Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS
NAME OF TEACHER: AMY LIBERTY P. CASIBANG, LPT / 0915-953-8600
MODULE NUMBER: 1 (2 WEEKS)
MODULE TITLE: Integrative Art as Applied to Contemporary Art
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, you are able to:
a. Describe various contemporary arts forms and their practices from the various regions;
b. Defines contemporary arts in the Philippines; and
c. Classifies various art forms found in the Philippines
WHAT IS ART?
Art is everywhere. In a modern world driven by rapid technological advancement, art is usually categorized
simply as painting, sculptures, and other similar forms. Little do we know that art comes in various forms which we
can integrate. Social media, print advertisement, radio programs, and even noon time television shows are results of
integrated art.
Fig. 1 . Sipat Lawin Collective in action ( Strange Pilgrims: Rizal + 150 Reverse Cosplay Parade Edition, in
collaboration with Leeron New)
The artwork above is an example of an artwork done through an integration of various forms of art. What are the art
forms and elements present in the performance image above?
The word art is quite difficult to define and its definition has been highly contested throughout history. The
word originated from the Latin word ars which means skill and with the Greek word techne which means technology.
A common definition of art is that it is used to express ideas or feelings through creative processes and imagination.
This is often done through the various forms of art discussed below.
WHY PEOPLE ENGAGE IN ART?
Relationship-building
ositive interaction with other.
Expression and communication
-appropriate mediums for emotional expression
-sharing with diverse audiences
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
Self and social analysis
their society and their own roles within society in a reflective and critical way.
WHAT ARE THE FUNCTIONS OF ARTS?
Aesthetic Value - One of the biggest benefits of Contemporary Art is its aesthetic value. This means that
the art possesses some capacity to elicit a sense of pleasure in the viewer. Although, what is considered
pleasing to the eye may vary depending on the viewer, given the wide variety of mediums and methods for
this style of art there is likely to be some form that will appeal to each person.
Relaxation and Inspiration- Research has shown that viewing art can be relaxing. This is used for some
of the mindfulness exercises that are currently so popular. Art can help to pull people out of their mind of
racing and wandering thoughts, into the present moment to experience what is in front of them. This is
helpful because it teaches people to do this also at other times, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety and
depression.
Personal Expression - One of the benefits of Contemporary Art is that it allows individuals a means of
personal expression. Through painting, sculpture, and performance art, anyone can express themselves in a
way that will be safely observable for others. Likewise, the perspectives that are expressed are valuable for
society because it gives a unique window into the minds and thoughts of the art.
WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY ART?
recent practice. It also refers to works of art made by living artists.
practical disciplines.
s, and is also characterized by a blurring of the
distinction between art and other categories of cultural experience, such as television, cinema, mass media,
entertainment and digital technology.
Contemporary Performance
• Contemporary performance is hybrid work that integrates text, dance, objects, music, costumes, lighting,
image, sound, sets, and vocal expression into complex interactive systems.
• Contemporary performance collages are often non-narrative, technically rigorous, and carefully orchestrated
anarchic chaos. They unsettle perception, demand critical engagement from audiences, address conceptual debates
within aesthetics, draw on a diverse range of cultural interests, and bring pleasure to populations across the globe.”
(Morgan v. P. Pecelli)
Characteristics of Contemporary Art
audiences a rich resource through which to consider current ideas and rethink the familiar.
that challenges traditional boundaries and defies easy definition.
lack of a uniform organizing principle,
ideology, or -ism. In a globally influenced, culturally diverse, and technologically advancing world, contemporary
artists give voice to the varied and changing cultural landscape of identity, values, and beliefs.
consider what art is and how it is defined. Artists today explore ideas, concepts, questions, and practices that examine
the past, describe the present, and imagine the future.
ARE MODERN ART AND CONTEMPORARY ART THE SAME?
MODERN ART CONTEMPORARY ART
a)Up to date a)Art produced by artists living today
b)Technologically advanced b)Always in flux, developing, evolving
c)Modern as opposed to c)What is contemporary today may be
traditional and conservative traditional or modern in the coming
years.
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
Contemporary Arts in the Philippines
- focus is on the idea, which can be either abstract or social;
– current social & political topics are dealt with, often from critical perspective.
– both content & form is meaningful & communicative
Example: „Mabining Mandirigma‟
libretto by Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson, music by Joed Balsamo, choreography by Denisa Reyes, set design by
Toym Imao, direction by Chris Millado
- issues and aspects of popular culture are dealt with, either by conceptualizing or criticizing.
etic - content or form is poetic in nature; Ex. Ronald Ventura, 'Blind Child' 2011
- means of expression can be social, poetical or expressive;
- approach is documentary or holds elements of research; Ex. Opera‟ : Sculpture in Dance
Ballet Philippines 2016
- total art work, installations which are often interactive and affect different senses.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF ART IN THE PHILIPPINES
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
Integrative Arts
Visual Arts
Visual arts is an expression of artistic ideas through images, structures, and tactile work. Painting, sculpture,
and architecture are considered as examples of it. Some visual artworks are integrated - which means it combines
several medium to create a new and unique artwork.
Literary Arts
Literary arts is an expression of ideas through writing. There are many types of literary artworks, and this can
be categorized into:
● Poetry - It is considered as one of the oldest forms of literature characterized by its imaginative and
figurative language. Some poetic forms are strict with rhymes and syllabic counts, like the sonnet, while contemporary
poetry pieces now go beyond the limits of form and more and more writers dwell more into free verse.
● Prose - When an imaginative literary piece is not written in figurative language, then it is considered as
prose. Prose is usually written in complete and grammatical narratives.
Examples of prose are short stories and novels among others. Generally, prose is a literary piece that is not poetry.
● Drama - When a text is written to be performed and not just read, then it is considered as drama. Usually,
people refer to dramas as plays.
Performing Arts
Performing arts is an expression of an artistic idea through written lyrics, text, dramatization, and multimedia
production. Performing arts usually require the musical theatre, dance, and drama, a combination of different art
forms, such as literary art for the material and visual arts for stage design.
Different art forms are distinct from each other, but are not necessarily independent of each other. This
means that two or more disciplines of art can be used in the creation of an integrated artwork.
This integration calls for a combined use of various disciplines to create an expressive work.
An example of a contemporary artwork is the spoken word poetry. It is when poetry is written to be
read on a stage, usually in intimate settings such as a coffee shop.
An integration of various art forms has become more and more evident in contemporary arts.
With people of different cultures having contact with each other, it is inevitable that artists lift styles
and techniques from different practices.
The Elements and Principles of Art
There are certain elements which make an artwork an artistic piece. These elements and principles are
socially agreed on and, when followed, usually define what is formally known as aesthetically pleasing. Knowing the
elements of art is not only important to artists but also to viewers of art as this can enable a deeper understanding of
the artwork.
Space
When we say space, it can vary depending on what art discipline it pertains to. In visual arts, this may pertain to
emptiness which may either be positive space or negative space. Positive space refers to a part which is enclosed
in a shape, while negative space refers to the opposite part which the shape is enclosing.
Fig. 2.1 . Positive vs. negative space
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
In other forms of art like literature and music, space may pertain to pauses and interval between lines or notes.
Line
In visual arts, a line is a series of points. It may come in two characteristics:
● Form - curved, dotted, or broken
● Direction - vertical, horizontal, or diagonal
Different types of lines may convey different meanings. For example, a horizontal line usually suggests calmness, as
such is the case when viewing the horizon during sunset, vertical lines may convey loftiness, while diagonal lines may
pertain dynamism.
In other disciplines like theater, this may pertain to the lines in the script. While in dance, it is the routine of steps as
executed by the dancer.
Shape and Form
Shape is formed by connecting both ends of a line. Shapes are two dimensional figures with height and width. There
are also different kinds of shapes as described below.
● Geometric shapes are enclosed figures such as triangle, squares, and other structured figures
● Organic shapes are shapes found in nature. They do not have a structured form as they are usually free
flowing. Examples of these are the shape of a leaf or a cloud.
● Abstract shapes are like organic shapes for they lack definition, but they are not necessarily found in
nature. They are also asymmetrical and free flowing.
Similar to lines, shapes may contribute to meaning making when used in an artwork. For example, a circle is
usually associated with love, harmony, and infinity such as the case of an engagement ring. Triangles, when upright,
are seen to suggest stability because of its solid base, while it suggests tension when upside down. Meanwhile, a
square or a rectangle suggests familiarity and equality.
Forms are three dimensional; it has the same dimensions as a shape except with added volume. Unlike shapes, it has
more depth and does not feel flat.
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
Color
In visual arts, color is associated with the natural phenomenon in our environment. Scientifically, when a light
passes through a prism, it will produce different hues of different wavelengths. These colors may pertain to lightness
or darkness, coolness or warmth. Also, colors may convey different meanings dependent to cultures and traditions of
a region.
Value
In visual arts, value is considered a property of a color which pertains to its lightness or darkness.
In music, this may refer to the pitch. It is the highness or the lowness of the sound.
Texture
In visual arts, texture is the tactile or illusory surface of the piece. In music, texture is the mood or quality of the
composition.
Principles of Design
The elements of art may be organized in a way that it can create a more compelling artwork. This
organization of elements is called principles of design. Understanding the elements and how they may go together will
be of great help in improving, not just your artistic skills, but also your capacity to understand art.
Scale and Proportion
Scale and proportion refer to the relationship of the elements, specifically its relative size of parts of a whole.
For example, when drawing a human standing beside a house, it is important to ensure that the human is
proportional to the house, which means ensuring that the size of the element suggests what they are - a human
standing beside a house, as opposed to a human standing beside a doll house.
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
Harmony
In general, you can say an art piece is in harmony when the different parts produce an overall positive impact or
effect. In visual arts, harmony is the unity of the artwork, specifically in reference to the arrangement of its parts,
while in music, harmony refers to the simultaneous sounding or playing of different notes to produce a sound.
Variety
In other terms, variety may be referred to as diversity. This means adding multiple, different elements to break the
monotony of an artwork and make it more interesting.
Movement
Movement is a basic principle of nature and is associated with the environment. All living things, non-living things, and
heavenly bodies move naturally. Movement serves as one of the fundamental principles in dance and theater. In
visual arts, an artwork has movement when it incorporates the passage of time, even in an illusory manner.
Rhythm
This refers to the repetition of certain elements to produce a pattern. In visual arts, repeated design elements may
create a certain flow and may lead the viewer’s eyes. In music, this refers to the even distribution of notes.
Balance
Balance refers to the even and equal distribution of elements. There are two types of balance in visual arts:
● Informal balance, also called asymmetrical, is present when the designs are not equally distributed on both
sides.
● Formal balance, also called symmetrical, is present when the weight of the designs is equally distributed.
Emphasis and subordination
Emphasis is a principle which may refer to the greater impact given on a certain element. Subordination serves as the
opposite of emphasis as it refers to how certain elements only serve as a supplement to the emphasized element in a
design.
Art Forms in the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago with more than 7,000 islands. These islands are the home of people with different
languages, beliefs, cultures, and distinct histories. The country’s diverse ethnolinguistic groups is testament to its rich
culture and traditions. This diversity is observable in the country’s artworks. More than the geographic influences, art
in the Philippines is also influenced by a rich history of its people.
Pre-Colonial Art
Artistic production in the Philippines started even before the colonizers reached the Philippine islands. Art was
often used by the people in their daily living. Our ancestors weaved fabrics for dresses, made weapons for battles,
and chanted to bring good harvest. Unlike today, indigenous art are not classified strictly into disciplines. Art, for
them, had social utility; indigenous people integrated art into their communal ceremonies. Planting and harvesting,
weddings, funerals, and rites of passage are examples of communal ceremonies.
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
The Manunggul Jars is a burial jar excavated in the Tabon Cave in Palawan.
Rituals played a significant role in the everyday life of Filipino ancestors. The Kashawing ritual in lake Lanao, for
example, acts as a prayer for abundance during harvesting season. It involves a reenactment of a legendary pact
between ancestors and unseen spirits. A similar type of ritual for planting rice is performed by the Tagbanwas of
Palawan.
Filipino ancestors harvest and hunt for a living. Their hunting experience also served as an inspiration to create
drama, poetry, music, and dance by imitating the movements of an animal. This is considered a ritual to prepare for
hunting.
To accompany these rituals, the indigenous peoples also had their own musical instruments. An example of this is the
agung ensemble . Musical instruments, when played, are usually complemented with dances that imitate the
movements of animals. Higaonon and B’laan have banog-banog , and the Bagobos have the man-manok dances
which imitate the movement of the birds. Meanwhile, courtship ritual in Ifugao is represented through the talip .
Mostly, indigenous arts were inspired by animism. Indigenous peoples created statue and symbols for their beliefs.
The Ifugaos carved the bulul which they depict as their granary god. Meanwhile, in the Southern Philippines, okir, a
curvilinear decoration, is an evidence of Indian and Islamic influences.
Spanish Colonial Art
During the 16th century, upon the arrival of the Spaniards, indigenous art changed. Spanish colonization brought
Catholicism and imposed their Western culture. This conversion caused the birth of the religious or Christian and
folk arts. Towns or pueblos were created in a structure of plaza complex, with the church at the center of each
towns. Churches and government offices were built, and the rise of Hispanic baroque structures were built across the
Islands.
With the rise of Catholicism, religious icons like the santos, retablos , and others became essential for religious rituals.
Paintings also focused on visually representing the writings of the Bible, and therefore conveyed religious messages.
Music, an essential part of worship, thus focused on liturgical music. Apart from worship music, the pasyon or pabasa
, a narration of Christ’s passion portrayed during Lent season, were also observed in some places. There was also a
massive emergence of secular music in Iloilo, Pampanga, Ilocos, and Bicol when the Spanish tradition of awit and
korido became popularized. Spanish colonization also marks the rise of the kundiman and the balitao. This
development in music also affected theatre arts, and soon the sarsuwela, senakulo, and the komedya were born in
the Philippines.
During then, Filipinos became enlightened of the continuous abuse by the colonial government and the friars. This
resulted in a rebellion. Thus, revolutionary and subversive themes became prominent. A popular example of such
artwork is Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo by Dr. Jose Rizal.
American and Japanese Colonial Art
Americans introduced the public education system in the Philippines. Their schools, however, required students to
learn English. This brought forth Philippine Literature in English. Initially, these pieces are characterized by a poor use
of language as the Filipinos only mimicked their American teachers. Soon, in 1925, Paz Marquez Benitez published
the short story Dead Stars , marking the birth of modern Philippine Literature in English.
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
The Americans also popularized secularism, as evidenced by popular art forms of the century such as the vaudeville
or bodabil in theatre. School of Fine Arts, alongside the establishment of the University of the Philippines (UP), was
also founded thus giving birth to Filipino artists educated in the Western ways. For example, Fernardo Amorsolo,
known for his craftsmanship in the use of light, was educated in UP’s School of Fine Arts and is highly influenced by
Western artists. When the Japanese briefly occupied the Philippines during the 1940s, nationalism became more
pronounced. This is the effect of the war and repression on the Filipino people.
Contemporary Arts in the Philippines
When the late former president Ferdinand Marcos started his administration, the birth of Contemporary Arts in the
Philippines began. Culture and the arts were given focused in his vision of the “New Society.” Cultural Center of the
Philippines was then established and urban planning and architecture were given more focused. However, the
declaration of Martial Law (1972 - 1981) gave birth to dictatorship and numerous human rights violations. With that
emerged social realism. Underground cultural circles and writers hiding in pen names were popular as censorship was
popular during that time. Literary arts, visual arts, and performing arts were used to express dissent. An example of
this is the poem Prometheus Unbound written by Jose Lacaba under the pen name Ruben Cuevas. The piece is
an acrostic, which means the first letter of each line form a message. The acrostic revealed a strong sentiment
against the administration and became a popular slogan against the regime as the piece was published, the editor
unaware of its hidden message, was published in Focus Magazine.
When Martial Law was lifted and the Marcos regime ended, democracy was reintroduced to the Filipino people. This
new found freedom paved the way for a more diverse and more expressive Filipino artists. No longer did the Filipinos
exclusively made art for or against the government; now, art is a tool mainly used for self-expression. With the rapid
rise of technology and the popularity of social media, Filipinos find more platforms and ways to express themselves,
thereby continuously changing the art scene. Contemporary art is distinct because of how it blurs the lines across
artistic disciplines, and how it integrates various elements and principles.
ACTIVITY 1
In your own idea, Give the difference between the Modern Art vs. Contemporary Arts, Explain in five sentences.
MODERN ART CONTEMPORARY ART
ACTIVITY 2
In your own insights, what is the importance of knowing the Historical Background of Philippine Arts in our daily life?
Explain in five sentences.
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Tuguegarao Archdiocesan Schools System
LYCEUM OF TUAO
Centro 02, Tuao, Cagayan, 3528
Email address: [email protected]
PERFORMANCE TASK
Directions: Design a creative work showing the classifications of the various contemporary art forms. Choose
one from the given choices.
A. Music - Compose a song of at least 2 stanza regarding the most memorable experiences in Junior High
School.
B. Dance - Create and video a dance number minimum of (3) three minutes.
C. Drama - Write a short script for a role play with the theme of core values of being a Batangueño.
D. Literature - Compose a poem based on any subject that you like most.
E. Painting - Create any painting on 1 oslo paper showing the rich culture of CALABARZON Region.
Rubrics:
Extraordinary Above average Average Below average Poor
5 4 3 2 1
Understanding The artwork is The artwork is The art work is The artwork The artwork
20% planned planned planned shows little shows no
Demonstration carefully; carefully; adequately; evidence of understanding of
that instructions understanding of understanding of understanding of understanding the concepts and
and concepts are all concepts and most concepts some concepts the concepts and instructions.
understood instructions is and instructions and instructions instructions.
clearly shown. is shown. shown.
Craftsmanship/ The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork
Skill 20% shows shows good shows average shows below shows poor
Neatness, outstanding craftmanship, craftmanship and average craftmanship and
precision, care. craftsmanship, with some attention to craftmanship and no attention to
with clear attention to detail. little attention to detail.
attention to detail. detail.
detail,
Creativity/ The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork The artwork
Originality demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates an demonstrates lacks evidence of
20% original personal some personal average amount little personal personal
Inventiveness, expression and expression of personal expression expression
expression of utstanding skills. expression.
ideas and
imagination.
Effort 20% The student put The student put The student put The student put The student put
What it takes forth forth the effort forth the effort forth the effort forth no effort or
to finish the extraordinary required to required to finish required to finish the project was
project as well effort to complete the the project; used the project; used not completed;
as possible, complete the project well; class time class time class time was
time dedicated project well as used class time adequately. adequately. not used well.
to the project possible; used well.
inside and/or class time
out of class. extremely well.
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