CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE

FIRST QUARTER REGION

Collaborative Initiatives
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL BASIS THAT Collaboration between government agencies,
PLAY A ROLE IN IMPLEMENTING non-governmental organizations, cultural
CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM institutions, and artists' collectives can lead to
THE REGIONS the implementation of programs that highlight
contemporary arts from various regions. These
collaborations often receive support from
National Commission for Culture and various legal and institutional frameworks.
the Arts (NCCA)
- The NCCA is the primary government
agency responsible for the promotion and
development of Filipino culture and the arts. IMPORTANCE OF CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE
While not focused solely on contemporary ARTS FROM THE REGIONS
arts, the NCCA supports and funds various Contemporary Philippine arts from the
cultural and artistic projects, exhibitions, regions hold significant cultural, social, and artistic
importance. They play a crucial role in preserving
festivals, and initiatives across different cultural heritage, promoting diversity, fostering
regions. Their programs often include creativity, and contributing to the overall
contemporary artistic expressions from development of the country.
diverse regions. SOME KEY REASONS WHY CONTEMPORARY
PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS ARE
• Republic Act No. 7356 (1987) IMPORTANT:
This law created the NCCA and provides the
Cultural Diversity
legal basis for its existence and functions. It The Philippines is composed of a diverse range of
mandates the NCCA to formulate policies for ethnic groups, each with its own traditions, beliefs,
the development of culture and the arts and and artistic expressions. Contemporary arts from the
to provide assistance to artists and cultural regions showcase this rich cultural diversity, helping
workers. to preserve and celebrate the distinct identities and
heritage of different communities.
• National Cultural Heritage Act Identity and Cultural Expression
of 2009 (Republic Act No. Contemporary arts from the regions provide a
platform for artists to express their unique
10066) perspectives, stories, and experiences. These
This law primarily focuses on the protection artworks reflect the local context, history, and social
and conservation of cultural heritage, it issues of specific regions, contributing to a deeper
indirectly supports the arts by recognizing understanding of the Filipino identity.
the importance of cultural communities, Empowerment of Local Artists
indigenous peoples, and their traditional By recognizing and supporting contemporary artists
from various regions, local talents are empowered to
artistic expressions. This law ensures the explore their creativity and contribute to the cultural
integration of traditional arts into the landscape. This recognition can also help elevate the
broader cultural landscape. status of local artists and foster a sense of pride
within their communities.
• Local Government Code of Social Commentary and Advocacy
1991 (Republic Act No. 7160) Many contemporary artists use their work to address
This law grants local government units pressing social issues such as environmental
(LGUs) the authority to promote and support concerns, indigenous rights, poverty, and cultural
preservation. Through their art, they raise awareness,
cultural, historical, and artistic activities provoke critical thinking, and advocate for positive
within their respective jurisdictions. LGUs change.
can allocate resources for the development Economic and Tourism Potential
and promotion of contemporary arts and The promotion of contemporary arts from the regions
cultural initiatives. can stimulate cultural tourism and contribute to local
economies. Festivals, exhibitions, and artistic events
Education Laws attract visitors, boosting tourism revenue and
The Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 supporting local businesses.
(Republic Act No. 10533) and other related Innovation and Creativity
laws promote the integration of arts and Contemporary arts often involve experimentation with
culture into the curriculum, potentially new materials, techniques, and ideas. This innovative
providing a platform for the recognition and spirit can inspire other artists, push artistic
boundaries, and contribute to the evolution of artistic
support of contemporary arts. practices across the country.
Cultural Agencies of Local Cultural Exchange and Dialogue
Exposure to contemporary arts from different regions
Governments encourages cultural exchange and dialogue. It fosters
Some LGUs establish cultural agencies or an appreciation for the various cultural expressions
offices tasked with promoting and supporting present within the Philippines, promoting unity and
local arts and culture. These agencies might understanding among Filipinos.
implement programs that include Cultural Continuity
contemporary arts from their regions. As societies evolve, there's a risk of losing traditional
practices and artistic forms. Integrating traditional
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
elements into contemporary arts ensures the MUSIC
VISUAL ARTS
CONTEMPORARYCariñosa
Tinikling ART FIRMSAND
PRACTICES FROM VARIOUS REGIONS THEATER
LITERARY ARTS/LITERATURE
continuity of cultural practices while adapting to
modern contexts. ARCHITECTURE
Fort Santiago
National and International Representation FILM

DANCE
- It is the art of the Human form,
body is used, mobilized and
Ryan Cayabyab Rondalla choreographed
in a specific time, form and space.
Contemporary arts from the regions contribute to the
broader Philippine cultural landscape, representing
the nation in both local and international artistic
conversations, exhibitions, and events. MUSIC
Legacy for Future Generations - It is the art form that combines vocal and
By showcasing contemporary arts from the regions, a instrumental sound to create a composition.
legacy is created for future generations to learn from,
appreciate, and build upon. These artworks provide a
window into the past and present, connecting
different eras of Philippine art.
Contemporary Philippine arts from the regions are a vibrant Calligraphy
and integral part of the country's cultural fabric. They
contribute to cultural preservation, social discourse, artistic
innovation, and the overall development of communities.
Recognizing and valuing these artworks is essential for the
holistic growth of Philippine culture and society.
Painting Drawing Sculpture

WHAT IS ART?
VISUAL ARTS
It is the expression or application of human
- These are the artworks, such as painting,
creative skill and imagination, producing works
to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or photography or sculptures that appeals primarily
emotional power. to the visual sense and typically exists in
permanent form.
ART THROUGH THE AGES
Greek Period - Techniques
Roman Period - Skills
Christian Period - Craftsmanship
Renaissance Period - Genius and Design
Modern Period - Fine Arts
Romantic Period - Self Expression
Contemporary Era – New Art Forms
WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY ARTS? THEATER
• Contemporary Art is the art that - It is the art form of performance. Dramatic text is
portrayed on the stage by actors and actresses
springs out of the present-day
and are enhanced by props, lights and sounds.
events and passions of the
society.
• It is developed in the year 1960s-
present time.
• It is the newest form of art.

Why is it important?
• Contemporary Art is essential LITERARY ARTS/LITERATURE
because it belongs to your time - It is the art form of language through the
but also serves a form of combine use of words, creating meaning and
expression of the people’s experience.
present feelings and longings.
Philippine Arena

CONTEMPORARY ART FORMS

DANCE
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
ARCHITECTURE Then came the Spaniards who tend to
- It is the structure that meant to be used as replace the Philippine indigenous arts with
shelter, its art relies on the design and purpose of Western art forms. Religion and secularization
the structure.
greedy influenced the art in the Philippines
under the Spanish regime. The friars were the
FILMS ones supervising the practices of arts in the
- It is a technological translation of theater, special country with their agenda of propagating
effects are utilized to enhance the story telling. Christianity and maintaining the power of
colonizers.
In the field of literature, the literary
works could classify into religious and
secular prose and poetry. In the area
of theater arts, secular and religious plays
like the “komedya” became popular. In
LESSON 1: INTEGRATIVE ART AS choreography, religious dances commonly
APPLIED TO CONTEMPORARY ART performed to venerate patrons and saints
proliferated. There were also secular dances
The development of Philippine Art
performed in social function like the valse,
comes in three major traditions. These are the
fandango, polka, and minuet, among others.
Ethnic Tradition, Spanish Colonial Tradition,
In music, the Spaniards introduced
and the American Colonial and Contemporary
the piano, and other Western instruments.
Traditions.
Bands and orchestra multiplied as the
zarzuelas and operas became prevalent. In
Before colonization, the Philippines
visual arts, Spaniards introduced painting
already has its indigenous art. The ethnic art
and sculpture which mostly depicted religious
forms are primarily influenced by the
subject matters. In architecture, stones and
geographical location and the experiences of
bricks were predominantly used in
the Filipinos.
constructing buildings like churches, houses,
For instance, the dances in the
and government offices. Western Spanish
country during the pre-colonial times vary
influence was evident in architecture, the
depending on the area where our
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ancestors thrive. In the highlands, dance
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steps were imitations of the movements of
were embellished with wood carvings or
certain animals like birds. In terms of visual
metal works with intricate decorative
arts, pottery, weaving, wood carving, and
designs. However, despite the strong
metal crafting were dominant during the pre-
influence of the Spaniards, the arts in the
colonial period making use of the available
country did not result in a pure Western art but
materials surrounding them. About
a mix of Western and indigenous art. Filipino
architecture, the early Filipinos used local
artists still put Filipino touches on their art
material such as anahaw, bamboo, cogon,
pieces.
cane, rattan, and other light materials in
constructing structures since these were the
After more than 300 years of Spanish
materials accessible in their area. Also, our
colonization, the Americans took over the
ancestors already have their folk literature
country which led to the declaration of the
which came in the forms of folk speeches,
independence on June 12, 1898. The American
brought about many changes in the politics,
economy, education, and culture of the
Philippines.

In the area education, there are

Filipinos who went abroad to study, some
songs, and narratives. This folk literature studied under the tutelage of the American
verbalized their experiences. Regarding educators, and some learned through
theater arts, tribal presentations and observation and personal experiences. Those
rituals were the early theatrical performances who went abroad to study came back to the
depicting their beliefs. In music our ancestors country carrying the concept of modern art.
also have their indigenous musical instruments Modern art refers to the practice of art
like the bamboo flutes and brass gongs. in the 1860s-1960s. It was during these years
that the western world was significantly
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
developing. The urbanization, consumerism, middle to the late 20th century up to this
rise of the middle class, change in the political very minute.
system, secularization, and the emergence of
new technology affected the way of art in the Authorities in the arts place the
period. Due to the technological innovations, emergence of contemporary art
the experimental approaches in developing art sometime during the start of
rose above traditional art practices and postmodernism in the west, around the
methodologies. New forms of expression came late 1970s. This was the time when artists
which were avant-garde in nature. Modern art reacted to the previous art called
continuously develops even after World War II, modernism, whose idea of using a pure,
which led to the contemporary way of art simplified, and a streamlined form and
making today. style was fundamental in creating
Contemporary art refers to the recent something new at that time. This gave
and current practice of art ranging from the birth to the idea that “less is more.”
1970’s up to the present. It mirrors the society
and culture of the present times. It uses a Contemporary Art vs. Modern Art
combination of different methods, materials,
and ideas that transcend the traditional way of In grade 10, you have come
art making. All Philippine art forms had a
across the different art forms of the
different twist as the American way of life
Modern Era. You have learned about the
became a part of lives of the Filipinos. The art
movements, the artist and the other by-
products of the late 1800s up to the mid-
forms and art practices in the country
20th century.
broadened. Artists experimented with different
materials and methodologies and produced
Perhaps the main distinction
non-conventional artworks with a wide range of
between modern art and contemporary
themes.
art is the time period in which they have
existed. Modern art emerged in the late
In the Ethnic Tradition, the 1800s and continued to grow for a
location and the experiences of the century. It slowly waned in the middle to
Filipinos were the major factors in art late 20th century when postmodernism
production. In the Spanish period, religion came to light. Postmodernism then give
and secularization were the dominant birth to what we know now as
themes of the art forms. In the American contemporary art. This art exists up to
period, modernism entered the field of art this day, and no one knows when a new
wherein Filipinos started to explore period will arrive to veil contemporary art
different materials, methodologies, and in its shadow.
techniques in expressing themselves
through non-conventional art. The
continuous progress of modernism led to
the development of contemporary art.

Contemporary Art Forms and

Practices from the Regions
Contemporary art is essential to
you not only because it belongs to your
time, but it also serves as a form of
expression of the people’s present The Subject and Elements of Art
feelings and longings.
Contemporary works of art are the means The Subject of Art
through which the artists of today To create your own contemporary
communicate their sentiments. piece, you must fully understand what makes
an artwork a true work of art. You must first
Contemporary Art Defined explore the subject of art.
In visual design, there are different
Contemporary art is the art that ways or styles of depicting a subject. Get to
springs out of the present-day events and know these styles through the works of art of
passions of the society. It is the newest various Filipino contemporary artist
form of art, amusing people from the
1. Realism
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
The first style is realism in which the extension of a point, a short or long
subject is done the way it actually looks. mark drawn or carved on a surface.
An example of this is the painting of  This refers to a prolongation of a point
Araceli Dans, the Bridal White. or a mark on a surface. Solid lines can
2. Distortion be used in order to define form while
The artist uses his or her imagination broken lines are typically used to
and alters the subject according to his or suggest hidden forms.
her desire. A stylized work is a form of
distortion like Norma Belleza’s painting,
the Fiesta.
3. Abstraction
The artist breaks a part a subject and
rearranges it in a different manner. The
paintings of the National Artist Vicente
Manansala belong to this category.
3. Shape and Form
 When the ends of a line meet, they
form a shape. It can also be described
as a figure separate from its
surrounding area or background.
 This element refers to an area with
4. Non Objectivism boundaries identified or drawing lines.
In here, there is no subject at all-just A shape may be natural or living
an interplay of pure elements, like line, forms called an organic shape and can
shape or color, and so on. A good be irregular or rounded. It may also be
example of this is the painting of Roberto measured forms called geometric
Chabet which is on Acrylic paper. shape.

Elements of Art 4. Color

Art forms in the different regions vary  Probably the most striking art element
in subject, theme, style, medium, and that catches the eye is color. It is a
technique. However as you have learned in sensation created by visible
Grade 7, there are certain characteristics that wavelengths of light caught in a
are common to all. The following are the prism.
elements of art:  This refers to visual perception that
allows a person to differentiate
1. Space objects due to the way various
 Space in visual arts can be defined as wavelengths of light are reflected.
a void, an emptiness which can either Color is a very important element
be positive or negative. because it can communicate
 Space refers to the area that is information and emotion to the
occupied by an object or a subject, as viewer. These are the three properties
well as the area surrounding that of color:
object or subject. An illusion of space  Hue, which refers to the basic or
can still be created in a two- pure color, and is represented in
dimensional surface using the color wheel.
perspective. There are two types of  Value, which refers to the
lightness and darkness of color.
A light color
or tint is the
result of
adding
white to a
hue, while a
perspective: atmospheric perspective, dark color or
which utilizes the properties of light
and air in depicting the illusion of
distance; and linear perspective,
which involves the use of vanishing
points and receding hidden lines.

2. Line
 Line is
the
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
shade results from adding black
to a hue. Philippine Arts in Modern Era
 Saturation, which refers to
brightness and dullness of color.
It is also referred to as purity of
the color. A bright color can be
produced by adding more
pigment to the same hue, while a
dull color can be produced by • It has evolved into a wide variety of
adding gray or the color’s expressions and medium turning the
complement to the pigment. country into a situation of creative
 The color wheel is an upheavals
arrangement of primary, • Modern Filipino Artists have more
secondary and tertiary colors. freedom to explore on his own.
• Their style is from cross-cultural
exposures in the Eastern and Western
It is important tool to identify which colors can world yet they have not forgotten
work well if used in a certain artwork which is their Filipino roots.
the color schemes or color relationships. These • Many of them use color for their
are some of the color schemes: emotional rather than intellectual
values.

Contemporary Era
5. Value • It follows modern art, beginning from
 In visual arts, value is the degree of 1970s to now and ongoing.
lightness and darkness of a color. • Contemporary artworks use a variety
of materials and techniques, including
6. Texture new technologies such as computers,
 Texture is the surface of an artwork. A three-dimensional, live elements and
texture can be actual or tactile, performances, etc.
meaning, it can really be felt by touch,
or it can be simulated or illusory, Example of Contemporary Art in Some
which mean it can only be seen, not Regions in the Philippines
felt.
 This element refers to the feel or I. Dance
appearance of a surface. Person may • A performing art that involves
describe as actual or implied. Actual rhythmic body movement within a
texture can be felt tangibly based on given space, choreographed based on
the material that is used for the musical beat. Performed either in
artwork while implied texture can be
front of an audience or by everyone
exhibited, for instance, in a painting of
on a dance floor.
fur of an animal.

7. Time and Motion

 Movement in the visual arts can either
be an illusion or an actual motion. An
illusion of movement is more common
in two-dimensional artworks. On the
other hand, actual motion is easily
seen in kinetic sculpture that moves Elements of Dance
with the wind or are vibrating with the
surrounding air.

Philippine Art Forms in Modern

and Contemporary Era in Various 1. Theme – most basic element of a
Regions dance. It conveys the
message of a dance.
Artistic works produced in the 2. Design – pattern of movement in
period beginning in the 1860s and ended in time and space.
the 1970s. On this module let us describe 3. Movement – the bodily actions of
the two forms of arts in the Philippines, the the dancer that include his steps.
dance and the painting. 4. Technique – the skill of movement
P
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
executed by the dancer. nature such as a palm leaf, flowers, sea waves,
5. Music – the auditory background the wind, sea weeds, a bird and a flutter of
to which a dancer moves. wings.
6. Costume & body paraphernalia The Pangalay Courtship is
– properties worn by the one of the versions of the
dancer that help reflect the dance wherein a pair of
message, customs and beliefs. dancers imitate the
7. Choreography – the figures and Pangalay with money graceful courtship dance
steps in dancing that enable the tucked on hand by of birds. During wedding
audience.
performances, it is a tradition that guests
Pangalay Courtshipwould
dancers to perform in an
tuck money between the fingers of the female
organized manner. dancer.
8. Scenery – the background or Pangalay has a number of versions including the
setting where the dance is Pangalay Linggisan, which is performed by a solo
performed to make it more female dancer imitating the movement of a bird in
realistic and enriching. flight. According to Mr. Rapih Jairi, Director of the
Ingat Kapandayan Performing Arts of the Notre
Dame of Jolo College, the Pangalay performed in
Some Examples of Contemporary
Sulu is characterized by the graceful movement of
(Folk/Ethnic) Dance in Mindanao the dancer's arms and hands flowing in synchrony
the gentle blowing of the
A. Pangalay: A Tausug Dance wind. While in other parts
Pangalay is a traditional Tausug of the Sulu Archipelago,
dance, from Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, characterized including Tawi-Tawi and
by elaborate body postures and gestures and Sabah, the movements of
the graceful arm and hand movement of the the arms and hands are
dancer, amplified by the use of janggay or more pronounced as they
metal claws. The dance is performed to the are imitating the waves of the Sulu Sea.
music of the kulintangan, gandang, agong and
gabang. Commonly
referred to as the
The Pangalay ha Patung is
characterized by two
men carrying two
bamboo poles on their
Pangalay Dancers from Pangalay Costume shoulders with a solo
Notre Dame of Jolo College
“Biatawi” female dancer keeping her balance on top of the
two bamboo poles. This version of Pangalay paints
a picture of a woman dancing on a sail
Pangalay boat.
ha Patung (Bamboo
fingernail dance, Pangalay is
usually performed during
weddings and other festive
celebrations. Hand paraphernalia
Janggay from Sulu, Philippines.
Kulintang/Kulintangan Beautifully made for Pangalay
Refers to a racked gong chime instrument played traditional dance of the Tausug
in the southern islands of the Philippines, along people.
with its varied accompanying ensembles.
The Kulintang Fe
Pangalay is a living link to the traditional dance
cultures of Asia with closest affinity to the
B. Singkil: A Maranao Dance
Indian, Javanese, Thai, Burmese and
The Singkíl originated from the
Cambodian styles of classical dancing.
Maranao people who inhabit the shores of Lake
Pangalay is basically pure dancing. A sense of Lanao. It is derived from a story in the
anti-linear time pervades the slow, refined, Darangen, the Maranao interpretation of the
meditative, elegant and almost hypnotic ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The name
movements. The dancer’s serious face with of the dance itself means "to entangle the feet
downcast eyes creates a mask-like expression, with disturbing objects such as vines or
matched by a countenance generally refined, anything in your path". It is a popular dance
dignified but without stiffness. performed during celebrations and other
festive entertainment. Originally only women,
Postures and gestures suggest emotional particularly royalty, danced the Singkíl, which
metaphors and symbols serves as either a
that offer a broad range conscious or
of expression. For unconscious
instance: outstretched advertisement to
palms and arms can potential suitors. A
stand for salutation, kulintang and agung
welcome or joy; or, as a ensemble always
symbol of things in accompanies the dance. While often
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
erroneously referred to by non-Maranaos as a plant together with a fresh and green
"Muslim dance", the Singkíl is in fact secular in landscape of plenty. Behind the Filipino
nature, performed by the Ummah communities villagers is the peaceful flume of steam.
of the Maranao and Maguindanao. Initially,
the dance was performed with just one pair of
bamboo poles, eventually adopting the use of Various art forms are known from the
two criss-crossing pairs. different regions or island groups of the
Philippines; generally, from Luzon, Visayas and
Mindanao. Through these various art forms, we
Costume Used in Singkil tend to picture out the different practices of
Filipinos from the different regions that, when
A Maranao costume is mainly integrated,
worn in this form of dancing. In describe what
addition, the female lead dancer the Philippines
wears an elaborate dress of a is.
princess and holds “decorated
fans” in both hands, while the
male lead dancer holds either
handkerchiefs in both hands and
The Singkil in some cases a sword and a
shield.
Costume

The Bonifacio Tinikling The

Archipelago
Monument by: Cirilio F.
Bautista
II. Painting
The Philippine Contemporary Art can
 Painting is the practice of applying be classified into seven major art forms. These
paint, pigment, color or other medium are painting, sculpture, architecture, film,
to a solid surface (called the "matrix" literature, music and theater, and dance.
or "support").The medium is Knowing these classifications will guide us in
commonly applied to the base with a identifying and exploring different
brush, but other implements, such as contemporary art forms from the regions of the
knives, sponges, and airbrushes, can Philippines.
be used.
 In art, the term painting describes
both the act and the result of the PHILIPPINE CONTEMPORARY ARTS
action (the final work is called "a Philippine contemporary arts can be
painting"). The support for paintings described into visual arts, literary arts and
includes such surfaces as walls, paper, performing arts. Visual art is an expression of
canvas, wood, glass, lacquer, pottery, artistic ideas through images, structures, and
leaf, copper and concrete, and the tactile work. Some visual artworks are
painting may incorporate multiple integrated which means it combines several
other materials, including sand, clay, mediums to create new and unique artwork.
paper, plaster, gold leaf, and even Painting, sculpture, architecture, and film are
whole objects. examples of visual arts.
 Among the famous artist in the field of
painting is Fernando Amorsolo. Below Painting
is one of his paintings. Painting the expression of ideas and
emotions, with the creation of certain aesthetic
Fernando Amorsolo qualities, in a two-dimensional visual language.
(1892-1972) was a The elements of this language – its shapes,
dominant figure in the lines, colors, tones, and textures – are used in
various ways to produce sensations of volume,
visual arts of the
space, movement, and light on a flat surface.
Philippines during the
The first paintings here in the Philippines are
decades before the commissioned works during Spanish
Second World War and colonization. Here are some paintings from
into the post-war period. Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
The ‘Planting Rice with Luzon
Mayon Volcano, Exhibits
the happiness across from
the difficulties in planting rice. The Filipino The Sketch
Villagers in their bright clothes and straw hats by Victorio Edades
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
Visayas

Pearl Farm Beach

Magellan’s Resort
Cross
by Raul Agas

Mindanao
Film
Salaam (Peace) Film is a form of visual art use to
by Rameer Tawasil imitate experiences that communicate
ideas, stories, or feelings with the use of
moving images. It is also called a movie
or motion picture. Moreover, the art form
Sculpture that is the result of the film is called
The sculpture is an art form in which cinema (Faber & Walters, 2003). The film
hard or plastic materials are worked into three- industry in the Philippines started in
dimensional art objects. Filipino sculptors came 1897. In the contemporary period,
to be known in the middle of the 19th century. martyr wife, superhero, action,
These are some of the sculptures in the melodramas, and comedies are some of
Philippines. the usual subjects and themes in the
Luzon Philippine films. Some films in the
Philippines are presented below.

The Bonifacio
Monument
By Guillermo Tolentino

Visayas

Sandugo (Blood
Compact)
By Napoleon Abueva
Luzon Visayas
Mindanao Mindanao

Himala Muro-Ami
Six Ladies in Durian Mindanao
By Kublai Millan by Ishmael by Marilou by
Brillante Bernal
Diaz-Abaya Mendoza

Architecture Apart from visual arts, there are

Architecture is the art and practice of Philippine contemporary art forms that can be
designing and constructing buildings described as literary arts. Literary arts are an
(Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary & expression of ideas through writing. Literary
Thesaurus). In relation to that, Philippine arts can be categorized as poetry, prose, and
architecture was characterized as simple, drama. In the Philippines, literary arts are
rational, and functional. In the 20th century, greatly encountered in literature.
the young Filipino who studied in American
colleges and institutes introduced the Literature
neoclassic style in building structures. According to Lombardi (2020),
However, after World War II, real estate literature is a term used to describe written
development started to take place (Sandagan and sometimes spoken material. Derived from
& Sayseng, 2016). To illustrate these the Latin word literature meaning "writing
architectural designs, these are some formed with letters," literature most commonly
examples from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. refers to works of the creative imagination,
Luzon including poetry, drama, fiction, nonfiction, and
in some instances,
Cultural Center of the Philippines journalism, and song.
by Leandro Locsin These are some
examples of
Visayas Philippine literature.
Saint Andrew the Apostle
Church by Francisco
Panhayhayh
A Blade of Fern in Dead Stars
Mindanao by Edith Ocampo Bungtohano by H.O. Santos
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
n
by Francisco Dance
Alvarado
Dance, the movement of the
I Saw the Fall of Ang Indarapatra
the Philippines Higugma at Sulayman body in a rhythmic way, usually to
by Carlos P. by Iluminado by Bartolome music and within a given space, for the
Romulo Lucente Del Valle purpose of expressing an idea or
emotion, releasing energy, or simply
Furthermore, there are also Philippine taking delight in the movement itself.
contemporary art forms that can be described Dances in the Philippines vary from
as performance arts. A person doing certain Region to Region and below are some
actions and movements in front of an audience dances of the different regions.
that go along with sound in a space and time is Luzon Visayas
called Performing Arts.

Music and Theater

Music is a collection of coordinated
sound or sounds. According to Ramon P. Santos
in his article entitles Contemporary Music,
Contemporary music in the Philippines usually
refers to compositions that have adopted ideas
and elements from twentieth- century art
music in the West, as well as the latest trends Mindanao
and musical styles in the entertainment Banga Kuratsa
industry. Filipino Music had already a rich and Singkil
unique musical tradition long before
westerners set foot on our native land. Music
was present in every stage of our ancestors’ Techniques and production go
lives — from birth to death, in blissful or tragic simultaneously. There is no production without
times. Below are some Music from the different any techniques. Some contemporary artist did
Regions of our country. not study fine arts or any other formal studies
Luzon Visayas about arts. Some learn by interacting with
Mindanao other artist or studying on their own by going
around, visiting places to get ideas on what
they would want to create. They even conduct
experiments of materials, especially recyclable
ones, to find out which materials would work in
the production of their artwork. They adopt and
construct their concept to integrate to their
artwork production. Careful planning of
techniques and designs is done. The artist
Pastores Pinalangga undergoes rigid practicing and experimenting
Buyayang before finalizing the production of his artwork.
Collage may sometimes include
Theatre is a collaborative form of fine magazines and newspapers clippings, ribbons,
art that uses live performers to present the paints, bits of colored or handmade papers,
experience of a real or imagined event before a portions of their artwork or texts, photographs,
live audience in a specific place. The and other found objects, glued to a piece of
performers may communicate this experience paper or canvas.
to the audience through combinations of Decollage is the opposite of collage;
gesture, speech, song, music, or dance. Some instead of an image is being built up all parts of
of the Theater Play in the Philippines are the existing images, are created by cutting,
following. treating away or otherwise removing pieces of
Luzon Visayas an original image.
The French word “Decollage” in
English means “Take-Off” or “To become
Unglued” or “To become unstruck.” Examples
of Decollage include etresissements and cut-up
technique. Similar technique is the lacerated
posters have been ripped, revealing to a
greater or lesser degree the poster or posters
underneath.

Graffiti are writing or drawings that

have been scribbled, scratched, or painted
Tanikalang Ginto Moro Moro illicitly on a wall or other surface, often in a
Komedya public place. Graffiti range from simple written
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
words to elaborate wall paintings. Graffiti may Screens made of silk or synthetic fabrics are
express underlying social and political used for the screen printing process.
messages, and a whole genre of artistic
expression based o0n a spray paint graffiti
styles. An example of this is the Singapore art
bridge just beside the Oxford hotel where the
writer stayed in their visit to Singapore. It is
said to be painted by a Batanes-born artist. Refer to any person, objects, scene or
event described or represented in a work of
Land-art earthworks or earth arts are art. Some arts have subjects; others do not.
an art movement in which landscape and the The arts that have subject are called
work of art are inextricably linked. It is also an “Representational” or “Objective
art form that is created in nature, using natural Arts.”Those that do not have subjects are
materials such as soil, rock (bed rock, boulders, called “Non-Representational” or “Non-
stones), organic media (logs, branches, Objective Arts.”
leaves), and water which introduced materials
Painting, sculpture, graphic arts,
such as concrete, metal, asphalt, or mineral
literature and theater arts are classified as
pigments. Sculpture is not placed in the
representational. Music, architecture, and
landscape rather, the landscape is the means
many functional arts are non-representational.
of their creation. Often earth moving
equipment is involved. The works frequently Most contemporary painters have
exist in the open, located well away from turned away from representational to non-
civilization, left to change and erode under objective painting. They have shifted their
natural conditions. attention to the work of art as an object in
itself, as an exciting combination of shapes and
Digital Arts is an artistic work or
colors that fulfills and aesthetic need without
practices that uses digital technology as an
having to represent images or tell a story.
essential part of the creative or presentation
process. Digital art is placed under the larger Kinds of Subjects
umbrella termed new media art. a. Landscape, seascapes, and cityscapes
After some resistance, the impact of b. Still Life
digital technology has transformed activities c. Animals
such as paintings, drawings, sculpture, and d. Portraits
music/sound art, with new form such as net art. e. Everyday Life
Digital installation art, and virtual reality have f. History and Legend
become recognized artistic practices. More g. Figures
generally the term digital artist who makes use h. History and Mythology
of digital technologies in the production of art.” i. Dreams and Fantasies
Digital Art” Is a term applied to contemporary
art that uses the method of mass production or Refers to the material or means which the
digital media. artist uses to objectify his feeling or thoughts,
The techniques of digital art used pigments in painting; stone, architecture;
extensively by the mainstream media in sounds in music; words in literature; and body
advertisements and by film-makers to produce movements in the dance.
visual effects. Both digital and traditional artist When an artist proceeds to give shape to
use many sources of electronic information and his vision, his first thoughts are on what
programs to create their work. medium to employ. These are no fixed rules
Mixed-Media in visual art, it refers to governing the choice of materials and
artwork in the making of which more than one processes to use. The artist normally selects
medium has been employed. It refers to a work the materials that he can handle well, and that
of visual art that combines various traditionally would best suit his purpose as well as
distinct visual art media. For example, work on adequately bring out the qualities that he
canvas that combines paint, ink and collage. wants to show.
Many effects can be achieved by using mixed- Form refers to the physical qualities or the
media. Found objects can be used in characteristics of the image. It’s about the use
conjunction with the traditional artist to attain of color, lines, space, and other elements.
a wide range of self-expression. These elements are arranged to observe unity,
Printmaking is the process of making harmony, rhythm and other principles of design
artworks by painting, normally in the paper. in the production of a particular artwork.
Prints are created by transforming ink from a Elements of Visual Arts:
matrix or through a prepared screen to a sheet
of paper or other material. Common types of Line
materials include; metal plates, usually copper The line is man’s invention. It does not
or zinc, or polymer plates for engraving exist in nature. The line we “see” in nature are,
or etching; stone aluminum or polymer for on close observation, veins of leaves, the
lithography, blocks of wood for wood crafts and joining of two different surfaces, or the edge of
wood engravings; and linoleum for linocuts. objects. The artist uses lines to imitate or to
represent objects and figures on a flat surface.
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
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Shape
Our world is composed of a variety of
shape, some of which, because of constant
use, have gained permanent meanings. Shapes
may be natural, abstract, non-objective, or
geometric. Natural shape is those we see in
nature, such as shapes of men, animals on
trees. Abstract shaped are formed after the
artist has drawn out the essence of the original
object and made it the subject of his work.
Non-objective shape seldom has reference to
recognizable objects but often they show a
similarity to some organic forms.
Elements or Principles of
Texture Contemporary Art
For the sculptor and the architect,
texture results chiefly from the physical Appropriation
properties of the material they use. The Existing artworks are appropriated to
sculptor can produce ant blend of texture that produce another artwork. Usage of prints,
he wants his work to have. images, and icons to produce another art form.
Combines past from the present. Revives
Color interests to existing forms of art.
Color is the sense of wavelengths
which strike our retina. It is derived from light, Performance
like sunlight, or artificial, like the fluorescent Performance evolved to “emphasize
light under a weak light, we see some color, spontaneous elements of chance”.
but under the bright light, we see more color. Interpreting various human activities
such as ordinary activities such as chores,
Value routines and rituals, to socially relevant themes
Value is the Total relationship such as poverty, commercialism and war.
between light and dark areas in the painting.
Value is an element that must be considered Space
about other elements such as line, color, Arts transforming space. For example,
texture, and shape. The value of the line he flash mobs, art installations in malls and parks.
draws depends upon the pressure he puts on Art form that is performed and positioned in a
his pencil and the relative hardness or softness specific space such as public places.
of his material.
Hybridity
Summary: Usage of unconventional materials,
Techniques of Art Production: mixing of unlikely materials to produce an
• Collage artwork. For example, coffee for painting;
• Decollage miniature sculptures using crayons.
• Graffiti
• Land-art Technology
• Digital Arts Usage of technology in the creation
• Mixed-Media and dissemination of art works.
• Printmaking Video phenomenon from MTV to
Youtube. Recording performances, video
Three terms are distinctive in function: posting, sharing, live streaming.
• Art
• Design Contemporary Art Forms
• Craft
Painting
Integrated Arts Production: A painting is an image (artwork)
a. Subjects created using pigments (color) on a surface
b. Medium (ground) such as paper or canvas. The pigment
c. Form may be in a wet form, such as paint, or a dry
from, such as pastels.
Elements of Visual Artist:
• Line Weaving
• Shape The art of making cloth with yarn or
• Texture thread is known as weaving. The pattern is
• Color made by pulling the threads together on a
• Value loom. The threads are locked at right angles to
form the fabric. The horizontal threads are
known as warp and the vertical threads are
known as weft.
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
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to strip off the combatants of their metal helmets
Dance and other armory. In contrast with the charged
Is a performing art form consisting of emotions featured on the left, the right side
purposefully selected sequences of human meanwhile presents a somber mood. An old man
movement. This movement has aesthetic and carries a torch perhaps searching for his son while
symbolic value, and is acknowledged as dance a woman weeps the death of her loved one.
by performers and observers within a particular II. Planting Rice (Fernando Amorsolo)
culture. Truest Philippine culture, this is the theme that
composes most of Fernando Amorsolo’s artworks.
Rice planting is among those that depicts the real
Filipino tradition that is still applicable until the
present time. The painting is set on the rice field
wherein farmers, regardless of their gender, are
on with their usual work under a bright sunny day.
Its visual weight is light because the colors used
were mostly pastel in nature. No dark colors were
used to produce a feeling of calm and peace. It
was an ideal picture of provincial life like most of
Significance of Art Forms from his paintings. He painted the details as to how it
the Regions might look in real life. However, faces of the
farmers were not vividly detailed because their
Art forms from the regions in the Buri hats covered them. Supposing that the sun
Philippines hold great significance in was on its peak.
showcasing the rich cultural heritage and
diversity of the country. These art forms, such III. Tinikling
as traditional dances, music, visual arts, and It is a traditional folk
dance which originates from
crafts, reflect the unique traditions, beliefs, and
the Spanish colonial era.
history of each region.
The dance imitates the
For instance, the Ifugao people in the movement of the tikling
Cordillera region are known for their intricate birds as they dodge
woodcarvings and weaving, which depict their bamboo traps set by rice
connection to nature and their agricultural way farmers. Dancers mimic the
of life. The colorful and rhythmic dances of the tikling bird’s grace and agility by dancing between
Visayas region, like the Sinulog and Ati-Atihan large bamboo poles. The tinikling is one of the
festivals, celebrate religious devotion and oldest dancesvfrom the Philippines, and originated
historical events. in the islands of Leyte in Visayas. According to the
These art forms not only serve as a legend, the Tinikling was started by people who
means of artistic expression but also play a worked in the paddies and farms of the
vital role in preserving and passing on cultural Philippines.
knowledge from one generation to another.
They serve as a bridge between the past and IV. Maglalatik
the present, allowing Filipinos to connect with It is an indigenous dance
from the Philippines in
their roots and maintain a sense of identity.
which coconut shell halves
Furthermore, art forms from the that are secured onto the
regions in the Philippines contribute to the dancers’ hands and on
country's tourism industry, attracting both local vests upon which are hung
and international visitors. They provide a four or six more coconut
unique and immersive experience, allowing shell halves. The dancers – all male – perform the
people to witness and appreciate the beauty dance by hitting one coconut shell with the other –
and creativity of Filipino culture. sometimes the ones on the hands, sometimes, the
Art forms from the regions in the ones on the body, and sometimes the shell worn
Philippines are of great significance as they by another performer, all in time to a fast
represent the diverse cultural heritage of the drumbeat. Originally performed in Binan, Laguna
country, preserve traditional knowledge, and as a mock-war dance that demonstrates a fight
contribute to the tourism industry. between the Moros and the Christians over the
prized latik or coconut meat during the Spanish
I. Spoliarium (Juan Luna) rule, the dance is also shown to pay tribute to the
The painting features a town’s patron saint, San Isidro Labrador.
glimpse of Roman history
centered on the bloody V. The Oblation
carnage brought by The Oblation is a
gladiatorial matches. concrete statue by Filipino
Spoliarium is a Latin word artist Guillermo E. Tolentino
referring to the basement of which serves as the iconic
the Roman Colosseum where the fallen anddying symbol of the University of
gladiators are dumped and devoid of their worldly the Philippines. It depicts a
possessions. At the center of Luna’s painting are man facing upward with
fallen gladiators being dragged by Roman soldiers. arms outstretched, symbolizing selfless offering of
On the left, spectators ardently await their chance oneself to his country. The statue’s height of 3.5
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
meters symbolizers three and a half centuries of Juan Luna de San Pedro y Novicio
Spanish colonial rule, while its pose of self-offering Ancheta (Spanish: [ˈxwan ˈluna], Tagalog: [hwɐn
represents Tolentino’s interpretation of Rizal’s ˈluna]; October 25, 1857 – December 7, 1899) was
second stanza above – in particular the “unknown a Filipino painter, sculptor and a political activist
heroes who fell during the night”. Furthermore, its of the Philippine Revolution during the late 19th
base is a stylized representation of the Philippine century. He became one of the first recognized
archipelago, with rocks from Montalban Gorge to Philippine artists.
highlight its cultural and historical significance. His winning of the gold medal in the
1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts, along with
the silver win of fellow Filipino painter Félix
Resurrección Hidalgo, prompted a celebration
which was a significant highlight in the memoirs of
members of the Propaganda Movement, with the
fellow Ilustrados toasting the two painters' good
health and the brotherhood between Spain and
the Philippines.
Well regarded for work done in the
manner of European academies of his time, Luna
painted literary and historical scenes, some with
an underscore of political commentary. His
allegorical works were inspired by classical
balance, and often showed figures in theatrical
poses.
The Spoliarium stands majestically at the
forefront of the National Museum. At almost eight
metres tall, Juan Luna’s imposing depiction of a
11 OF THE MOST FAMOUS FILIPINO battle lost is sombre and striking. The scene of the
ARTISTS AND THEIR ARTWORKS painting is at the Roman spoliarium, the basement
of the Colosseum where dead gladiators are
1. Fernando Amorsolo brought and stripped of their worldly possessions.
Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto (May 30, Trained in Spain, Luna mastered the art
1892 – April 24, 1972) was a portraitist and of classical style at the Real Academia de Bellas
painter of rural Philippine landscapes. Nicknamed Artes de San Fernando. While most are of the
the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art," he was the opinion that the “Spoliarium” is a political
first-ever to be recognized as a National Artist of commentary on the Spanish government in the
the Philippines. He was recognized as such for his Philippines, one may also guess that Luna’s
"pioneering use of impressionistic technique" as turbulent personal life, as well as his European
well as his skill in the use of lighting and education and cultural integration, had inspired
backlighting in his paintings, "significant not only the work. After all, the scene is set within the
in the development of Philippine art but also in the context of the European battle and was completed
formation of Filipino notions of self and identity." by 1884, before his service with the Philippine
To gaze upon an Amorsolo is to gaze revolutionary government in 1898. Either way,
upon the soul of idealistic, Filipino sentiment. The there is no doubt that the “Spoliarium” is a true
painter’s authoritative brushstrokes depict relaxed obra maestra by one of the country’s most
scenes of days in the market, afternoons spent enigmatic personalities.
idling under the shade of an overarching tree, and
fiestas, of course; all of which have become the
trademark of Amorsolo’s career. Juan Luna,
Although born in Manila, Amorsolo spent Spoliarium, 1884
his formative years by the rural backdrop of Daet,
Camarines Norte. His sense of community at
having been brought up within such a setting has
proven impactful; his conscious choice to paint a
world of rural simplicity and charm contrasts 3. Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera
highly with the political turmoil of the late 1800s Benedicto Reyes Cabrera (born April 10,
and early 1900s (of which was his world). In some 1942), better known as "BenCab",[1] is a Filipino
of his paintings—such as in Ligawan, Afternoon painter who was conferred a National Artist of the
Meal of Rice Workers, and Palay Maiden— subjects Philippines for Visual Arts (Painting) in 2006. He
in the foreground are shown smiling or talking, has been noted as "arguably the best-selling
while scenes depicting work are sent to the painter of his generation of Filipino artists."
background. BenCab was born to Democrito Cabrera
and Isabel Reyes in Malabon, Philippines on April
10, 1942. He was the youngest of nine children.
Fernando BenCab's first exposure and discovery of the arts
Amorsolo, happened through his elder brother, Salvador,
Harvest Scene, who was already an established artist during
1942 Bencab's childhood.
He went on to study at the University of
the Philippines Diliman. He received his bachelor's
degree in Fine Arts in 1963.
A muse, one that has held Benedicto
2. Juan Luna Cabrera’s imagination captive for years: this is
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
Sabel. Undoubtedly a trademark of BenCab’s work Over the span of 50 years, this family moved to
is the scavenger woman he would frequently see thirty different houses after living in Manila
along Yakal Street in Tondo, Manila. She usually together for fourteen years. Wherever she lived,
look for scraps of plastic and then Cabrera started Anita had access to a studio, where she spent
drawing abstract sketches of her from his window. most of her time painting.
Since then, he has drawn and painted Sabel in In 1958, the Manila Chronicle formed a
various forms and context. panel of experts who decided that Magsaysay-Ho
What mystified Cabrera the most wasn’t is one of the most significant painters to go down
who she was exactly, rather it was the fluidity of in the history of the Philippines. She was soon
her identity. “Looking at the way she moved, how named one of the "Thirteen Moderns," a group of
her ‘clothes’ swayed, she could be an OFW, a Filipino modernist artists, and the only woman of
vendor, a dreamer,” he said. The BenCab Museum the group. In 2005, Alfredo Roces wrote a
states that Sabel has served to be a “vehicle for biography of her titled "Anita Magsaysay-Ho: In
the transmission of intensely emotional moods”. Praise of Women.
One can interpret Sabel to be a different person Anita Magsaysay-Ho, a first cousin to
each time and it’s through this unconfirmed former president Ramon Magsaysay, is one of the
identity that she becomes a fertile ground for the Philippines’ pioneering modernist painters. She
artist’s exploration into shape, structure, theme, was the pupil of Fernando Amorsolo, whose
and mood. influence can sometimes be seen in her landscape
artworks such as Fish Harvest At Dawn and Three
Women In A Landscape. However, her personal
signature is independent of her famous teacher
Benedicto Cabrera, and lies not just in her style but also in her
32 Variations on Sabel, subjects; which most notably are women at work.
2008 Magsaysay-Ho portrays women with high
cheekbones, slanted eyes, and beautiful morena
skin. They are more often than not surrounded by
nature, harvesting crops, selling fish, or sheaving
4. Anita Magsaysay-Ho grain. In Alfredo Roces’ In Praise of Women,
Anita Magsaysay-Ho (born Anita Corpus published in 2005, Magsaysay-Ho talks about why
Magsaysay; May 25, 1914 – May 5, 2012) was a women are her subject of choice. She says: “In my
Filipina painter who specialized in Social Realism works, I always celebrate the women of the
and post-Cubism in regard to women in Filipino Philippines. I regard them with deep admiration
culture. Magsaysay-Ho's work appeals to and they continue to inspire me—their movements
Modernism by utilizing more abstract designs and and gestures, their expressions of happiness and
styles rather than realistic approaches. She was frustration; their diligence and shortcomings; their
the only female member of the "Thirteen joy of living. I know
Moderns," a standing group of Filipino modernist very well the
artists, and in 1958 was chosen by a panel of strength, hard work
experts as one of the six major painters of the and quiet dignity of
country's history. The most famous work of Philippine women, for
Magsaysay-Ho are subject to the beauty of Filipino I am one of them.”
women dealing with everyday issues. Collections
of her artwork can be found in museums around
the Philippines. Anita Magsaysay-Ho,
University of the Philippines, where Women Amidst Bananas, 1979
Magsaysay-Ho studied at its School of Fine Arts.
Anita Magsaysay was born in 1914 in
Manila. Her parents were Armilla Corpus and
Ambrosio Magsaysay, an engineer. A cousin of
Anita was Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay, 5. Ang Kiukok
whose father Exequiel was a brother of Ambrosio. Ang Kiukok (March 1, 1931 – May 9,
At thirteen years of age, she studied at the School 2005) was a Filipino painter of Chinese descent
of Fine Arts of the University of the Philippines and was a National Artist for Visual Arts.
(UP), where she took instruction from prominent Early life and training, Ang was born on
Filipino painters like Fabian de la Rosa, Fernando March 1, 1931, in Davao, Davao Province,
Amorsolo, and his brother Pablo Amorsolo.[4] She Philippines to Vicente Ang and Chin Lim who were
then followed UP's School of Design, with teachers immigrants from Xiamen, China. Ang was the only
as Victorio Edades and Enrique Ruiz. After her son in his family and he had four sisters. He was
studies at UP, she left in the 1930s to go to the originally intended to be named Ang Hua Shing
United States, where she studied at the Cranbrook ("Hua Shing" literally means "Chinese-born") but
Academy in Michigan and took class courses on oil did not push through with the plan upon learning
painting. At the Art Student's League in New York that his cousin was given the name by his uncle.
City, Magsaysay-Ho took classes on drawing. Ang was taught by a commercial artist at
There she met Robert Ho from Hong a young age on how to make charcoal portrait. His
Kong who was also a student in New York City. influence at the time was the artworks of Qi
They married in 1947 and moved to China, where Baishi. After World War II, the family moved to
Ho's shipping industry company, Magsaysay Inc., Cotabato and Ang made movie billboards.
began. The couple had five children, and the Education, Ang attended a Chinese high
family moved frequently because of Ho's work. school where he learned Chinese calligraphy. He
They lived in Brazil, Canada, Hong Kong, New moved to Manila and attended the University of
York, Washington, D.C., and Japan to name a few. Santo Tomas where one of his mentors was
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
Vicente Manansala. He studied in the university health problems since childhood, lost his father to
from 1952 to 1954. He was forced to stop his an infection, and lived through political turmoil
studies due to financial constraints. both in Spain and in the Philippines.
Ang Kiukok is perhaps best known for His art style, abstractionist, was inspired
the emotion in his art, most of which are raw and by Mark Rothko, but although Rothko is famous for
oftentimes sombre or angry. The scenes in his vibrant colours, Zóbel’s artwork has been mostly
works depict crucifixions, screams, or figures done in blacks, whites, blues, and greys. Although
forlorn. Using vivid colours and a surrealist, cubist some works evoke a calming feel with their soft,
style of expression, Ang Kiukok expressed his even brushstrokes, others are created that feel
views on society throughout much of his career. quite tense, with sharp, dark, crisscrossing lines
Born to Chinese immigrant parents, against a light backdrop.
Kiukok was said to have been inspired by his While Zóbel’s play on colour and strokes
teacher and fellow artist-friend, Victor Manansala. can be interpreted differently, he had once been
On a trip to New York, Kiukok was said to have quoted talking about the emotion in his approach.
been moved by the squalor and decrepitude of the “Critics have asked me,” he once said, “what I did
city, eventually translating these themes into his with the anguish in my life. My answer is that I
work. During the Marcos regime, Kiukok once leave it at home where it belongs since it has
again used his art as both self- nothing to do with my painting.”
expression and social
commentary in works such
as:

Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Virevia II, 1960

Ang Kiukok, Second

Station: Jesus Carries His
Cross, 1996
7. Carlos “Botong” Francisco
Carlos Modesto "Botong" Villaluz
Francisco (November 4, 1912 – March 31, 1969)
was a Filipino muralist from Angono, Rizal.
Early life, Francisco was a most
distinguished practitioner of mural painting for
6. Fernando Zóbel de Ayala many decades and best known for his historical
Fernando Zóbel de Ayala y Montojo pieces. He was one of the first Filipino modernists
Torrontegui (August 27, 1924 – June 2, 1984), along with Galo Ocampo and Victorio C. Edades
also known as Fernando M. Zóbel, was a who broke away from Fernando Amorsolo's
Spanish Filipino painter, businessman, art romanticism of Philippine scenes. According to
collector and museum founder. restorer Helmuth Josef Zotter, Francisco's art "is a
Early life, Zóbel was born in Ermita, prime example of linear painting where lines and
Manila in the Philippines to Enrique Zóbel de contours appear like cutouts."
Later career, Francisco served as the
Ayala (1877–1943) and Fermina Montojo y
production designer for the 1961 film adaptation
Torrontegui and was a member of the
of José Rizal's Noli Me Tángere.
prominent Zóbel de Ayala family. He was a He was responsible for the discovery of
brother of Jacobo Zóbel (father of Enrique J. the now famous Angono Petroglyphs in 1965. He
Zóbel), Alfonso (father of Jaime Zóbel de Ayala) was also involved in Costume Design in Philippine
and Mercedes Zóbel McMicking, all children of cinema.
his father from his first wife, Consuelo Róxas de His great works include portrayals of the
Ayala (who died on September 25, 1907, at the Blood Compact, First Mass at Limasawa, The
age of 30). He was a nephew and namesake of Martyrdom of Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot,
Fernando Antonio Zóbel de Ayala, the eldest Fiesta, Bayanihan sa Bukid, Sandugo, Portrait of
brother of his father. Purita, The Invasion of Limahong, Serenade, and
His father was a patron of Fernando Muslim Betrothal. Some of his murals have
Amorsolo. In gratitude, Amorsolo would teach the suffered big damage over the years. The "Pageant
young Fernando on the rudiments of art. of Commerce" emerged from several years of
Zóbel took up medical studies at the restoration in 2000.
University of Santo Tomas in Manila. In 1942, he Francisco museum nameplate, His
had spinal deficiency that forced him to become murals, The Progress of Medicine in the
bedridden that year. To pass the time, he took up Philippines, was restored for the 3rd time in 2007
sketching. He studied at the University of Santo and is currently residing in the National Art Gallery
Tomas and then left for Harvard University in 1946 of the Philippines. A high-quality replica of the
to take up degrees in history and literature. He mural is also located at its previous location at the
graduated in three years and wrote a thesis on the lobby of the Philippine General Hospital.
Federico García Lorca play The Love of Don Francisco's last work is the Camote
Perlimplín and Belisa in the Garden. Diggers which was left unfinished.
Despite Fernando Zóbel’s prolific Carlos “Botong” Francisco’s signature
background as kin of the prominent Zóbel de lies not just in the subjects of his work—most of
Ayala family, one can guess, from his biography, which depict scenes of deep-rooted Filipino
that his life was far from easy. He had suffered histories—but also in his medium. A muralist at
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
heart, Botong Francisco helped revive the form in 9. Arturo Luz
Manila; his work can now be seen in the City Hall Arturo Rogerio Dimayuga Luz (November
of Manila as well as in the National Museum. 26, 1926 – May 26, 2021) was a Filipino visual
A storyteller through and through, artist. He was also a known printmaker, sculptor,
Francisco’s works have captured narratives designer and art administrator.
closest to our collective conscience. He has A founding member of the modern Neo-
created murals of the first Mass in the Philippines, realist school in Philippine art, he received the
Rizal’s death at the hands of the guardia civil, and Philippine National Artist Award, the country's
the iconic reimagining of Andres Bonifacio highest accolade in the arts, in 1997.
charging against the Spaniards with the KKK. Education, Luz attended the School of
Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas in
Carlos Manila. He also went abroad to study at the
Francisco, California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland
First Mass At from 1947 to 1949, the Brooklyn Museum Art
Limasawa, School in New York from 1949 to 1950, and the
1955-1960 Académie de la Grande Chaumiere in Paris from
1950 to 1951.
Early career, While Luz was pursuing
college, he began exhibiting his works. At the
8. Jose Joya 1962 International Art Salon in Saigon, South
José Tanig Joya (June 3, 1931 – May 11, Vietnam, Luz won first prize for his work. He also
1995) was a Filipino abstract artist and a National garnered an award from the California Art
Artist of the Philippines awardee. Joya was a Association, and was a recipient of the Republic
printmaker, painter, mixed media artist, and Cultural Heritage Award for Painting of the
former dean of the University of the Philippines' Philippine Republic in 1966. He was also
College of Fine Arts. He pioneered abstract recognized as the Outstanding Young Man In Art
expressionism in the Philippines. His canvases by The Manila Times.
were characterized by "dynamic spontaneity" and Arturo Luz’s sophisticated geometric
"quick gestures" in action painting. He is the design is perhaps his most well-known and
creator of compositions that were described as celebrated style. The elegance to be found in his
"vigorous compositions" of heavy impastoes, bold neo-realist paintings is manifested in his simplistic
brushstrokes, controlled dips, and diagonal use of colours, as well as in his subjects: of which
swipes". Joya added the brilliant tropical colors. He the most famous range from cityscapes to
was awarded a grant, which enabled him to musicians.
pursue a master's degree in Fine Arts in 1956–57. A National Artist for Visual Arts in 1997,
His works were strongly influenced by the tropical Luz is an artist well-trained, having studied in
landscapes of the Philippine Islands. Among his Manila, Paris, New York, and California. Speaking
masterpieces are the jedree on his style, he was once quoted saying: “I cannot
(a collage rendered with paint flowers. They are by nature too decorative
Asian calligraphy and forms and pretty. I like things that are very stark,
and patterns elemental, simple—like a stone or a shell.” And in
resembling rice true Luz fashion, he has transformed complex
paddies), the shapes, architectural elements, and human forms
Granadean Arabesque (1958) into minimalistic shapes, rectangles, and lines.
and Biennial (1964).
Although Jose
Joya has shown his
audience a range of Arturo Luz,
subjects, styles, and mediums, he is perhaps best Man On A Wheel, 2015
known for his brightly coloured paintings, most of
which seem akin to Cubist abstraction. His
trademark work could quite possibly be his
Granadean Arabesque, which features gobs of
colour, mostly yellow, alongside impasto and
sand. But while his play with colours, textures, and 10. Betsy
depths has earned him an esteemable place in the Westendorp-
world of Philippine art, he is perhaps best credited Brias
as a pioneer in mixed-medium artistry. His use of
rice paper to portray transparency, along with his
resourcefulness in utilising ceramics as a medium
has earned him a posthumous spot as a National
Artist in Visual Arts.
Betsy Westendorp-
Brias, who actively
donated several of her
Jose Joya, exquisite paintings to worthy causes via the
Susurro del Mar, 1961 annual Tatler Ball, created a name for herself in
the art world with her unique style that involves
gentle brushstrokes and seamless colour
integration. Perhaps most well-known for her
cloudscapes and floral paintings, Westendorp-
Brias has also dabbled in portraits and still lifes.
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
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She has also since released her two-volume coffee to more rural areas of the country had shifted his
table book with The De La Salle University subjects from urban dwellers to fishermen,
Publishing House. horseback riders, and cockfighters. He is now
internationally acclaimed and has art on display in
Japan and Singapore.
Elmer Borlongan

Betsy Westendorp-Brias, Untitled, 2015

11. Elmer Borlongan

Elmer Misa Borlongan (born January 7,
1967) is a prominent contemporary Filipino
painter best known for his distinctive use of 10 Important Paintings in Filipino Art History
figurative expressionism.
He rose to prominence as a recipient of the 1. Fruit Gatherer by Fernando Amorsolo
Cultural Center of the Philippines' Thirteen Artist Amorsolo is one of the most important
Awards in 1994,and his works have since become painters in Filipino Art History. His paintings were
one of the most widely exhibited and most sought- able to embody the simplicity of Filipinos, in its
after at auctions among Southeast Asian artists. daily lives and beauty. Just by looking at this
He is married to fellow artist Plet painting, we can all say that the “Fruit Gatherer”
Bolipata. is the original dalagang filipina.
Style, “The women I paint should have a
When asked about rounded face, not of the oval type often presented
his visual approach, to us in newspapers and magazine illustrations.
Borlongan describes The eyes should be exceptionally lively, not the
his style as dreamy, sleepy type that characterizes the
figurative Mongolian. The nose should be of the blunt form
expressionism. Art but firm and strongly marked. … So the ideal
curator Ditas Filipina beauty should not necessarily be white
Samson expounds on this, describing a typical complexioned, nor of the dark brown color of the
Borlongan canvas as "dominated by the human typical Malayan, but of the clear skin or fresh
figure - often distorted in shape, in unreal hues." colored type which we often witness when we met
Borlongan's early work is known for its a blushing girl.” Fernando Amorsolo
usage of figures in urban settings, in stark
contrast to the idyllic rural settings of the earlier Title: Fruit Gatherer
generation of Filipino artists, such as Fernando Artist: Fernando Amorsolo
Technique: Oil on canvas
Amorsolo.
Date: 1950
Later works by Borlongan, after his move
from the streets of Manila to the provincial
settings of Zambales, increasingly featured people
in rural settings as well, but imbued with the same
tense energy which characterizes his urban- 2. Planting Rice by Fernando Amorsolo
setting figures - a Amorsolo painted a few versions of this
thematic contrast painting. He wanted to capture the traditional
which has been Filipino occupation and the farm life of men and
described as a women in a hot sunny day. This representation
prominent depicts how enduring they are, and how the
characteristic of farmers work together.
Borlongan's later
corpus.
Elmer Title: Planting Rice
Borlongan’s artwork is recognisable mostly Artist: Fernando Amorsolo
through the stylised way he renders his human Technique: Oil on canvas
subjects: with bald heads, upturned eyes, and Date: 1951
elongated limbs. His dynamic images portray his
attunement to the everyday struggles of the
working-class Filipino, portraying familiar objects
such as the kariton, the bangka, and the tricycle. 3. Hope in the Ruins of Manila by Fernando
While there is a touch of surrealism in the Amorsolo
distortion of some of his artworks, some of his Another masterpiece from Amorsolo is
images also portray situations that are familiar, Hope in the Ruins of Manila. He was known for his
and very real. bright colors and peaceful paintings, but he also
His childhood spent in Manila had represented the
exposed him to the subjects of his early works— years of World War
street children and the homeless—which first II, when the
brought him to the spotlight. Since then, his move Japanese were
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
occupying the Philippines. He’s able to depict the viewer, heading towards a far-away horizon, while
war, and the devastation it brings to people – but embarking on the steps of a staircase. Side by
in the middle of that sadness and desperation, he side in the painting, Spain was shown to be
gives us a hint of hope. The way the light shines, leading the Philippines along the path to progress
on the young Filipino woman holding her child, and development.
gives us hope for a brighter future that will be
built by these children. Title: España y Filipinas
Artist: Juan Luna
Title: Hope in the Ruins of Manila Technique: Oil on wood
Artist: Fernando Amorsolo Date: 1886
Technique: Oil on canvas Location: Lopez Memorial Museum
Date: 1945

4. Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al 6. Madonna of the Slums by Vicente

Populacho by Félix Resurreccion Hidalgo Manansala
This painting was a silver medalist Manansala is a Filipino National Artist in
during the 1884 Exposicion General de Bellas Visual Arts and a Filipino cubist artist and
Artes in Madrid, Spain, also known as the Madrid illustrator. He developed a new imagery based on
Exposition. Hidalgo’s winning the silver medal for the postwar urban experience. The city of Manila,
the painting was a landmark achievement that through the vision of the artist, assumed a strong
proved the ability of Filipinos to match the work of folk character. He painted an innovative mother
Spaniards and laid claim to Filipino participation in and child, Madonna of the Slums, in 1950, which
European culture. Sadly, what we have now at the reflected the poverty in postwar Manila.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is just a copy, because
the original one was destroyed in a fire at the Title: Madonna of the Slums
Artist: Vicente Manansala
University of Valladolid in Spain.
Technique: Oil paint
After winning at the Exposition in Madrid, Date: 1950
a small group of Filipino expatriates and members Location: National Museum Collection
of the Philippine reform movement held a victory
celebration. During the party, José Rizal gave a
speech regarding the achievement of Hidalgo and
Luna as a proof that the talents of Filipino artists 7. The Blood Compact by Juan Luna
equaled those of the Spaniards. In relation to such The Blood Compact is an “historic and
evidence, Rizal questioned the inequality in historical” painting by Filipino painter Juan Luna.
political rights and freedom between Filipinos and The scene painted by the artist portrays the 1565
Spaniards. Graciano Lopez-Jaena in turn orated Sandugo (blood compact ritual) between Datu
that Hidalgo and Luna were propaganda painters Sikatuna of Bohol and Miguel López de Legazpi,
who exposed the “lamentable conditions” of the surrounded by other
Philippines while under the tutelage of the conquistadores. Datu
Spaniards. Sikatuna was described
to be ‘being crowded
Title: Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho
out of the picture by
Artist: Félix Resurrección Hidalgo
Technique: Oil on canvas Miguel López de
Date: 1884 Legazpi and his fellow
Location: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (currently on loan to conquistadores’. This
the National Gallery Singapore) is one of the last
paintings created by
5. España y Filipinas by Juan Luna Luna.
España y Filipinas, meaning “Spain and
the Philippines”, is an 1886 oil on wood by Filipino Title: The Blood Compact
painter, ilustrado, and revolutionary activist, Juan Artist: Juan Luna
Luna. It is an allegorical depiction of two women Technique: Oil on canvas
Date: 1886
together, one a representation of Spain and the
Location: Malacanang Palace
other of the Philippines. The painting, also known
as España Guiando a Filipinas (“Spain Leading the
Philippines“), is regarded as one of the “enduring
pieces of legacy” that the Filipinos inherited from
8. Granadean Arabesque by José Joya
Luna. The painting is a centerpiece art at the Luna
Jose Joya is a painter and multimedia
Hall of the Lopez Memorial Museum.
artist who distinguished himself by creating an
The Spaniard woman “Motherland” was
authentic Filipino abstract idiom that transcended
drawn with “wide strong shoulders” while the
foreign influences.
Filipino woman was illustrated as “graceful” and
He espoused the value of kinetic energy
brown-skinned. Both were wearing female dresses
and spontaneity in painting which became
known as traje de mestiza or “dress of the
significant artistic values in Philippine art. His
mestiza”. The dressing of the women in traje de
paintings clearly show his mastery of ‘gestural
mestizas shows the cultural character, class
paintings’ where the paint is applied intuitively
consciousness, and social
and spontaneously, in broad brush strokes, using
transformations resulting
brushes or spatula or is directly squeezed from the
from 19th century
tube and splashed across the canvas. His 1958
Hispanization. Both women
landmark painting Granadean Arabesque, a work
have their backs to the
on canvas big enough to be called a mural,
 CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE
FIRST QUARTER REGION
features swipes and gobs of impasto and sand.
The choice of Joya to represent the Philippines in
the 1964 Venice Biennial itself represents a high
peak in the rise of modern art in the country.

Title: Las Damas Romanas

Artist: Juan Luna
Technique: Oil paint
Date: 1958

9. Fishermen at Sea by Ang Kiukok

Ang Kiukok was a Filipino painter known
for his expressive, Cubist-like works. He often
chose dynamic or disturbing subject matter,
frequently depicting rabid dogs, crucifixions, and
screaming figures in an abstracted geometric
style. When asked why he often chose subjects
full of such angry he once replied “Why not? Open
your eyes. Look around you. So much anger,
sorrow, ugliness. And also madness.“
He is acclaimed for his series of
Fishermen at Sea, which connects both energy,
faith and the struggle of fishermen under a vibrant
crimson sun labouring
together to bring in the
haul for the day.

Title: Fishermen at Sea

Artist: Ang Kiukok
Technique: Oil on canvas
Date: 1981

10. Spoliarium by Juan Luna

The Spoliarium (often misspelled
Spolarium) is a painting by Filipino painter Juan
Luna. The painting was submitted by Luna to the
Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in
Madrid, where it garnered the first gold medal.
The picture recreates a despoiling scene in a
Roman circus where dead gladiators are stripped
of weapons and garments.

Title: Spoliarium
Artist: Juan Luna
Technique: Oil paint
Date: 1884
Location: National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila
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