsin (1990)

• Notable architecture features a Designed CCP Complex.
• His works: Istana Nurul Iman (Brunei), Folk Arts Theater.

National Artists in Visual Arts

Fernando Amorsolo (1972)

• Known as the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art".
• Notable works: Maiden in a Stream, Dalagang Bukid.

Cesar Legaspi (1990)

• Works are Neo-realist, and refined Cubism. Notable works: Gadgets I & II, Struggle, Bayanihan.

Hernando Ocampo (1991)

• Known for being self-taught, and for use of bold colors.
• Notables include Flora and Faune, like Genesis (CCP curtain design), and Slum Dwellers.

Arturo Luz (1997)

• Established Luz Gallery, a Minimalist painter & sculptor. -Grand Finale, Black and White mural.

Jose Joya (2003)

• Abstract expressionism pioneer. -Known for abstracts landscapes, and rice paper collages.

Benedicto Cabrera (2006)

• Best-selling painter, known for "Sabel" series.

Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (2009)

• A painter and sculptor from Sta. Cruz.
• Work uses gestural paintings in acrylic and oil, plus sketches in ink, watercolor and pencil.

Francisco Coching (2014)

• Recognized as the "King of Komiks".
• Novels and short stories feature class struggles and colonialism.

Lauro Alcala (1988)

• "Dean of Filipino Illustrators". Key works: Golden Age of Philippine Comics.

Victorio Edades (1976)

• Known as the "Father of Modern Philippine Painting".
• Edades' colors were dark and somber.
• Includes subject matter are laborers, factory workers or the simple fold in all their dirt, sweat and grime.

Guillermo Tolentino (1973)

• Known as "Father of Philippine Arts".
• Notable works: Bonifacio Monument and UP Oblation in Diliman, Quezon City.
• designed the gold and bronze medal for Ramon Magsaysay Award

Vicente Manansala (1981)

• A Cubist Painter and Illustrator from Macabebe, Pampanga
• Paintings are described as "visions of reality teetering on the edge of abstraction." Notable works: A Cluster of Nipa Hut and San Francisco Del Monte

Carlos "Botong" Francisco (1973)

• Revived the art of mural paintings.
• Works: Portrait of Purita and The Invasion of Limahong

J. Elizalde Navarro (1999)

• Devoted artist from drawing, printmaking, graphic designing, painting, and sculpting.
• Works: I'm Sorry Jesus, 1 Can't Attend Christmas This Year (1965), and his Homage to Dodjie Laurel

Napoleon Abueva (1976)

• Named the "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture."
• Kaganapan, Kiss of Judas, Thirty Pieces of Silver, and The Transfiguration (1979) are some of his works.

Ang Kiukok

• Influenced by cubism, surrealism, and expressionism in his style.
• Includes subject such as fighting cocks, rabid dogs, and people enraptured by rage.

Abdulmari Asia Imao (2006)

• A sculptor, painter, photographer, documentarian, cultural researcher, and writer relating to Philippine Muslim art and culture.
• Popularized and instilled indigenous Ukkil, Sarimanok and Naga motifs.
• Work includes Industry Brass Mural and Mural Relief in Filmmaking.

National Artists in Fashion Design

Ramon Valera

• Fashion designer known for the Philippin terno.
• Originates from Abra.

National Artists in Literature

Jose Garcia Villa (1973)

• A Poet, introduced comma poems with the reverse consonance rhyme scheme.

Nick Joaquin (1976)

• Most distinguished Filipino writer in English.
• Noted for "Joaquinesque" style.

Francisco Arcellana (1990)

• Introduced lyrical prose-poetic form of Short story.

Levi Celerio (1997)

• Lyricst and Composer in the Guinness record-holder, for writing 4,000+ songs.

Rolando S. Tinio (1997)

• A known Pioneer of Taglish poetry style.

Alejandro Roces (2003)

• Noted for best writer of comic short stories.
• He further promoted Filipino culture & fiestas.

Cirilo Bautista (2014)

• A multi-awarded poet and essayist.
• Founded the Iligan National Writers Workshop

Francisco Sionil Jose (2001)

• He is famed for short storied and noveled that depict class struggles and colonialism.

Edith Tiempo (1999)

• Known for remarkable fusion of style, for founding Siliman Writers Workshop
• Notables her nricate verbal transfigurations of significant experiences in peoms

Amado Hernandez (1973)

• Notably a Prisoner writer and the writer of Mga Ibong Mandaragit.

Carlos P. Romulo (1982)

• Was the First Asian UN President.

Virgilio S. Almario (2003)

• Chairmanship of Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino.

Lazaro Francisco (2009)

• "Master of the Tagalog Novel".

Bienvenido Lumbera (2006)

• Popularized creative fusion known as Bagay poetry Tagalog literature.

Nestor Vicente Madali Gonzales (1997)

• A noted with many recognition consisting of the First Commonwealth Literary Contest and Republic Cultural Heritage Award.

National Artist of Historical Literature

Carlos Quirino (1997)

• Remains the Only Recipient of award in historical literature
• Notable Work: The Great Malayan

National Artists in Dance

Alice Reyes (2014)

• Is the Founder of Ballet Philippines.

Francisca Aquino (1973)

• Known as The "Mother of Philippine Folk Dance".

Ramon Obusan (2006)

• An expert of Folkloric dance.

Lucrecia Urtula (1988)

• Philippine Dance Company choreographer.

Leonor Orosa-Goquingco (1976)

• Has been called "Trailblaizer" or "Mother of Philippine Theater Dance"

National Artists in Music

Lucio San Pedro (1991)

• Notables Sa Ugoy ng Duyan, Lahing Kayumanggi.

Antonio Molina (1973)

• Noted for Introduced whole-tone scale.

Felipe de Leon (1997)

• Notable for his Filipinized Western music.

Francisco Feliciano (2014)

• Has promoted Asian music.

Jose Maceda (1997)

• A notable Ethnomusicologist for writing Ugma-ugma.

Honorata “Atang” de la Rama (1987)

• Best known as the Queen of Kundiman

Andrea Veneracion

• Is the Choirmaster and choral singer
• for being known as the Founder or Philippine Madrigal Singer

Ramon Santos

• Foremost contemporary exponent of contemporary Filipino music in the country.

Lucrecia Roces Kasilag (1989)

• Was instrumental in developing Philippine music and culture.
• Founder of Bayanihan Folk Arts Center

Antonio R. Buenaventura (1988)

• Further research on folksongs and dances that led to its popularization due to joining Francisca Reyes Aquino
• His "Triumphal March"

Felipe Padilla de Leon (1997)

• Filipinized western music forms in many Sonatas, Marches and Concertos

Ernani J. Cuenco (1999)

• Enriched and element blended the Filipino love ballad by adding elements of kundiman to his song "Gaano Kita Kamahal."

Jovita Fuentes (1976)

• Best known for her portrayal of Cio-cio San in Giacomo Puccini's.

National Artists of Film

Gerardo de Leon (1982)

• Is most popularly known awarded FAMAS director.

Ishmael Bernal (2001)

• "Genius of Philippine Cinema".
• Works includes Himala, City After Dark.

Roland Allan K. Poe

• Was a cultural icon

Lino Brocka (1997)

• Known for social realism in films for films.
• Notable works Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag.

Manuel Conde (2009)

• Produces and directs films based on Filipino tales

Lamberto Avellana (1976)

• Was most popularly known as "The Boy Wonder of Philippine Movies'

Eddie Romero (2003)

• Directed Ganito Kami Noon.

National Artists in Theater

Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero (1997)

• Famed to be a the founding member of the UP Mobile Theater.

Salvador Bernal (2003)

• Dubbed as the "Guru of Theater Design".

Severino Montano (2001)

• Most popularly known for founding institutionalized legitimate theater.

Daisy Avellana

• Co-founded the Barangay Theater Guild

Traditional Folk Arts

Folk Architecture

• Built with local materials and local tools to serve as shelter
• Bahay Kubo or Nipa Hut is considered an icon of Filipino lowland and rural culture as it also called kamalig.
• Bale or Ifugao House is located in the rice terraces, the one-room house with an attic for storage.
• Ivatan House in Batanes Built with limestone walls and cogon roofs.
• A stately house for Maranao elite is also used to function as a courthouse, meeting hall, and wedding venue-Torogan or Maranao
• The Badjao (sea gypsies) typically live in floating houses called lepa or in coastal stilt houses-Badjao Stilt Houses and Houseboats

Maritime Transport

• Traditional marine vessels are designed for transporting goods and people

• Woodden Banca a small highly decorated wooden boat used.

• Vinta with cultural representation of colorful sails represents the Sama-Bajau (Badjao) and Moros.

Weaving, Textile Making, and Fabric Art

• Made from abaca, cotton, pineapple, and bark.
• Piña Fabric is a combination of pineapple fibers, commonly used for barong and baro't saya.
• Another noted of Piña silk (blended with silk) and Piña jusi (blended with abaca) are variants.
• T'nalak Woven Cloth is woven design the Woven by T'boli women of South Cotabato designs come from dreams.
• Baskets are used to store goods, rice, salt, and personal effects stored there-Tingkep
• Hinabol is the Higaonon weavers of Bukidnon used as dowries, offerings, and peace offerings is also featured
• Native cloth Woven cloth Yakan-Weaved Cloth is made by the Yakan tribe of Basilan featuring geometric nature-inspired designs.
• Tapis of the Kalinga Tribe is a wraparound skirt worn by Kalinga women, woven using a backstrap loom.

Carving

• Native to Paete for woodcarving
• Carving is also done using silver, stone, and bronze.

Performing Arts

• Consists of folk dances and music used reflecting the culture and Philippine traditions

Literature

• Native traditional myths, legends, and epics,

Graphic and Plastic Arts

• Graphics is 2D
• Plastics is 3D

Ornament

• Bului protects the Ifugao rice granaries.
• Notable of Kapampangan parol also doubles as a famous Christmas ornament.

Pottery

• Use and the Filipino traditional pottery dates back 3,500 years, used for burial jars

Manggul Jar

• Soul depicts two souls in a boat travelling as it also if foung in one

Maitum Anthropomorphic Potteries

• Resembles the likeness of the found human burial

Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)

• Established under R.A. No. 7355, administered by NCCA to recognzse indigenous artists that have preservesd folk arts

Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)

• Has cateogories consisting of folk architecture, maritime transport, weaving, carving, performing arts, literature, ornament, pottery

Criteria for Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)

• Preservation and membership community

• Decades of pratice

• Quality standards

• Craft mentorship

Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) - Honors and Privileges

• Grants and Medallion cash

Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardees

Ginaw Bilog (1993)

• Poetry and Preseravtion

Masino Intaray (1993)

• Storyting and Instrumentals

Samaon Sulaiman (1993)

• Instruments

Land Dulay (1998)

• Weaves

Salinta Monon (1998)

• Weaver

Alonzo Saclag (2000)

• Musician and instrumentals

Federico Caballero (2000)

• Epics

Uwang Ahadas (2000)

• Instruments

Darhata Sawabi (2004)

• Tapestry

Eduardo Mutuc (2004)

• Religous crafting

Haja Amina Appi (2004)

• Woven mat

Teofilo Gracia (2012)

• Hat maker

Magdalena Gamayo (2012)

• Woven fabrics