Contemporary Philippine Arts From The Regions PDF

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS  WHAT IS PHILIPPINE ABOUT PHILIPPINE ART? The “Philippine" aspect of Philippine art refl ects its unique cultural identity, history, and the diverse infl uences that have shaped its development. Indigenous Roots Pre-colonial art forms, such as tra...

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS  WHAT IS PHILIPPINE ABOUT PHILIPPINE ART? The “Philippine" aspect of Philippine art refl ects its unique cultural identity, history, and the diverse infl uences that have shaped its development. Indigenous Roots Pre-colonial art forms, such as traditional weaving, pottery, tattoos, and jewelry, are deeply tied to Filipino culture and communities like the Ifugao, T’boli, and Maranao. These forms often symbolize community, nature, and spirituality. Colonial Influences Over 300 years of Spanish colonization introduced religious art, such as retablos (altar pieces), santos (religious icons), and murals in churches. The blend of indigenous and colonial styles created a unique hybrid characteristic of Philippine art. Nationalism in Art  During the Philippine Revolution and early independence movements, art became a medium for expressing nationalism and resistance, as seen in the works of Juan Luna ("Spoliarium") and Felix Resurrección Hidalgo.  Folk dances like the tinikling and singkil, as well as music forms like kundiman, reflect pride in Filipino identity. Themes of Daily Life and Struggles Philippine art often portrays the lives, struggles, and triumphs of ordinary Filipinos. From Amorsolo's idyllic rural landscapes to the social realism of artists like Carlos Francisco and Benedicto Cabrera, the Filipino experience is a central theme. Religious Syncretism Art in the Philippines frequently blends indigenous beliefs with Christianity, as seen in fiestas, processions, and religious sculptures. For instance, the Ati-Atihan festival integrates tribal traditions with Catholic devotion. Multicultural Diversity  The Philippines' archipelagic nature and multiethnic society mean that art varies significantly across regions. Examples include: o The vibrant geometric patterns of the T’boli t’nalak. o Intricate Maranao okir designs. o The kalinga tattooing tradition known as batok. LOOKING BACK AT PHILIPPIN E ART PAINTIN G  Pre-Colonial Era  Mediums: Early Filipinos painted on surfaces like rocks and bark, often using natural pigments.  Themes: Paintings were symbolic and often connected to rituals, storytelling, and daily life.  Example: The Angono Petroglyphs, considered the oldest known artwork in the Philippines, feature carvings of human and animal figures. Spanish Colonial Era (1521– 1898)  Religious Art: Paintings were largely religious due to Spanish colonization. Churches were adorned with biblical scenes, saints, and imagery promoting Catholicism.  Famous Artists: o Damian Domingo: Known as the "Father of Philippine Painting," he depicted religious and secular themes. o Juan Luna: His masterpiece, Spoliarium, won awards in Europe and highlighted themes of oppression and heroism.  American Period (1898– 1946)  Shift in Themes: Paintings started to focus on Filipino life, identity, and nationalism.  Fernando Amorsolo: The "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art" created idyllic rural landscapes, portraying the beauty of the Filipino countryside.  Social Realism: Painters like Carlos "Botong" Francisco began highlighting social issues through their works.  Post-War and Contemporary Periods  Modernism: Artists like Victorio Edades introduced modernist styles, breaking away from traditional techniques.  Contemporary Art: Themes include identity, globalization, and social commentary. Artists like Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab) gained prominence for their unique blend of realism and abstraction. LOOKING BACK AT PHILIPPINE ART SCULPTURE  Pre-Colonial Era  Mediums: Wood, stone, and metal were commonly used.  Purpose: Sculptures were functional and spiritual, including anitos (ancestor figures) and bul-uls (rice granary guardians).  Example: The Manunggul Jar, a burial jar with intricate carvings, showcases early Filipino artistry.  Spanish Colonial Era  Religious Sculptures: Santos (religious icons) and relief carvings became central to Filipino art during this period.  Mediums: Wood and ivory were popular, influenced by Baroque and Rococo styles.  Famous Works: o The Black Nazarene, a life-sized statue of Christ, is a revered religious sculpture.  American and Japanese Periods  Public Sculptures: Monuments like Guillermo Tolentino's Bonifacio Monument represented nationalism and heroism.  Carving Techniques: Western techniques like bronze casting were introduced during this period.  Themes: Sculptures began focusing on historical events, leaders, and everyday life.  Modern and Contemporary Sculpture  Innovative Materials: Modern artists like Napoleon Abueva, the "Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture," used diverse materials like metal, marble, and steel.  Abstract Forms: Contemporary sculptures embrace abstraction and social commentary, as seen in the works of Eduardo Castrillo (People Power Monument).  Installation Art: Recent developments include large-scale public art installations reflecting Filipino culture and history. LOOKING BACK AT PHILIPPINE ART WEAVING  Pre-Colonial Roots  Early Weaving Practices: Weaving in the Philippines dates back to pre-colonial times when indigenous communities wove textiles using natural fibers like abaca, cotton, and pineapple leaf (piña).  Symbolism and Functionality: Weavings were not just functional but symbolic, representing community identity, social status, and cultural narratives. o Traditional Patterns: Geometric designs, inspired by nature and spiritual beliefs, were common.  Key Regions: Different communities developed distinct weaving traditions: o Northern Philippines: The Ilocanos and Kalinga people specialized in intricate textiles. o Southern Philippines: The T’boli tribe is renowned for their t’nalak, which features sacred patterns.  Colonial Influence on Weaving  Introduction of New Techniques: The Spanish colonial period brought European looms and influences, leading to innovations in textile production.  Religious Influence: Weaving was often used to produce fabrics for church vestments and religious ceremonies.  Piña Fabric: The Visayan regions, particularly Aklan, became famous for piña fabric, which was used for traditional attire like the barong tagalog and terno.  Traditional Weaving in Key Regions  Northern Philippines: o Abel Iloco: Ilocano weavers use handlooms to create abel fabric, known for its durability and vibrant designs. o Kalinga Weaves: Characterized by bold geometric patterns and vibrant colors symbolizing bravery and strength.  Cordillera Region: o Textiles here often depict nature, community, and spiritual beliefs.  Southern Philippines: o T’boli T’nalak: This sacred cloth is made from abaca fibers and designed through dreams, earning T’boli women the title of “dream weavers.” o Maranao Malong: A tubular garment made with bright, intricate patterns and used in various cultural ceremonies.  Post-Colonial and Modern Era  Preservation and Adaptation: Efforts to preserve traditional weaving have been supported by cultural organizations and the government. o National Living Treasures: Master weavers like Lang Dulay (T’boli) have been recognized for preserving the art.  Integration with Contemporary Fashion: Traditional weaves are being incorporated into modern fashion by designers, helping to bring Philippine textiles to global audiences. LOOKING BACK AT PHILIPPINE ART ARCHITE CTURE  Pre-Colonial Architecture Indigenous Structures: Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Filipino architecture was shaped by the environment and materials available to different ethnic groups across the archipelago. Early Filipino homes were often built with indigenous materials like bamboo, wood, nipa palm, and rattan. ◦ Bahay Kubo (Nipa Hut) ◦ Ifugao Rice Terraces ◦ Torogan ◦ Bahay na Bato (Stone House)  Spanish Colonial Architecture (1521–1898)  Religious Influence: The arrival of the Spanish in 1521 introduced European architectural styles, particularly Baroque, which became predominant in religious and civic buildings. The Spanish missionaries built churches and structures to promote Catholicism and assert their colonial presence. o Churches: Spanish colonial churches are perhaps the most significant architectural legacy of this period. Many of these churches were built using coral stone, brick, and mortar and featured Baroque, Gothic, and Neoclassical designs. Notable examples include: o San Agustin Church (Manila) American Colonial Architecture (1898–1946) ◦ Public Buildings: The American colonial government constructed large, monumental structures like the Manila City Hall and The Manila Hotel, which incorporated Western architectural styles. o University of the Philippines (UP) and Philippine General Hospital (PGH): These institutions were designed in the Beaux-Arts style, with an emphasis on symmetrical, classical facades. o Bureau of Science (now the National Museum of Natural History): Built in 1918, this building reflects the Neoclassical style, with its grand columns and symmetrical design. Post-War Architecture (1946–1970s) o Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP): Designed by architect Leandro Locsin, the CCP complex is a prime example of modernist architecture, incorporating brutalist elements with Filipino cultural expressions. o Philippine International Convention Center (PICC): Another example of the modernist movement, this building reflects the postwar ambition to create structures that could represent the Philippines on the international stage. LOOKING BACK AT PHILIPPINE ART POTTERY  Pre-Colonial Roots of Philippine Pottery  Origins and Functions: Pottery in the Philippines dates back thousands of years to the Neolithic period. Early pottery was utilitarian, used for storing food, water, and grains, as well as for cooking and burial rituals.  Craftsmanship: Early Filipinos shaped clay by hand or used simple tools, firing the pots in open kilns. Designs often reflected local traditions and spiritual beliefs.  Key Artifacts: o Manunggul Jar: A burial jar from Palawan (890-710 BCE), famous for its intricate lid design showing two figures rowing a boat, symbolizing the journey to the afterlife. o Maitum Jars: Discovered in Sarangani, these anthropomorphic burial jars feature human faces, signifying their importance in pre-colonial burial rites. Colonial Period and Its Influence  Introduction of Glazing: During the Spanish colonization, new pottery techniques, such as glazing and the use of potter's wheels, were introduced. These innovations allowed for the production of more durable and decorative ceramics.  Religious Pottery: The colonial period saw the production of religious items, such as clay lamps and ceremonial jars, for use in churches and missions.  Post-Colonial and Contemporary Philippine Pottery  Revival of Traditional Techniques: Efforts have been made to preserve and revive indigenous pottery traditions, particularly in rural communities. o Burnay Jars (Ilocos): These traditional earthenware jars are still produced in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, using age-old methods for storing water, rice, and vinegar. o Kalinga Pottery: Known for its simplicity and practicality, this pottery style reflects the agricultural lifestyle of the Kalinga people. LOOKING BACK AT PHILIPPINE ART MUSIC  Pre-Colonial Music  Indigenous Roots: Before colonization, Filipino music was closely tied to rituals, community gatherings, and daily activities. Music played a significant role in expressing spirituality, storytelling, and communal identity.  Instruments: Indigenous instruments were primarily made from natural materials like bamboo, wood, and animal skins. Examples include: o Kulintang: A set of gongs arranged in a row, prominent among the Maguindanao and Maranao peoples. o Kudyapi: A two-stringed lute used by the T’boli and other indigenous groups. o Agung: A large gong used for rhythm. Spanish Colonial Period (1521–1898)  Introduction of Western Music: Spanish colonization brought European music traditions, including Catholic liturgical music. The church became a central institution for music education.  Religious Music: o Pasyon: A musical narration of the passion of Christ, sung during Holy Week. o Mass Hymns: Latin hymns were translated into Filipino languages.  Harana and Kundiman: o Harana: A traditional serenade performed by men to women, characterized by its romantic and melodic style. o Kundiman: A genre of traditional Filipino love songs, often expressing themes of patriotism disguised as romantic longing. American Period (1898– 1946)  Education and Modernization: The American colonial government introduced music education into public schools, emphasizing Western classical music and band traditions.  Rise of the Filipino Composer: o Composers like Francisco Santiago (Father of Kundiman) and Nicanor Abelardo elevated the kundiman to an art form.  Popular Music: Jazz, swing, and folk songs gained popularity during this period. Philippine Bands: Military brass bands, such as the Philippine Constabulary Band, became prominent under American influence.  Post-War and Contemporary Periods  Rise of Filipino Pop Music: o The 1960s and 1970s saw the emergence of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), blending Western influences with Filipino themes. o Artists like Freddie Aguilar (Anak) and Ryan Cayabyab (Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika) became cultural icons.  Social and Political Commentary: During the Martial Law era, music became a tool for protest and social commentary, with folk singers like Asin and Joey Ayala addressing issues of injustice and environmental conservation.  Cultural Preservation: Efforts were made to preserve traditional music, with groups like the Bayanihan Dance Troupe incorporating indigenous music into their performances. LOOKING BACK AT PHILIPPINE ART LITERA TURE Pre-Colonial Period  Oral Tradition: Pre-colonial literature was transmitted orally, consisting of myths, legends, epics, riddles, and proverbs. These were used to explain natural phenomena, teach moral lessons, and preserve history.  Famous Epics: o Biag ni Lam-ang (Ilocano): A tale of heroism and adventure. o Hinilawod (Panay): The longest recorded epic in the Philippines. Spanish Colonial Period (1521–1898)  Religious and Didactic Literature: Spanish colonization introduced religious texts to propagate Catholicism, such as: o Pasyon: A narrative of the Passion of Christ sung during Holy Week. o Senakulo: A dramatic portrayal of Christ’s life and crucifixion.  Secular Literature: o The awit and corrido, narrative poems about chivalry and adventure, became popular. o Florante at Laura by Francisco Balagtas, a landmark in Philippine literature, used allegory to criticize Spanish rule.  American Period (1898– 1946)  Shift to English: The introduction of English education led to a new wave of literature written in English.  Emergence of Nationalist Themes: Writers like Jose Garcia Villa and Paz Marquez Benitez gained prominence, addressing identity and colonialism in their works.  Modern Poetry and Prose: The balagtasan (poetic debate) continued traditional forms, while short stories and novels flourished. Post-War and Contemporary Periods  Emergence of Modern Themes: Writers began exploring themes of social realism, politics, and identity. o Mga Ibong Mandaragit by Amado V. Hernandez tackled social injustice.  Diverse Languages and Genres: Works in Filipino and regional languages were given more focus, celebrating the country’s linguistic diversity.  Global Recognition: Filipino writers like Nick Joaquin, F. Sionil Jose, and Lualhati Bautista brought Philippine literature to international attention. PHILIPPI NE THEATRE Pre-Colonial Period  Ritual and Folk Theater: Early theater was performed during rituals, festivals, and community gatherings. These included: o Bayok (epic chants) o Duplo and Karagatan (poetic games) o Indigenous dances and performances honoring deities and ancestors. Spanish Colonial Period  Religious Theater: Spanish missionaries introduced religious dramas to teach Catholicism, such as: o Senakulo: Passion plays staged during Lent. o Moro-Moro: A dramatization of Christian-Muslim conflicts, often depicting the triumph of Christianity.  Secular Theater: o Comedia or Zarzuela: These plays combined song, dance, and dialogue to tell romantic or comedic stories. American Period  Educational Influence: English-language plays and Western theatrical forms like vaudeville became popular.  Philippine Zarzuela Flourished: Writers like Severino Reyes (Walang Sugat) used the zarzuela to critique social issues and express nationalism. Post-War and Contemporary Periods  Experimental and Modern Theater: Groups like the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and Tanghalang Pilipino explored contemporary issues using both traditional and modern techniques.  Political Activism in Theater: During Martial Law, plays became platforms for protest, such as Bonifacio Ilagan's Pagsambang Bayan. DANCE  Pre-Colonial Dance  Ritual and Spiritual Dance: Before the arrival of Spanish colonizers, Filipino dances were deeply rooted in spiritual and communal practices. They were performed in rituals to honor deities, ancestors, and natural forces.  Types of Dance: o Anito Dance: Performed to honor the spirits of ancestors and invoke protection or blessings. o War and Harvest Dances: Tribes such as the Igorot and Ifugao performed dances symbolizing bravery and the cycles of planting and harvesting. o Courtship Dances: Some dances were performed to express romantic intentions, such as those of the Maranao people. Spanish Colonial Period (1521–1898)  Introduction of European Dance Forms: Spanish colonization introduced Western dance forms, including ballet and folk dances from Spain. These dances blended with indigenous Filipino movements and rituals, leading to new forms of hybrid dance.  Religious and Secular Dance: o Religious Dances: Influenced by Catholicism, dances were incorporated into church rituals and festivals. o Fiesta Dances: Spanish-inspired folk dances, such as the Fandango and Jota, became part of Philippine fiestas.  Courtship and Social Dances: o Tinikling: A famous folk dance imitating the movements of the tikling bird as it avoids bamboo traps. It is one of the most recognized traditional dances in the Philippines. o Cariñosa: A Filipino social dance that emerged during the Spanish era, characterized by its graceful movements and the use of fans or handkerchiefs. American Colonial Period (1898–1946) Introduction of Modern Dance Forms: American colonization introduced more Western dance styles, including ballroom dance and jazz, which had a profound impact on the evolution of Philippine dance. Post-War and Contemporary Dance  Rise of Contemporary Dance: After World War II, Philippine dance continued to evolve with the rise of modern and contemporary dance. Filipino choreographers began experimenting with new techniques and artistic expressions.  Influence of Ballet and Modern Dance: o Ballet Philippines and other dance companies were established, focusing on both classical ballet and modern dance. o National Artists of Dance such as Francisca Reyes Aquino (Father of Philippine Folk Dance) and Leonor Orosa Goquingco (Mother of Philippine Ballet) helped bridge traditional and modern dance forms.  Dance as Expression and Protest: In the 1960s and 1970s, contemporary dance also became a means of protest, addressing social and political issues. o Dance artists like Alice Reyes (founder of Ballet Philippines) introduced contemporary styles to reflect Filipino life and concerns.  Traditional and Folk Dance Revival: o The Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company played a significant role in reviving and preserving traditional Filipino dances, such as Maglalatik and Pantomina. o These dances celebrate the everyday life of Filipinos, including agricultural rituals, religious celebrations, and community bonding. FOLK DANCE  Tinikling  Region: Central Luzon (especially in Leyte)  Description: Tinikling is one of the most well-known Filipino dances, often regarded as the "national dance" of the Philippines. The dance imitates the movements of the tikling bird as it walks between grass stems or dodges bamboo traps. Dancers perform intricate footwork by stepping in and out of two bamboo poles that are rhythmically tapped together.  Cariñosa  Region: Nationwide (especially in Luzon)  Description: Cariñosa is a traditional Filipino social dance that originated during the Spanish colonial period. It is characterized by its gentle and flirtatious movements, where dancers, usually a man and a woman, engage in a playful display of courtship. The dance is often performed with the use of fans or handkerchiefs, which are used to hide the face or express emotions.  Pandanggo sa Ilaw  Region: Luzon (especially in Mindoro)  Description: Pandanggo sa Ilaw is a graceful dance in which the performer balances oil lamps (called lamparillas) on their heads and hands while performing intricate footwork and spinning movements. The dancers move in a circular pattern, and the objective is to maintain balance while keeping the lamps steady. Maglalatik  Region: Luzon (especially in the Batangas area)  Description: Maglalatik is a lively and energetic dance that portrays a mock battle between Christians and Muslims over coconut meat (referred to as latik). Dancers, typically male, wear coconut shells on their bodies (chest, back, and thighs) and create rhythmic sounds as they clap the shells together while performing martial movements. Pantomina  Region: Bicol (especially in Sorsogon)  Description: Pantomina, often called the "dance of the doves," is a courtship dance that mimics the movements of doves. The dance is characterized by elegant gestures, such as fluttering arms, as a way of showing affection and romantic intent. The dancers use handkerchiefs, which they wave or pass back and forth. Itik-Itik  Region: Mindanao (especially in Surigao del Norte)  Description: Itik-Itik is a playful dance that imitates the movements of ducks, particularly how they waddle and flap their wings. The dance involves intricate footwork and arm movements that mimic the duck's movements in the water.  Salidsid  Region: Visayas (especially in Negros)  Description: Salidsid is a traditional folk dance from Negros that depicts the farmer’s life and the joy of harvesting sugarcane. The dance showcases graceful movements as the dancers simulate the planting, nurturing, and harvesting of crops.  Balitaw  Region: Visayas (especially in Cebu and Negros)  Description: Balitaw is a traditional Visayan dance that blends singing and dancing. It involves a dialogue or "debate" between a man and a woman, often about courtship, love, and marriage. The song lyrics are sung in a lively and rhythmic manner, and the dance is highly expressive.  SIGNIFICANT CONTEMPORARY VISUAL ARTS FROM THE REGIONS  National Capital Region (NCR) – Metro Manila Metro Manila, as the country’s cultural and artistic hub, hosts numerous art galleries, museums, and institutions that showcase a wide array of contemporary art. Key Artists:  Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab): Known for his depictions of Filipino identity, Bencab’s work explores themes such as social realism and the human condition, often depicting the lives of rural Filipinos and marginalized communities. His series of "Sabel" paintings, inspired by the urban poor, are iconic in Philippine contemporary art. Carlos “Botong” Francisco: While he passed away in the 1960s, his influence on contemporary art through public murals and his contributions to the modernist movement in the Philippines remains vital. Contemporary Art Galleries and Museums: Venues such as The National Museum of Fine Arts, The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and Art Fair Philippines are significant in promoting modern Filipino artists to the global stage. Ilocos Region – Northern Luzon Key Artists:  Imelda Cajipe-Endaya (Ilocos Norte): Known for her mixed-media works, Cajipe- Endaya's art often reflects on gender, identity, and history, using traditional materials and contemporary techniques. Cordillera Administrative Region – Northern Philippines Key Artists:  Michael Cacnio (Baguio): Known for his contemporary sculptures, Cacnio often uses brass and bronze to depict traditional Filipino life and stories through stylized human figures and forms. Visayas Region Key Artists:  Rodel Tapaya (Bohol): Tapaya is known for his large-scale paintings that mix folklore, mythology, and contemporary issues. His work often incorporates elements from Visayan and Filipino myths, reflecting on collective memory and identity.  Dex Fernandez (Cebu): Fernandez's works blend graffiti, popular culture, and traditional iconography, creating a unique fusion of contemporary street art and Filipino visual culture. Mindanao Region Key Artists:  Sultan Ali (Maranao): As an artist from the Maranao group in Mindanao, Sultan Ali’s works often depict Islamic iconography, Islamic calligraphy, and other traditional Muslim art elements combined with contemporary mediums. CRAFTMANSHIP ARCHITECTURE MUSIC