Contemporary Philippine Arts From The Regions - PDF

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS LESSON 1: Art in the Philippines As a Filipino, one should have the knowledge of the different forms of art in the Philippines to fully grasp its identity as a nation and to completely embrace oneself as a citizen of the country. The lessons a...

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS LESSON 1: Art in the Philippines As a Filipino, one should have the knowledge of the different forms of art in the Philippines to fully grasp its identity as a nation and to completely embrace oneself as a citizen of the country. The lessons and activities incorporated in this section will help the students to have an understanding and appreciation of the Philippine Arts specifically to the Contemporary Philippine Arts. The lesson will provide students overview of the history of Philippine Arts from the Ethic up to Contemporary Period”. (Sandangan, 2006) The development of Philippine Art comes in three major traditions. These are the Ethic Tradition, Spanish Colonial Tradition, and the American Colonial Tradition, and Contemporary Traditions. Before colonization, the Philippines already has its indigenous art. The ethic art forms are primarily influenced by the geographical location and the experiences of the Filipinos. For instance the dances in the country during the pre-colonial times vary depending on the area where our ancestors thrive. In the highlands, dance steps were imitations of the movements of certain animals like birds while the choreography of the Filipinos near the sea were mimics of the movement of the fishes (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) (ETHNIC TRADITION) In terms of visual arts, pottery weaving, wood carving and metal crafting were dominant during pre-colonial period making use of the available materials surrounding them About architecture, the early Filipinos used local materials such as anahaw, bamboo, cogon cane, rattan, and other light materials in constructing structures since these were the materials accessible in the area. Also our ancestors already have their folk literature which came in the forms of folk speeches, songs, and narratives. This folk literature verbalized their experiences. Regarding theatre arts, tribal presentations and rituals were the early theatrical performances depicting their beliefs. In music our ancestors also have their indigenous musical instruments like the bamboo flutes and brass gongs. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) (SPANISH COLONIAL TRADITION) Then came the Spaniards who tend to replace the Philippine indigenous art with Western art form, religion and secularization greatly influenced the art in the Philippines under the Spanish regime. Here are the list of the following influence and effect of Western art forms during Spanish colonial tradition. 1. Friars were the ones supervising practice of arts in the country 2. Propagating their agenda and the Christianity 3. Maintaining the powers of colonizers 4. The literary works could be classified into religious and secular prose and poetry 5. In the area of theatre arts religious plays like the komedya became popular 6. In choreography religious dances are commonly performed to venerate patrons and saints 7. Secular dances in social functions like (valse, fandango , polka and minuet) 8. Spaniards introduced westerns instruments and also the Piano (bands and orchestra) 9. Zarzuelas and operas became prevalent 10. In visual arts, they introduced painting and sculpture which mostly depicted religious subject matters  11. In architecture stones and bricks were predominantly sed in constructing buildings (churches, houses, and government offices) 12. Exterior and interior of the buildings were embellished with wood carvings or metal works with intricate decorative design (AMERICAN COLONIAL TRADITION) However, despite the strong influence of the Spaniards, the arts in the Philippines did not result in pure influence, though they have introduced western art but it resulted to western and indigenous art. The Filipino artists still put touches on their art pieces. After more than 300 years of Spanish colonization, the Americans took over the country which led to the declaration of the independence on June 12, 189. The American brought about many changes in terms of politics, economy, education and culture of the Philippines. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) These are the following changes brought by the Americans : 1. In the area of education, there are Filipinos who went abroad to study, some studied under the tutelage of American educators while some learned through observation and personal experiences 2. Those who went abroad to study came back to the country carrying the concept of modern art. 3. Modern art the practice of art in the 1860’s-1960’s during these years western world was significantly developing 4. The urbanization, consumerism, rise of the middle class, change in the political system, secularization, and the emergence of new technology affected the way of art making in that period. 5. Technological innovations and experimental approaches in developing art rose above traditional art practices and methodologies. 6. New forms of expression came which were Avant garde in nature. 7. Modern art continuously develops even after World War. Contemporary art refers to the recent and current practice of art ranging from the 1970’s up to the present. It mirrors the society and culture of the present times. It uses a combination of different methods, materials and ideas that transcend the traditional way of making art. All Philippine art forms had different twist as the American way life became a part of lives of the Filipinos. The art forms and art practices in the country broadened. Artist experimented with different materials and methodologies and produced non-conventional artworks with wide-range of themes. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) MODERN ART IN THE PHILIPPINES Time Period : Modern art in the Philippines generally spans from the early 1860’s century to the 1960’s. Characteristics : Emphasis on innovation and breaking away from traditional forms and subjects. Influenced by global art movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, Surrealism, and Abstract Expressionism. Artists sought to express the Filipino identity and social realities through their works. Prominent Artists : Fernando Amorsolo : Known for his romanticized depictions of Philippine rural life. Victorio Edades : Regarded as the father of modern Philippine painting, introduced modernist techniques and subjects. Carlos Francisco : Known for his murals depicting Philippine history and culture. Galo Ocampo : His works often reflected social and political themes. THEMES AND INFLUENCES: Nationalism and the search for a Filipino identity. Social realism and commentary on political and social issues. Incorporation of indigenous and folk elements into modernist styles. CONTEMPORARY ART IN THE PHILIPPINES TIME PERIOD: Contemporary art in the Philippines generally refers to art produced from the 1970s to the present day. CHARACTERISTICS: More diverse in terms of mediums and approaches, including digital art, installation art, performance art, and mixed media. Emphasis on individual expression and exploration of new technologies and materials. Often reflects global trends and issues, while also addressing local concerns. PROMINENT ARTISTS : Ronald Ventura - Known for his complex, layered paintings and sculptures. Jose Tence Ruiz - Works often address political and social issues through multimedia installations. Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan - Known for their collaborative and participatory art projects. Mark Justiniani - Noted for his use of mirrors and optical illusions in installations. THEMES AND INFLUENCES : Globalization and its impact on Filipino society and culture. Identity, gender, and post-colonialism. Environmental and ecological concerns. Social and political critique. HISTORICAL CONTEXT : Modern art emerged during a period of intense national identity formation and post-colonial awakening. Contemporary art exists in a globalized world with rapid technological advancements and complex socio-political dynamics. ARTISTIC APPROACH : Modern art often focused on formal innovation and the development of a national style.  Contemporary art is more eclectic, experimental, and interdisciplinary, reflecting a wide range of influences and mediums. THEMES : Modern art frequently deal with themes of nationalism, tradition, and social realism. Contemporary art engages with a broader array of themes, including identity, globalization, technology, and the environment. MEDIUMS AND TECHNIQUES : Modern art primarily involved traditional mediums such as painting and sculpture. Contemporary art incorporates a variety of mediums including digital art, video, installations, and performance art. LESSON 2 CONTEMPORARY ART FORMS AND PRACTICES IN THE PHILIPPINES According to Sayseng and Sandagan(2016), the Philippine Contemporary Art is divided into SEVEN MAJOR ART FORMS : visual arts, literature, music, theatre, dance, architecture, and film. VISUAL ARTS In the American period, education was introduced to the Philippines. There were Filipinos who studied abroad and influenced the art making in the country. Juan Arellano, Diosdado Lorenzo, and Victorio Edades were among those who studied outside the Philippines. These three artist went back and introduced the concept of modern art in the country. They were also called as the triumvirate. VICTORIO EDADES - introduced the modern visual art through his art exhibition which shocked many Filipino audiences due to his different style in painting. Instead of using bright and happy colors, he used dull and dark hues in his works with the life of the laborers, workers, and lower sector of the society as his subjects. THIRTEEN MODERNS - Vicente Mansala, Cesar Legaspi, Anita Magsaysay-ho, Hernando Ocampo, Carlos Francisco were few of those composing the thrirteen Modern. It was noticeable that during the American period, the subjects artworks shifted from rural to urban themes. URBAN SETUPS BECAME THE USUAL SUBJECTS OF VISUAL ARTS After World War II, artist started creating proletarian art which depicts the lie after the war, social issues, and economic problems. MODERNISM - garnered a larger influence since there were institutions created like the art association.  Through the years, different artist carrying different styles in making arts became popular and various visual art trends emerged. There were stylistics arts and drawings thematic artworks reflecting historical, social economic, and political themes. Different mediums were also employed in art making. It was also during this period Paris Cubism took its scene. It is a kind of cubism showing fragmented figures in larger plane. According to Sayseng and Sandagan (2016), most known cubist in their times, Vicente Manansala, Romeo Tabuena, and Cesar Legaspi. Also, during the modern period, abstraction was employed. Among the known abstractionist during those time were H.R. Ocampo, Constantino Bernardo, Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz, Arturo Luz and Jose Joya. Napoleon Abueva - became famous in sculpture because of his technique and materials that he is using like the variety of woods, metals and stones. He also combined these materials to produce unique sculpture and because of that other sculptors joined Abueva in his modernism and produced creative works. Arts in the Philippines during these period reflects dynamism, freedom of expression and concern to the masses. This kind of art continued to flourish, and the number of artist’s eager of creating innovations increased. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) Arts in the Philippines during these period reflects dynamism, freedom of expression and concern to the masses. This kind of art continued to flourish and the number of artist’s eager of creating innovations increased. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) Ang Kiukok painted in expressionistic style BenCab worked with realism and experimental devices. Sculptors like Ramon Orlina and Impy Pilapil explored the use of glass in making sculptures. There were also social realist who continued doing proletarian art but this time, they used other popular art forms in conveying nationalistic messages like a comic, posters and cartoons. MAGIC REALISM - entered the art scene. This refers to the style in a painting showing minute details of the subjects and highlighting their texture and color. An example of this is the Bigas Artwork by Nestor Leynes. Genre painting is showing the lives of town-folks, legends and traditions stayed in the Philippine Contemporary period. Moreover the use of indigenous materials (bamboo, rattan, coconut, abaca, etc.) became a trend in sculptures and installation art to promote environmental awareness. Indeed, visual art has developed and transformed through the years. The significant development of the modern and contemporary art in the country only shows how creative, innovative and free thinkers the Filipinos are. In order promote and preserve the rich artistry in the country. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) LITERATURE The bond between the Philippines and the American still continues even after the declaration of independence in 1946 which is evident in the continual flourishment of modernism. IN THE FIELD OF POERTY - During the contemporary period, publication of young poets to campus journals emerged. The “Bagay” movement (1970) also took the scene, it is a kind of poetry which uses colloquial language and is built on concrete images which tend to describe experiences, poets Jose F. Lacaba, Rolando Tinio, Bienvenido Lumbera, Antonio Samson, and Edmundo Martinez started the Bagay Movement. AMADO V. HERNANDEZ He introduced another type of poetry through his work “Ang Bayang Malaya” it is a long narrative piece about a peasant leader (farmer), oppression and fighting for human rights are the main themes of the said piece. In the succeeding poems developed by the Filipino poets, the influence of Amado V. Hernandez was evident.  Social protest and social realism became the theme of the poems. Protest poetry proliferated. The nationalist spirit of many writers arose because of the Marshall Law during the contemporary period, the works of American and British poets influenced the English poems in the Philippines. Poets like Edith Tiempo, Emmanuel Torres and Dominador Ilio were among those who influenced by Western poets. Their works revolved on subjects like the search for love and identity, oppression and those subjects concerning the poet’s private worlds. This kind of poetry was followed by poems containing social issues. The rise of the nationalistic poetry discussing poverty, in equality, political turmoil and other social problems started during the Marcos Era. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) In the area of short story, after the World War II, short stories focused on the self-consciousness and self- expression of the writer. Some of the know English short story writers during those times are N.V.M Gonzales, Nick Joaquin, Alejandro Roces, Francisco Arcellana, Gregorio Brillantes, Bienvenido Santos, Edith Tiempo, etc. During the contemporary period there are also short stories produced whice use vernacular language. However, it was only the publication of Filipino literary works that continued due to the lack of moral and financial support, and due to the writer’s choice of producing works using a language that can be understood by more readers. In the area of novels, the production of novels with socio political themes continued after the World War II. English novelist, on the other hand, like the English poets and short story writer, focused on the search for identity. In the area of essay and criticism, literary criticism was produced after the World War II aiming to analyse the Philippines writings. Informal essay, on the other hand, also took the scene which was developed by women writers. The Contemporary Literature was a mixture of a variety of subjects. It is also a product of different innovative techniques of writers. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016) MUSIC Based on the book of Sayseng and Sandagan (2016), during the early American period, the music of the country was mostly classical due to the influence of the European. This kind of music continued flourishing until 1950s. It was in the 1960s that avant-garde music (expirement) emerged. The Philippine Music at the time evolved into a combination of classical and traditional or ethnic music at the time evolved into a combination of classical and traditional or ethnic music. As time goes by, due to the introduction of radio, film, and other entertainment technology, the theater music that once flourished gradually declined. However, the rondallas or the srting bands remain even up to the present. Philippine music continuously evolved and Pinoy pop music took place, Pinoy pop covers different forms like jazz, dance hits, folksong revival, rock and roll, rap, etc. western-derived with English lyrics with pure Filipino spirit. Later on the OPM or the Original Pilipino Music became popular. The OPM is a kind of music purely Filipino and is composed and sung by Filipino composers and singers. The OPM was followed by another form of popular music called “alternative music” Folk balladeers influenced by the alternative music. This type of music sprouted out of protest that later on included themes like Filipino values, political and environmental concerns, and other societal themes. Some example of alternative music are Freddie Aguilars’s Anak, Herbert Bartolome’s Tayo’y mga Pinoy, and Florante De Leon’s Akoy Pilipino. (Sayseng and Sandagan, 2016)