Module 6

First Mass by Carlos Modesto Francisco

The History of Painting. The evolution of Art
The History of Painting.
- Painting emerged in prehistory, when nomadic people made use of paintings on rocky
walls. They made drawings with charcoal leaving marks in the caves where they passed.
Recent discovery made in Spain found that the oldest paintings discovered to date, made
by humans, were made more than 42,000 years ago
Who made the first painting?
- The first painting was made by primitive men, believed to have been made by Homo
Neanderthalis in the prehistoric era.
- Archaeological excavations carried out in Europe, Africa and Asia reveal that primitive
men were the first painters and sculptors and demonstrated through these arts their daily
lives. Archaeologists and anthropologists have been studying and dating these
discoveries.
- The pieces extracted from the excavations are historical documents, true testimonies of
the beginning of man’s life in remote times and of extinct cultures.
- A recent discovery in the Cave of Nerja, in Malaga, Spain, discovered paintings over 42,000
years old, and they can change our ideas about the evolution of humanity.
The History of Painting – Painting in Cave of Nerja, Malaga – Spain
Aesthetic
- A set of principles concerned with the nature and appreciation of beauty, especially in art.
The branch of philosophy that deals with the principles of beauty and artistic taste.
- Aesthetics and esthetics, the word is derived from the Ancient Greek aisthetikos meaning
“esthetic, sensitive, sentient, pertaining to sense perception which in turn was derived
from aisthanomai, meaning “I perceive, feel, sense.”
- Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy that examined the nature of art and our experience
of it. It emerged during the 18th century in Europe and developed in England as
philosophers grouped together such fields as poetry, sculpture, music, and dance.
Pre- Colonial Art Period (6185 BC to 1520 AD)
- AGE OF HORTICULTURE/NEOLITHIC PERIOD (6185 to 4,400 BC)
- METAL AGE (3190 to 190 BC)
- IRON AGE (200 BC TO 1000 BC)
Local communities are being established and art starts to go beyond mere craft, i.e. stone
weapons or jewelry but starts to have decorative elements, meaning and context.

Old Stone Age (Paleolithic)

Espinosa Ranch Site, Cagayan
16000-8000 BC
- The proof of earliest man’s presence was recovered from a ranch site in Cagayan
Province-two flake tools dated about 9 million years, the oldest man-made object
associated with the fossils of a proboscidean, a prehistoric elephant. Other flake tools are
recovered in Tabon Caves, Palawan and some stone tools in Bolobok Cave Sanga- Sanga
in Tawi- Tawi
Shell Bracelets and Pendants (Neolithic
Cagayan, Palawan, and Sorsogon 4854 BC
- Shells were fashioned into tools, as well as ornaments.
- The oldest known ornaments made from cone shells were found in the early 1960’s in the
t grave of an adult male in Duyong Cave in Palawan.
- A shell disk with a hole in the center was found next to his right ear and a disk with a hole
by the edge was found on his chest. The shell ornaments were dated 4854 B.C
Agono Petroglyphs
- are oldest known work of art in the Philippines located in the province of Rizal. There are
127 human and animal figures engraved on the rock wall probably-carved
IMPORTANT ART WORKS
Lingling-0 (2000 BC-1000 AD)
Duyong Cave, Palawan
- A kind of ear pendant fashioned from green nephrite (jade) is the characteristic trait of
the Early Metal Age.
- One of the finest jade ornaments found to date is the double-headed pendant recovered
from Duyong Cave, Palawan. It is an example of the superb craftsmanship of ancient
carving in jade
Manunggul Jar
 - Burial jar excavated from a Neolithic burial site in Manunggul cave of Tabon Caves at
Lipuun Point at Palawan dating from 890-710 В.С
Pre-Colonial Art Forms
- Pre-colonial traditional art have religious symbols, every day activity such as fishing,
farming, etc., or a specific decorative art pattern to the community
- It has either the influence of local religion (animistic) or Islamic based
- There is also an exchange of art aesthetics and art processes with the Chinese and other
asian countries who frequents as traders with our indigenous groups.

Baybayin
- A Tagalog ancient script also known in Visayan as badlit, derived from Brahmic scripts of
India and first recorded in the 16th century. It continued to be used during the Spanish
colonization of the Philippines up until the late 19th century
SPANISH COLONIAL ART PERIOD (1521-1898)
- Introduced formal Painting, Sculpture and Architecture which was inspired by the
Byzantine, Gothic, Baroque and Rococo art styles.
- Most art works are Religious (Catholic) based
Spanish Art Aesthetics as Adopted by Filipino Artist
Byzantine Painting Style: Attributed to Maitre à la Ratière, Battle of Marignano, 1515
Filipino Interpretation: Esteban Villanueva, Basi Revolt, 1821 (1 of 14 paintings)
Byzantine frescoes 11th – 12th century Church of Panayia Phorviotissa Cyprus
Langit, Lupa at Impierno Josef Luciano Dans ca. 1850
- Byzantine art are artistic products of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, as well as
the nations and states that inherited culturally from the empire. These are more Christian
based art.
Baroque Aesthetics: Cathedral Church of Saint Mary in Murcia, Spain
Filipino interpretation: Miagao Church also known as the Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Parish
Church Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines
- The Baroques often thought of as a period of amstic style that used exaggerated motion
and clear, easily interpreted detail to produce drama, tension, exuberance, and grandeur
in sculpture, painting, architecture. Literature, dance, theater, and music.
Spanish Colonialism Lives On with the Filipino “Antique” Furniture and Carving Designs
 - Baroque inspired wood carvings of table and relief statue made by Juan Flores, Father of
Pampanga Sculpture and Woodcarving
Uprising of the Philippine Artist
- In the formation of the elite Filipino class, the Ilustrado, paved way for the rich locals to
study abroad, a more “academic” and “western” approach has been learned.
- The Filipino Classicism is formed that borrows the Neo- Classicism, Romanticism and even
a hint of impressionism
The Father of Filipino Painting Damian Domingo
- First Filipino to paint his face, the first Self-Portrait in the Philippines
- Founder of the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura, the first school of drawing in the Philippines
(1821)
- One of the known artist of the decorative art illustrations tipos del país watercolor
paintings that depict local costumes.
Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo
- One of the greatest Filipino painters along with fellow painter Juan Luna in the 19 th
century
- His work has a touch of Romanticism and aesthetics of the Neoclassicism
Two Filipino Art Styles develo during the Spanish Period
- Miniaturismo art style that pays attention to the embroidery and texture of the costume.
- Letras y Figuras art style that fuses letters with figures in every day activity amidst a
common background. Usually used in painting a patron’s full name
American Colonial Art Period (1898-1946)
- The American brought in Education and Value Formation, with both following the
“American way of life” (Alice Guillermo Sining Biswal, 1994, p. 4)
- Art Illustration, Advertising and Commercial Design gained popularity and incorporated
in Fine Arts
- Painting themes still largely favored Genre Paintings, Landscapes and Still Life, Portraits
are reserved for high ranking officials with a more academic approach to make the subject
more formal
Popular Art Styles during the Philippine Colonial American Period
- Neoclassicism in Architecture The White House
- Neoclassicism in Philippine Architecture
ART NOUVEAU
 - A style of decorative art, architecture, and design prominent in western Europe and the
US from about 1890 until World War I and characterized by intricate linear designs and
flowing curves based on natural forms.
- Also called style moderne, movement in the decorative arts and architecture that
originated in the 1920s and developed into a major style in western Europe and the
- United States during the 1930s. characterized by simple, clean shapes, often with a
“streamlined lock, ornament that is geometric or stylized from representational forms;
and unusually varied, often expensive materials.
Notable Artist:
Fabian dela Rosa
- The brightest name in Philippine painting after Luna and certainly the leading Master of
Genre in the first quarter of the Century
Fernando Amorsolo
- a portraitist and painter of rural landscapes. He is best known for his craftsmanship and
mastery in the use of light.
- His art styles: Impressionism, Luminism, Realism with subjects inspired by Philippine
genre and historical, nudes and society portraits First awardee of the National Artist
Award in 1972
Guillermo Tolentino
- The National Artist Awards for Sculpture in 1973.
- He is consider as the “Father of Philippine Arts” because of his great works like the famous
“Bonifacio Monument symbolizing Filipinos cry for freedom and “The Oblation” in UP
signifying academic freedom
POSTCOLONIAL PERIOD (1946-1986) CONTEMPORARY PERIOD (1986 to PRESENT)
Philippine Modern Art (1946-1970)
- The study of determining what is Philippine Contemporary Art Period is still being
determined since the word has been used loosely used even during the American Colonial
Period. However, some Philippine art historians/critics has always been a follower of the
Western Art Style and its trends at that point and thus, suggested that this was actually
the point where Philippine Modern Art Period started but went only full swing only after
the war. This is set by the creation of the Art Association of the Philippines (AAP) that in
a way has a strong leaning with the Modernist than the Conservatives (the traditional art
also termed as the Amorsolo School)
Philippine Post Modern Art (1970-1980s)
 - The support of the Philippine Government for the arts via the creation of the Cultural
Center of the Philippines during 1969, gave a venue for all artist to experiment and
explore different art medium tying closely to the Post Modern Art Period of the West with
Pop Art, Installation Art, Performance Art, dominating the scene. In contrast, social
realism became a heavy theme by most Filipino Artist as a social commentary of the
problem brewing in the Philippine political and social landscape.
Philippine Contemporary Art (1980s to Present)
- It was on the on-set of the sudden rise of personal computers and new technology created
a new art medium < for the arts and human expression. But there were also countless
revivals of old styles being done. This started a new direction for the arts thus, setting the
name, momentarily, the Philippine Contemporary Period
MODERN ART AESTHETICS
- Modern art is characterized by the artist’s intent to portray a subject as it exists in the
world, according to his or her unique perspective and is typified by a rejection of accepted
or traditional styles and values.
POST MODERN ART AESTHETICS
- Postmodern art is a body of art movements that sought to contradict some aspects of
modernism or some aspects that emerged or developed in its aftermath. In general,
movements such as intermedia, installation art, conceptual art and multimedia,
particularly involving video are described as postmodern.
Contemporary Art Characteristics
- Contemporary art as the work of artists who are living in the 21st century.
- •Contemporary art mirrors contemporary culture and society.
- Offering the general audience a rich resource through which to consider current ideas
and rethink the familiar
- The work of contemporary artists is a dynamic combiriation of materials, methods,
concepts, and subjects that challenges traditional boundaries and defies easy definition
- Diverse and eclectic, contemporary art is distinguished by the very 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.
- Contemporary audiences play an active role in the process of constructing meaning about
works of art. Some artists often say that the viewer contributes to or even completes the
artwork by contributing his or her personal reflections.
NEW TERM…ALTERMODERNISM
 - An attempt at contextualizing art made in today’s global context as a commercialism.
Reaction against standardization and
- Artists are looking for a new modernity that would be based on translation: What matters
today is to translate the cultural values of cultural groups and to connect them to the
world network. This “reloading process of modernism according to the twenty-first-
century issues could be called altermodernism, a movement connected to the
creolisation of cultures and the fight for autonomy, but also the possibility of producing
singularities in a more and more standardized world.
- Altermodern can essentially be read as an artist working in a hypermodern world or with
supermodem ideas or themes.
Altermodernism
The title of the Tate Britain’s fourth Trennial exhibition last 2009 curated by Nicolas Bourriaud
The Tate exhibition includes a seres of four one-day events (called “Prologues”), aiming to
“introduce and provoke debate around the Triennial’s themes
Each Prologue includes lectures, performances, film and a manifesto text and attempts to define
what the curator sees as the four main facets of Altermodern
1. The end of postmodernism
2. Cultural hybridisation
3. Travelling as a new way to product forms [clarification needed]
4. The expanding formats of art

How films and art can help protect Martial Law memory from revisionism

 “Citizen Jake” (2018) one of the recent films that touched on Martial Law was borne from
the idea of director Mike De Leon who noted an "inability of the Filipino people to learn
our lessons from history,” shares film writer Noel Pascual.
 Martial Law films and their political violence Films on and about Martial Law have one
thing in common: They all include scenes of political violence, often brutal.
 Asian cultural studies scholar Laurence Marvin Castillo says these allow the viewers to
“experience the drama and the brutality of the era by making them identify with those
who experience the horrors of the dictatorship onscreen, arousing the individual or
collective sense of horror, pity, disgust and rage.

Art as resistance

"Art can distill memories, lived experiences, and narratives of hardship and struggle into
compelling stories and powerful images that stand the test of time. No amount of whitewashing
and lies can erase that," Lisa Ito, Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP)
Painting Philippine History and Analyzing Art

- Historical paintings play a crucial role in understanding Philippine history. They provide
valuable insights into the artistic discourses, material options, and production processes
of different time periods in the Philippines .
- Furthermore, the analysis of paintings by renowned artists like Fernando C Amorsolo can
help prevent the proliferation of forgeries and provide qualitative and quantitative
measures in art examination .
- Additionally, paintings such as Esteban Villanueva's Basi Revolt Paintings of Ilocos offer a
visual representation of significant historical events, such as the conflict between the
Spanish colonial administration and Filipino Ilocanos . Overall, historical paintings serve
as visual records that contribute to a deeper understanding of Philippine history and its
cultural heritage.

Intramuros, Manila

- Intramuros, a true gem of historical places in the Philippines, takes us back to the Spanish
colonial era that shaped our nation's identity. You can explore the old walls and
fortifications and hear stories about battles and cultural exchanges.
- There are historical landmarks like Fort Santiago, where Dr Jose Rizal, the national hero,
was kept, and the San Agustin Church, the oldest stone church in the Philippines.
Intramuros is not only a historical place but also a fun place to learn about our history and
culture. You can join guided tours to hear all the exciting events that happened here in
the past. When you walk around Intramuros, it feels like you've traveled back in time, and
that's why people who love history and take pictures enjoy visiting here.

Corregidor Island, Cavite

- Corregidor Island is an important part of our country's history, especially during World
War II. It was a crucial fortress that defended the Philippines against the Japanese forces.
- When you visit Corregidor Island and its historical places, you can see the remains of the
military buildings, like the tunnels and gun emplacements, and remember the brave
soldiers who fought for our country.

Paoay Church, Ilocos Norte

- Built-in the early 18th century, Paoay Church, also known as the St. Augustine Church, is
one of the must-visit historical places in the Philippines and a UNESCO World Heritage
Site.
- Its unique architectural style, Earthquake Baroque, features massive buttresses
supporting the church against earthquakes. The church's design reflects the ingenuity and
resilience of the Filipino people in adapting to their environment.
Banaue Rice Terraces

- These terraces are often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World" due to their impressive
size and beauty. Carved into the mountains by the Ifugao people around 2,000 years ago,
they are some of the most remarkable historical places in the Philippines. Besides their
cultural significance, the Banaue Rice Terraces offer breathtaking panoramic views,
making it a must-visit spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Magellan's Cross, Cebu

- This old cross is one of the country's most respected ancient objects in a small chapel near
the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu. It shows where Ferdinand Magellan first
brought Christianity to the Philippines in 1521, making it a significant historical place in
the Philippines. The cross is an important symbol of faith and heritage for Filipinos and
attracts many pilgrims and tourists.

Barasoain Church, Bulacan

- From the late 16th century, Barasoain Church played an important part in the country's
fight for freedom. Barasoain Church is where they wrote the Malolos Constitution - the
first constitution of its kind in Asia and the place of the First Philippine Congress in 1898.
Visiting this old church lets you walk in the footsteps of the nation's ancestors and
understand the challenges and dreams that led to the country's birth.
Vigan, Ilocos Sur
- Vigan, one of the most captivating historical places in the Philippines, is a UNESCO World
Heritage Site and one of the few remaining Spanish colonial towns in the country. It was
established in the 16th century by the Spanish colonizers and has been preserved over
the years, giving visitors a glimpse of what life was like. Stroll along Calle Crisologo, a well-
preserved cobblestone street, and be amazed at the ancestral houses that line its sides,
providing a nostalgic atmosphere
Kawit, Cavite
- Kawit holds a significant place in Philippine history as it is the birthplace of Emilio
Aguinaldo, the first President of the Philippines. The Aguinaldo Shrine, his ancestral
house, is a museum that houses personal belongings, artifacts, and historical documents
from the revolution era. The Philippine flag was raised in this house, signifying the
country's independence from Spanish rule in 1898
Museo ni Jose Rizal, Calamba, Laguna
- This museum showcases the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal, a national hero and a key
figure in the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization. You can find it in
 Calamba, Laguna, the hometown of Rizal. The museum showcases various memorabilia,
including Rizal's personal belongings, manuscripts, and artworks, providing a glimpse into
his passion for reforms and his love for the country.
Cagsawa Ruins, Albay
- The Cagsawa Ruins, one of the historical places in the Philippines, is a sad reminder of
how powerful nature can be. It was a beautiful church until the Mayon Volcano erupted
in 1814 and covered it in volcanic ash. Now, the ruins look picturesque against the
backdrop of Mount Mayon's perfect cone and show how the people here are strong and
brave despite tough times.
Biak na Bato National Park, Bulacan
- Biak na Bato National Park is a natural wonder and an important part of our history.
During the Philippine Revolution against Spain, it was a safe place and the main base of
the revolutionary government. Inside the park, you can explore limestone caves and see
writings left by the revolutionaries, which gives us a fascinating look into our fight for
freedom and independence.