Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions

Quarter 1 - Lesson 1

ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

The development of the Philippine arts comes in three major traditions. These are the
Ethnic Tradition, Spanish Colonial Tradition, and American Colonial and Contemporary Arts
Traditions. Even before the colonization, the Philippines already has its indigenous arts. In this
era, art forms were primarily influenced by the area where our ancestors prosper. However, the
Spaniards came who tend to replace indigenous arts with western arts. For the period of Spanish
rule, art forms were primarily influenced by religion and secularization. Consequently, after
more than three centuries of Spanish colonization, Americans came. During American rule,
development of Philippine art forms was mainly influenced by education and governance.
Subsequently, concept of modern art was introduced and practiced by many artists. It is in this
time wherein urbanization, consumerism, changes in the political system, and rise of new
technology influence the development of art. Due to the technological advances, new forms of
expression came in the field of arts and modern art continuously developed which led to the
contemporary arts nowadays (Luzviminda & Sayseng, 2016).

To describe the development of Philippine arts, read the information presented on the table
below.

Characteristic
Tradition Various Art Forms from The Regions
s/Features
Art forms are
primarily Angono Petroglyphs The Angono
influenced by Petroglyphs is situated in Binangonan,
the Rizal. It was discovered by the
geographical National Artist, Carlos “Botong”
location and Francisco, in 1965. There are 127
the experiences human and animal figures engraved
of the Filipinos on the rock wall and dated back
(Luzviminda & to circa late Neolithic.
Ethnic
Sayseng, - 1
Tradition
2016).
In this time, the Manunggul Jar
purpose of arts Manunggul jar is found in Manunggul Cave,
is integral to Lipuun Point, Palawan in the early 1960s.
life. Arts Manunggul jar is a burial jar which signifies
reflected the the belief of early Filipino in life after
pagan beliefs death.
and practices,
everyday

activity such as Banga

fishing and Banga literally means pots. The Banga or pot
farming, and dance is a performance of Kalinga of the
specific Mountain Province of the Philippines. This
decorative art dance shows the elegant grace of Igorot tribe
pattern to the and the skill and strength of women.
-9 -
community.
 Langit, lupa, at Impyerno by Josef
Luciano Dans

This wall painting by Josef Luciano Dans

will be found in St. James the Apostle
Art forms were Church in Paete, Laguna. This painting
primarily was dated 1850 and depicts the heaven,
influenced by crucifixion of Christ; earth, Adan and Eve;
religion and and hell, sinners with different
Spanish
secularization. transgressions.
Colonial
In this time,
Tradition
Spaniards used St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
arts to -
propagate the St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral is located in
Catholic faith. Burgos, Vigan City,
Ilocos Sur. The original structure
was built in 1574 and replaced as a church
in 1641. The cathedral follows a Baroque
architectural design.

The Making of the Philippine Flag

by Fernando Amorsolo
This painting was made by Fernando
Amorsolo, “Grand Old
Modern Art Man of Philippine Art” and born
Modern art in Manila. It shows a reminder of the
refers to the reminder of traditions and customs of the
2 - -
practice of art Filipino.
from 1860s to
1960s. the Bayanihan
main theme of by Carlos “Botong” Francisco Carlos
art works in “Botong” Francisco was born in Ango,
American this time is Rizal. This painting by him was dated in
Colonial national 1962. This mural painting of Carlos
and identity. “Botong” Francisco shows the Filipino’s
Contempo bayanihan tradition. This also shows the
rary Arts distinctive style of Francisco’s painting that
Traditions showcased his mastery in arts.
- -2

Contemporar
y Cinco Marias (Tres Marias Series)
Arts by Federico Aguilar Alcuaz
Contemporary Federico Aguilas Alcuaz was born in Santa
art refers to the Cruz, Manila. Cinco Marias (Tres Marias
practice of art Series) depicts the variety of lermo, 2007).
- -
from 1970s to - - - -
the present.
Contemporary
domestic activities
(Guil
 arts mirror
contemporary Art Installation in Sand Dunes
culture and of Paoay by Leeroy New
society. Diverse - - Leeroy New is one of the Philippines
and emerging contemporary artists. He is born in
art practices General SANTOS City. This art
were being installation of Leeroy New was made for
introduced in the La Milagrosa Festival in Ilocos Norte.
this era. According to Leeroy New, the art
installation symbolizes the great
festivals, feasts and celebrations
(Lape𝑛̃a, 2012).

These art forms from various regions or from various artists contributed to the picture of
Philippine’s identity as a country. And as a Filipino, it’s important that we have knowledge to
describe these art forms based on its details and elements, in relation to our country’s culture
and tradition, that makes it an artistic piece. In the field of arts, knowing the elements and
principles of arts is important, not just to the artist but also to the viewer, to have a deeper
understanding of an artwork. Now, let us know these elements and principles of arts.

Elements of Art

1. Space
In visual arts, space pertains 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.
2. Line
In visual arts, a line is a series of connected points. It may come in two
characteristics: form – curved, dotted, or broken lines; and direction –
vertical, horizontal, or diagonal lines. Different types of lines may
convey different meanings. For example, a
horizontal line usually suggests calmness, vert ical lines may convey
strength, diagonal lines create an impression of action, curved lines
create an expression of gradual change of direction, and circular line
may pertain an abrupt change of direction.
3. Shape and Form
Shape is an area that is enclosed by a line or lines. Shapes are two
dimensional figures with height and width. There are different kinds of
shapes and these are geometric shapes (triangle, squares, rectangle,
etc.), organic shapes (shapes found in nature, e.g. shape of a leaf or
cloud), abstract shapes (asymmetrical and free flowing shapes).
Meanwhile, forms are three dimensional figures. Its dimensions are
height, width, and volume. Unlike shapes, it has more depth.
4. 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, darkness, coolness, or warmth.
5. Value
In visual arts, value is considered a property of a color
which pertains to its lightness or darkness.
6. Texture
In visual arts, texture is the element that appeals to our sense of feel on things, rough,
smooth, bumpy, or slippery. It pertains to the surface of an art piece.

Principles of Art
 1. Proportion
Proportion refers to the relationship of the size of elements in a body of art. For example,
when drawing a human standing beside a house, it is important to ensure that the size of
the human is proportional to the size of the house.
2. Harmony
In visual arts, harmony is the unity of the artwork, specifically about the arrangement of
the related elements.
3. 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.
4. Movement
In arts, movement is the illusion of motion in a painting, sculpture design, or in a piece of
art.
5. 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.
6. Balance
Balance refers to the even and equal distribution of elements.
7. Emphasis
Emphasis is a principle which may refer to the greater impact given on a certain element.

These elements and principles of arts are essential to understand the meaning of a piece
of art clearly and deeply. In relation to that, diverse art forms in the Philippines convey its
meanings through the elements and principles present to them. So, as we described some art
forms from the various regions through the development of Philippine arts, let’s use the
elements and principles of arts to understand it.