Monlimar Development Academy, Inc.

“Fulfilling Lives, Molding Character, Building Future”

Contemporary Philippine Arts

from the Region
Senior High School Core Subject

Learner’s Material

Prepared by:

Mr. Kiciah Peñaredonda

Contemporary Arts Instructor

School Year 2020 – 2021

MONLIMAR DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. I Senior High School Department

TO THE STUDENT
To succeed academically, students must learn to manage their time effectively. The actual number of hours you spend
studying different subjects will vary depending on how quickly you learn the material, as well as on your course load
and personal responsibilities, such as work schedules, personal errands and family commitments

The most successful students are often those who are best organized. At the beginning of the semester, make a
detailed daily calendar and target goals. Make it sure that you execute your plan and manage your schedules
productively.

Utilize your cellular phones and computer responsively this will help you to acquire more information necessary for
learning acquisition and communication.

Yours Truly,

Ms. Kiciah D. Peñaredonda

Contemporary Arts Instructor

This module is a property of:

_________________________________________

Grade and Section: _________________________

Strand: __________________________________
Class Adviser: _____________________________
Student No: _______________________________

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

 This learning area is designed to provide a general background for the understanding
of Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Region.
 It presents the history of different contemporary arts forms, found in the various regions
of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
 It discusses the combination of different art forms as seen in Modern times.
 Significant roles of Artist, National Artist from the regions, artworks, awards and their
contributions are included.
 It also deals with the various local materials used and traditional techniques as applied
to contemporary art or creation.
 It acquired skills enhancement and consolidates relevant concepts to plan for a
production.
 Designs a production using available materials and appropriate techniques.

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCIES

1. To have a better understanding of the various contemporary art forms and their
practices from the various regions.
2. To explains Filipino Artists' roles and identify their contribution to contemporary arts.
3. To promotes and interprets the significance of art forms from the regions.
4. To applies artistic skills and techniques in the process of creation.
5. To creates contemporary art based on the use of appropriate materials and
techniques.

1st Quarter Lesson Coverage

Table of Content

Chapter 1: Contemporary Arts in the Philippines

1.1 Art and You

1.2 Contemporary Visual Arts
1.3 Contemporary Performing Arts

Chapter 2: Contemporary Filipino Artist

2.1 Philippine National Artists

2.2 National Living Treasures Awards
2.3 Other Recognitions Given to Filipino Visual and Performing Artists

Chapter 3: Different Contemporary Art Techniques and Performance Practices

3.1 Contemporary Artists who use Indigenous Materials or Inspirations for their Art
3.2 Performing Artists who use Indigenous Techniques

Chapter 4: Contemporary Arts Production

4.1 Aspects of Production for Visual Arts

4.2 Aspects of Production for Performing Arts

MONLIMAR DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. I Senior High School Department

Chapter 1:
Contemporary Arts in the Philippines
Objectives:

1. To discuss contemporary visual art form found in the Philippines.

2. To classify various contemporary art forms.
3. To create an artwork using the elements from different ethnic group in the Philippines.

Lesson 1.2: Contemporary Visual Arts

Visual Arts
The Philippines is home to many contemporary arts. Its art is as rich and
as diverse as its culture. It would be difficult to categorize all the different
art forms found in the archipelago due to its sheer number and variety.

Many artists are influenced by many factors such as religion, education,

and in their environment. The way they were brought up and the culture
they were raised in would indisputably have an effect, whether consciously
or not, in their art.

The Visual Arts are art forms that create works which are primarily visual in nature. The visual arts also
known as the plastic arts produce objects. They are contrasted with the performing arts.

Most contemporary visual artists in the Philippines produce works that fall into the fine arts category:

Paintings and Illustrations

Paintings may be defined as a two-dimensional form of art that
showcases artistic expression created on a flat surface. There
are a number of media used for painting and other two-
dimensional work, these include oil, acrylic, watercolor,
poster, color, pastel, ink, etc. These media are applied on a
surface such as canvas, paper, wood, cardboard, etc.

The beginnings of paintings and illustrations as we know, it was

the result of the Spanish colonization. Early paintings and other
fine arts were primarily religious in nature. They were used to
evangelized and spread Christianity throughout the archipelago.
As time passed, paintings and illustrations started to take on

MONLIMAR DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. I Senior High School Department

more secular subjects and themes. While contemporary forms of paintings and illustrations in the
Philippines generally stem from our interaction with the Americans.

The themes used are also varied. The common thematic categories in visual arts are:

 RELIGIOUS THEMES

Were the primary subject for the artworks during the Spanish colonial times.
In the present, many religious-themed paintings can be seen in the murals
of many churches and in paintings with social commentaries like that of Joey
Velasco, many of his paintings depict Jesus Christ in the present day. And
also Renato Habulan’s boceto pen and ink series shows the similarities of
the suffering of the human condition with that of the passion of Christ through
the use of Christian iconography.

 HISTORICAL THEMES

It can be seen in the works of Angono, Rizal native Carlos

“Botong” V. Francisco whose masterpiece Filipino Struggles
through History depicts Manila’s Historical events. This mural is
displayed in the Manila City Hall. Other historical-themed works
include Blood Compact First Mass at Limasawa, etc.

 STILL LIFE

Is a work of art that portrays inanimate objects. It was traditionally

composed of a basket or bowl of fruits and flowers in vases on a table.
One of the most notable and earliest still life artists was Paz Paterno. She
was born in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

More contemporary artists who were notable still life artists were the
Filipino-Chinese “Ang Kiukok” (1931-2005), and the “Cubist” and
“Kapampangan” artist Vicente Manansala (1910-1981) who created still
life paintings that feature items and ingredients one would find in a typical
Filipino kitchen.

Activity 1: Contemporary Painting

Directions: Choose and research on a contemporary Filipino painting made in the last fifty
years that you find interesting. Type your research on a short bond paper. Your research
should include the following information:

 Image/Picture of painting
 Title of the painting
 Artist (give some information about the artist)
 Painting theme used
 Date created
 Description of the elements seen in the painting and their meaning to the overall
artwork
 Reasons why you chose this painting

Sculpture
Sculptures are artworks that are three-dimensional. Sculptures are made by either adding or subtracting
materials. Subtraction is used in carving, while addition is seen in sculpting techniques like molding,
casting, and welding.

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The classifications of sculptures are traditionally divided into two:

1. Free-standing Sculpture
Also known as in the round, are sculptures that are raised independently in their given space. It can be
often observed from all points of view.

2. Reliefs
Are sculptures that are raised from a background. Depending on the figure’s distance from the background.

The Philippines has a sculptural tradition dating long before the arrival of the first colonizers. We have long
been casting metal, molding clay, and carving stone and wood to create various sculptural pieces.
During the Spanish colonization, the most notable sculptural pieces were the santos, which are sculptural
representations of Christ and the Christian saints. Many of these religious iconographies can be seen in
Spanish colonial churches in the Philippines. Such as the “Black Nazarene” in Quiapo, the “Santo Niño” in
Cebu, and “Our Lady Peñafrancia” in Naga.

Contemporary sculpture in the Philippines can also depict the different themes used in paintings and
drawings. It can also be classified into two styles:

 CLASSICAL
 MODERN

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During the American colonial period, classical sculptures portrayed prominent people of society and
politics. This was led by the Bulacan native Guillermo Tolentino whose sculptural masterpieces include
the “Bonifacio Monument” and the “Oblation” in UP Diliman.

One of Guillermo Tolentino’s must well-known student was Napoleon Abueva, who has born in
Tagbilaran, Bohol. He is credited to be the Pioneer of Modern Sculpture in the Philippines and
sometimes referred to as the “Father of Modern Sculpture” in the Philippines.

There are so many sculptural pieces and artworks that created in the Philippines. Every day, new talents
are emerging and discovered.

Activity 2: Contemporary Artists

Directions: Create a chart of the artist mentioned in the lesson, and classify them using the
template below.

LUZON VISAYAS MINDANAO

PAINTINGS

SCULPTURES

DECORATIVE ARTS

CONTEMPORARY ARTS

MONLIMAR DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. I Senior High School Department

Decorative Arts and Crafts
The decorative arts and crafts of the contemporary times stem from the traditional indigenous crafts
found throughout the country. Some of you might wonder why these traditional indigenous products and
processes are included in a discussion about contemporary art.

As defined earlier contemporary art are artworks produced in the present. Many respected Filipino artists
of today such as the GAMABA awardees (Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan) express their art through these
indigenous products.

Here are some examples of contemporary decorative arts found in the country:

1. Pottery
Is the art and craft of making pots and other wares using clay or mud. Pottery tradition in the country has
survived for centuries. Early pottery artifacts have shown the skills and artistry of our pottery makers. They
made everyday items such as food containers and water vessels, and some are created for formal and
ritualistic purposes as burial jars or as figurative mementos.

In Vigan, Ilocos Sur, the pottery tradition is still alive with their high-temperature pottery called “Burnay”.
It is used as a container for a variety of things like water, salt, wine, etc.

In contemporary times, studio pottery is quite popular. A notable artist of studio pottery is Ugu Bigyan of
Tiaong, Quezon. His studio in Quezon is a popular tourist attraction to those who visit the province. His
works of pottery art pieces are recognized here and abroad.

2. Weaving
Is the art of interlacing threads or fibers to create textile, fabric, or other similar products. Philippine
textiles are often made from indigenous plants such As Piña, Abaca, Maguey, and Cotton. Traditional
weaving methods can still be seen in the different towns in the Ilocos Region.

Many of the woven products such as blankets called “Binakol” and “Pinilian” are brought to Manila and
abroad and sold as handicrafts. In the Mountain provinces, the “Ikat” process is being revived. The ikat is
the same dyeing process used by the tribal groups of Mindanao like the T’boli, Bagobo, Mandaya, etc.
Their ikats are designed with stylized animal figures such as birds, lizards, and frogs. The Bagobos add
beads to the woven fabric to increase its beauty.

MONLIMAR DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. I Senior High School Department

3. Metalworks
Is the art of creating and manipulating metal to create various items such as jewelry and weapons.
Based on archaeological records and recovered artifacts, the Filipinos were skilled metalworkers.

Perhaps the most remarkable of the find is the collection of precolonial gold jewelry that consists of
ornaments, earrings, necklaces, and gold-woven belt and sashes.

Although many have been lost, the remaining ones displayed at the Ayala Museum in Makati City show
the mastery and technical skill of the early Filipino metalsmiths. The Maranaos from Tugaya, Lanao del
Sur are the largest manufacturer of brassware in the Philippines. One of their most popular products is
the “Gador” or decorated brass urns made using the lost-wax process.

It is good that many of our traditional decorative arts and crafts are still made today. Demands from local
and foreign patrons have keep it alive. But continuous efforts and patronage have to be made to make
sure these ethnic traditions survive for future generations to experience and appreciate.

Contemporary Art Forms

Many contemporary art forms cannot be easily classified and categorized following the traditional
definitions. Some contemporary art forms blur the distinctions between the disciplines and genres. Some
are products of new technological advancements and cannot be categorized using the outdated
definitions, hence the need to classify them under their own heading as contemporary art forms.

1. Collage
Is the method of combining printed images with other flat media and pasting them
on a canvas or board. This contemporary art method first came about in the early
1900’s as part of the experimentation of the cubists Picasso and Braque. They
made use of cutouts of newspaper that were pasted onto their paintings.

Contemporary artist Dina Gadia, born in Anda, Pangasinan, uses collages to

highlight focal interest while creating new results, as well as Jonathan Benitez, a
Palawan-based painter and collage artist born in Iligan City, Mindanao. He
incorporates collages as a discourse on consumerist aims of advertising and
environmental awareness.

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2. Assemblage
Is a term used by French artist Jean Dubuffet in 1952 to describe a series of artworks made from paper
collages, wood scraps, and other found objects. Although it started with small scale pieces, recent
development in this contemporary art form has included larger objects and discards.

Among the pioneers in assemblage art in the Philippines is Lao Lianben, he was born in Manila and used
indigenous found materials for his artworks in the 1960’s.

3. Installation Art
Is a form of contemporary art that involves the arrangement of objects in a given space. It is associated
with the conceptual art and the Dada movement. Installation art is intentionally designed to be
experienced as a temporary work of art. It can be designed to be very simple or very complex.

Installation Art often takes into consideration the viewers of the art and allows them to move around the
work and immerse themselves within the art, making the audience and their reactions part of the artwork.

Some contemporary Filipino Artists who have gained recognitions for their installations are Leeroy New
(1986) and Aze Ong (1977). Leeroy New hails from General Santos City. He uses the things around him
as inspiration for his different artworks that range from fashion, sculpture, and the other fields of visual
arts.

One of his installations was geared toward the awareness and

rehabilitation of the Pasig River. It was entitled “Bakawan Floating
Island Project“, which he collaborated on with Urban designer Julia
Nebrija. While Aze Ong is known for her trademark crocheted art
pieces.

Her art pieces consist of colorful, organic, and fluid crochet

pieces inspired by her stay with the ethnic group of Talaandigs from
Bukidnon. Many of her pieces are interactive and invite the
viewers to touch, play, and even wear them.

At present, these regional distinctions in the arts are not as apparent. With the help of the internet, Filipino
Artists are more connected with each other. They share tips, techniques and processes with others
through videos and tutorials. Artists exhibit their works and create groups and communities through social
media accounts to communicate their advocacies.

This interconnection has resulted in artists inspiring each other from all over the archipelago. This has
also resulted in an integrative art that everyone can relate to.

MONLIMAR DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. I Senior High School Department

 Activity 3: Research
Directions: Conduct a research on a contemporary visual artist in your hometown or
province. The research should have the picture of the artist and the following information:

 Date of birth
 Place of birth
 Hometown or province
 Contact information (Website, Facebook, Twitter, DeviantArt, etc.)
 Summary of early life or childhood
 Educational background
 Career history
 Exhibitions
 Awards
 Samples of important artwork (with images)
 References

REVIEW

 Paintings are two-dimensional form of art that showcase artistic expression created on a
flat surface.
 Still life is a work of art that portrays inanimate objects,
 Genres are paintings with themes that showcase people doing everyday activities and
chores.
 Sculptures are artworks that are three-dimensional. The classification of sculpture is
traditionally divided into two, namely, free-standing and reliefs.
 Free-standing sculptures, also known as 'in the round', are sculptures that are raised
independently in their given space.
 Reliefs are sculptures that are raised from a background.
 Classical art is an artwork that follows the aesthetics of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
 Modern style is often abstracted and is not as particular about the realistic portrayal or
representation compared to the classical style.
 Decorative arts and crafts of the contemporary times stem from the traditional indigenous
crafts found throughout the country.
 Pottery is the art and craft of making pots and other wares using clay or mud.
 Carving is the art of manipulating and creating objects by subtracting and shaping solid
material such as wood and stone.
 Weaving is the art of interlacing threads or fibers to create fabric or other similar products.
 Metalwork is the art of creating and manipulating metal to create various items such as
jewelry, weapons and etc.
 Contemporary art forms cannot be easily classified and categorized following the
traditional definitions. Some contemporary art forms blur the distinctions between the
disciplines and genres.
 Collage is the method of combining printed images with other flat media and pasting them
on a canvas or illustration board.
 Assemblage is a term used by French artist Jean Dubuffet in 1952 to describe a series of
artworks made from paper collages, wood scraps, and other found objects.
 Installation art is a form of contemporary art that involves the arrangement of objects in a
given space.

Reference:
Journey: Contemporary Arts of the Philippines by Arch. Carlo Luis C. Ganzon
https://www.pexels.com/search/visual%20art/

MONLIMAR DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY, INC. I Senior High School Department