CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS shape, color, space, texture, value, and form, as

FROM THE REGION well as the principles of rhythm, movement,

REVIEWER balance, proportion, contrast, variety, emphasis,
Introduction: Contemporary art and modern art, and harmony. Through this module, learners
often used interchangeably, exhibit distinctive develop a keen eye for the intricacies of artistic
characteristics that emerge from their respective expression, gaining a deeper appreciation for the
historical and philosophical contexts. This review myriad forms of contemporary artistry flourishing
aims to elucidate the nuanced differences between in the Philippines.
contemporary and modern art, providing a more MODULE 1: Contemporary Art vs. Modern
detailed exploration of their unique features. Art
Module 1 meticulously dissects the distinctions Definition:
between contemporary and modern art, elucidating • Modern Art:
their respective historical contexts, defining • Era: Late 19th century to mid-20th
characteristics, and overarching philosophies. century (approximately 1860s to
Learners are guided through an immersive journey 1959).
that unpacks the themes, subject matter, mediums, • Characteristics: Radical departure
techniques, and audience engagement strategies from traditional styles, introduction
unique to each era, fostering a nuanced of avant-garde movements like
understanding of the evolution of artistic cubism, surrealism, and abstract
movements. expressionism.
Module 2 embarks on a captivating exploration of • Artists: Pioneered by Pablo Picasso,
contemporary art forms emerging from the diverse Wassily Kandinsky, Marcel
regions of the Philippines. It delves into the cultural Duchamp, and others.
renaissance sweeping through urban centers and • Philosophy: Reflects societal
countryside locales, shedding light on the profound upheavals, technological
impact of regional beauty and expression. Learners advancements, and a quest for new
are invited to appreciate the communal, intuitive, modes of expression during the era.
and integrative nature of contemporary Philippine • Contemporary Art:
art within its cultural, political, and historical • Era: Mid-20th century to the present
contexts. day (approximately 1960s to now).
In Module 3, learners are treated to an insightful • Characteristics: Diverse styles,
tour through the various contemporary art forms mediums, and conceptual
that have flourished across the Philippines. From approaches, reflecting the
painting and sculpture to architecture, film, globalized, interconnected nature of
literature, music, theater, and dance, each art form the contemporary world.
is meticulously examined, revealing its evolution, • Artists: Features a wide array,
characteristics, and contributions to the rich including Damien Hirst, Yayoi
tapestry of Philippine contemporary arts. Kusama, Ai Weiwei, and many
Module 4 elevates the discussion to the pinnacle of others.
artistic recognition—the Order of National Artist. • Philosophy: Engages with complex
Delving into the historical underpinnings, aims, present-day issues, often political,
categories of recognition, qualifications, and social, or cultural, embracing
insignia of this prestigious honor, learners gain a inclusivity and diversity.
profound appreciation for the esteemed individuals Themes and Subject Matter:
who have left an indelible mark on the country's • Modern Art:
artistic legacy. • Themes: Explored industrialization,
Lastly, Module 5 provides a masterful exploration urbanization, and war's impact on
of the fundamental elements and principles of art society. Focused on the individual
as they manifest in contemporary Philippine arts. experience in a rapidly changing
Learners are guided through an illuminating world.
journey that unpacks the significance of line,
•Subject Matter: Varied but often • Contemporary Art:
included portraiture, landscapes, • Audience: Encourages broader
and abstract representations. engagement, with many
• Contemporary Art: contemporary artists striving for
• Themes: Diverse and expansive, inclusivity and accessibility.
addressing current societal, • Accessibility: Varied, but
environmental, and technological contemporary art often aims to be
issues. Embraces a broad spectrum more relatable and open to
of themes, from identity politics to interpretation, fostering dialogue
environmental sustainability. with a diverse audience.
• Subject Matter: Multifaceted, Philippine Art History Timeline
ranging from traditional mediums to Pre-Colonial Period:
new media, digital art, performance • Integrated into daily life, rituals, and
art, and installations. celebrations, playing a significant role in
Mediums and Techniques: cultural expression.
• Modern Art: • Art forms encompassed pottery, crafts,
• Mediums: Predominantly painting carving, metalwork, bodily aesthetics,
and sculpture, with the rituals, and celebrations.
incorporation of new materials and • Art survived through Oral Tradition,
techniques. ensuring the preservation of cultural
• Techniques: Experimentation with practices and artistic heritage.
form, color, and perspective. • Primarily used for ritualistic purposes and
Emphasis on abstraction and practical applications in daily living.
breaking away from Performance Art:
representational norms. • Kashawing ritual involved chants during
• Contemporary Art: rice planting and harvesting in Lake Lanao.
• Mediums: Highly diverse, • Cañao, a ritual animal sacrifice with dance
incorporating traditional mediums and chants, originated from the Cordillera
as well as new media, digital art, Administrative Region (CAR).
performance art, and installations. • Pagdiwata, a Tagbanua dance, performed to
• Techniques: Embraces bless the planting of rice in Palawan.
technological advancements, • Pangalay mimicked the movements of
conceptual art, and interdisciplinary seabirds (Tausūg), Man-manok imitated
approaches. Often blurs the predatory bird movements (Bagobo),
boundaries between different art Kadaliwas depicted monkey movements
forms. (T’boli), and Tinikling portrayed crane bird
Audience Engagement: movements by avoiding bamboo traps.
• Modern Art: Instruments:
• Audience: Initially faced resistance • Kudyapi: a three-stringed guitar.
and skepticism. Some works • Kulintang: arranged gongs.
required a certain level of art • Gangsa: flat gong.
historical knowledge for full • Agong: a large gong.
appreciation. Carving and Sculpture:
• Accessibility: Varied, with some • Bulul: human-shaped carving used for
pieces accessible to a broad guarding rice granaries.
audience, while others demanded a • Hagabi: a large ceremonial wooden bench
more informed viewer. among the Ifugao.
• Anito: wooden sculptures representing both
good and bad spirits.
• Okir: decorative carvings on the house of
the sultan.
• Torogan: traditional Maranao house of the • Artists could showcase creativity without
sultan. limitations on subject or form.
• Sarimanok: a legendary bird symbolizing • Western influences, including pop art,
good fortune among the Maranao people. maximalism, minimalism, abstraction,
Crafts and Pottery: expressionism, constructivism, magic
• Palayok: pottery used for cooking. realism, and environmental art, were
• Banga & Tapayan: containers for food and evident.
water. Martial Law Era (70s-Contemporary):
• Some jars, like the Manunggul jar in • Birth of Contemporary art, marked by
Palawan and Maitum jars in Sarangani, technological advancements and increased
served burial purposes. freedom of speech and expression.
Weaving: • Diverse styles emerged, including digital
• Materials included cotton, abaca, pineapple art, photography, junk art, and even mini-
leaves, and native plant fibers. sculptures on pencil tips.
• Coloring pigments of textiles derived from • Art used for protest and expression,
clay, roots, and other plant parts. bringing awareness to societal issues.
Bodily Adornment: • Transcendence of traditional art forms,
• Tattoos were used as body paintings to allowing innovative and skillful portrayals
signify status, battle skills, and of subjects while reflecting Filipino
attractiveness. identity.
Spanish Colonial Period (1565-1898): Current Trends (Contemporary):
• Greatly influenced by religion and • Modern architecture symbolizes progress,
secularization introduced by Spanish beauty, and wealth.
colonizers. • Tropical architectural design integrates
• Art used as a tool to propagate the Catholic traditional materials to harmonize with the
faith and maintain Spanish power. environment.
• Formal paintings, sculptures, and • Establishment of institutions for
architecture were introduced with strengthening Filipino involvement in film,
influences from Byzantine, Gothic, such as the Manila International Film
Baroque, and Rococo styles. Festival.
American Colonial Period (1898-1942): • Social realism continues to thrive in
• Focus on portraying Filipino life, using paintings and sculptures, with some artists
techniques like "romanticizing" reality to incorporating normal scenes for
make it appealing. government acceptance.
• Significant influence on architecture and
literature through educational initiatives. MODULE 2: Contemporary Philippine Arts
• Introduction of new governance and from the Regions
educational systems to "Americanize" Introduction:
Filipinos. • Local Art Renaissance:
Japanese Colonial Period (1942-1945): • Flourishing in urban centers,
• Japanese invasion halted art development, schools, and previously overlooked
and the arts were strictly controlled by the countryside regions.
Japanese. • Cultural richness brought to light,
• Arts were used as propaganda, especially in breaking isolation barriers.
literature and music. • Exposure of Regional Beauty:
Postwar Republic (1946-1969): • Recognition and significance of
• Modern art flourished after World War 2, diverse Philippine art forms.
prompting artists to explore various themes. • Positive impact of exposure and
• Artists posed questions about national expression.
identity as a predominant theme.
Understanding Contemporary Philippine Arts: Appreciation of Contemporary Philippine Art:
• Holistic Appreciation: • Appreciation Principles:
• Encouraging viewing, • Emphasis on personal context,
understanding, and appreciation engaging all senses.
within the cultural, political, and • Recognition of social, historical,
historical context. geographical, ideational, personal,
• Categorization into visual, literary, and technical influences.
applied, and performing arts for • Elements of Contemporary Art:
comprehensive understanding. Appropriation, Hybridity,
• Significance of "Contemporary": Technology, Performance, Space.
• Clarification of the term's meaning Contemporary Art Forms from the Philippine
and context. Regions:
• Facilitation of a nuanced • Impact of Modern Technology:
appreciation of art in the Philippine • Facilitation of accessibility to far-
setting. flung areas.
• Modern vs. Contemporary: • Proliferation of known and
• Differentiation between Modern emerging artists.
and Contemporary Philippine Arts. • Exhibition and Awareness:
• Recognition of the evolving • Artworks from Luzon, Visayas, and
conglomeration of art forms. Mindanao showcased in exhibition
Art - Meaning and Forms: halls and museums.
• Mundane Elements Unveiled: • Cultural exposure and
• Daily life's visual and auditory understanding through diverse
aspects often overlooked. regional expressions.
• Rediscovery of beauty, relevance, • Distinct Features of Contemporary
and significance in seemingly Philippine Art:
ordinary stimuli. • Communal Nature: Reflecting
• Contemporary Art Influence: community bonds.
• Shaped by economic, social, • Intuitive: Rooted in Filipino
political, and environmental consciousness.
contexts. • Holistic: Perceiving individuals,
• Artist's expression of perception groups, events, and art materials as
and comprehension of a unified whole.
contemporary contexts. • Creative Process: Emphasis on the
• Diverse Nature of Contemporary Arts: creation process itself.
• Beyond traditional genres: Visual, • Integrative: Encompassing
Literary, Applied, Performing Arts. religious, moral, spiritual, social,
• Exploration and integration of and environmental concerns.
various art forms. • Multi-focal: Wide perspective
• Exploration of Various Art Forms: considering everything and
• Detailed exploration of each everyone.
category:
• Visual Arts: Pop Art, Video MODULE 3: Contemporary Art Forms from
Art, Photography, etc. the Regions
• Performance Arts: Music, Visual Arts - Painting:
Theater Art, Dance, etc. • Painting Definition:
• Applied Arts: Architecture, • Comprehensive exploration
Design, and Allied Art. of painting as an expression
• Literary Arts: Illustrated of ideas and emotions.
Novel, Word Art, Graphic
Novels, etc.
• In-depth breakdown of the Performing Arts - Dance:
elements involved in the • Dance Definition:
visual language. • Comprehensive exploration of
• Filipino Painting Evolution: dance as rhythmic body movement.
• Historical context of
commissioned works during MODULE 4:The Order of National Artist
Spanish colonization. Introduction:
Visual Arts - Sculpture: • Pinnacle of Recognition:
• Sculpture Definition: • The Order of National Artist stands
• Thorough examination of sculpture as the highest accolade in the
as the creation of three-dimensional Philippines, serving to
art objects. acknowledge individuals with
• Overview of the emergence of remarkable contributions to the
Filipino sculptors in the 19th country's artistic landscape.
century. • Jointly administered by the National
Visual Arts - Architecture: Commission for Culture and the
• Architecture Definition: Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural
• Exploration of architecture as the Center of the Philippines (CCP).
art and practice of designing and • Presidential Conferment:
constructing buildings. • The conferment of the Order is
• Historical evolution from simple, executed by the President of the
rational, and functional to Philippines, based on
neoclassic styles. recommendations from both NCCA
Visual Arts - Film: and CCP.
• Film Definition: • This prestigious award symbolizes
• Comprehensive overview of film as the highest ideals of the nation in
a visual art using moving images to the realms of humanities, aesthetics,
communicate ideas. and cultural expression.
• Historical development of the • Historical Background:
Philippine film industry starting • Established through Proclamation
from 1897. No. 1001 on April 27, 1972, to
provide appropriate recognition and
Literary Arts - Literature: prestige to Filipinos who have
• Literature Definition: excelled in the arts.
• Detailed exploration of literature as • In 1973, the CCP Board of Trustees
an expression of ideas through was designated as the National
writing. Artist Awards Committee.
• Extensive categorization into • Presidential Decree No. 28, issued
poetry, prose, drama, journalism, on June 7, 1973, solidified CCP's
and song. role in administering the National
Awards along with the privileges
Performing Arts - Music and Theater: and honors accorded to National
• Music Definition: Artists.
• Comprehensive understanding of Aims of the Order:
music as a collection of coordinated 1. Cultural Heritage: The Order aims to
sounds. recognize Filipino artists who significantly
• In-depth exploration of contribute to the preservation and
contemporary music in the enhancement of the cultural heritage of the
Philippines. country.
2. Artistic Accomplishment: It seeks to honor categories, stringent qualifications, intricate
Filipino artists whose accomplishments in insignia details, and noteworthy contributions of
their respective fields reach the highest Filipino National Artists. It serves as a
levels, thereby promoting creative comprehensive guide to understanding the depth
expression as crucial to the development of and significance of the Order of National Artist in
a national cultural identity. the Philippines.
3. Dedication: The Order acknowledges MODULE 5:Elements and Principles of Art in
Filipino artists who have dedicated their Philippine Contemporary Arts
lives to their craft, paving new paths and Introduction:
directions for future generations of Filipino • Module Overview:
artists. • Module 1 serves as an in-depth
Categories of Recognition: exploration of the foundational
• The Order acknowledges individuals in aspects of artistic expression,
seven distinct categories, encapsulating a namely the elements and principles
broad spectrum of artistic endeavors: of art.
1. Literature • The primary objective is to deepen
2. Film and Broadcasting / the comprehension and appreciation
Broadcast Arts of a myriad of contemporary art
3. Architecture, Design, and Allied forms originating from Luzon,
Arts Visayas, and Mindanao.
4. Music Elements of Art:
5. Dance 1. Line:
6. Theater • Definition: An integral element
7. Visual Arts utilized to delineate shapes,
contours, and outlines, imparting a
Qualifications for the Award: sense of mass and volume.
1. Citizenship: National Artists must be living • Characteristics: Exhibits diverse
artists who are natural-born Filipino features such as form (curved,
citizens. dotted, or broken lines) and
2. Nationhood Contribution: The content and direction (vertical, horizontal, or
form of their work should significantly diagonal lines).
contribute to building a Filipino sense of • Examples: Horizontal lines evoke
nationhood. serenity, vertical lines project
3. Creative Expression: National Artists strength, diagonal lines imply
should have developed a distinctive mode action, curved lines signify gradual
of creative expression or style, creating a change, and circular lines denote
legacy for succeeding generations of abrupt change.
Filipino artists. • Classifications: Outlines, contour
4. Excellence: Artists awarded the National lines, expressive lines capturing
Artist title must manifest excellence in the movement, sketch lines capturing
practice of their chosen art form. appearances, calligraphic lines, and
5. Recognition: The artworks created by the implied lines created by a group of
artist must have attained international and objects seen from a distance.
national recognition.
Insignia of the Order:
• Symbolism: The insignia of the Order is 2. Shape:
crafted from a Grand Collar featuring • Definition: Two-dimensional areas
circular links that symbolize various art enclosed by lines, manifesting in
forms and an eight-pointed sunburst. geometric, organic, positive,
This detailed exploration delves into the historical negative, static, and dynamic
roots, overarching aims, specific recognition shapes.
3. Color: 4. Proportion:
• Definition: The visual interpretation • Definition: Examines the
of light reflections, categorized into relationships of size among objects
primary, secondary, tertiary, within a body of work, ensuring
analogous, complementary, coherence and aesthetic harmony.
monochromatic, warm, and cool 5. Contrast:
colors. • Definition: The highlighting of
4. Space: differences between elements,
• Definition: Refers to the distances contributing to the visual impact of
or areas around, between, or within the composition.
components. Distinguishes between 6. Variety:
positive space (enclosed within a • Definition: The incorporation of
shape) and negative space (around diverse elements within an artwork,
the shape). adding layers of interest and
• Perspectives: Incorporates one- complexity.
point and two-point perspectives for 7. Emphasis:
an enhanced understanding of • Definition: The strategic
spatial relationships. highlighting or focal point in an
5. Texture: artwork, guiding the viewer's
• Definition: The tactile quality of an attention.
artwork, explored through real 8. Harmony:
• Definition: The unification of
texture (actual) and implied texture
elements in an artwork, ensuring a
(visual representation).
cohesive and integrated visual
6. Value: experience.
• Definition: Pertains to the lightness Additional
or darkness of a color. Tint Notes:___________________________________
represents lightness, while shade ____
represents darkness. ________________________________________
7. Form: ________________________________________
• Definition: The three- ________________________________________
dimensionality of an object, ________________________________________
characterized by height, width, and ________________________________________
length. ________________________________________
Principles of Art: ________________________________________
1. Rhythm: ________________________________________
• Definition: The orchestrated ________________________________________
repetition of specific elements, ________________________________________
creating a harmonious pattern. ________________________________________
2. Movement: ________________________________________
• Definition: The illusion of motion ________________________________________
within a painting, sculpture, or ________________________________________
design, enhancing the dynamic ________________________________________
quality of the artwork. ________________________________________
3. Balance: ________________.
• Definition: The equilibrium of
visual weight across the picture
plane, explored through
symmetrical and asymmetrical
balance.