Philippine Contemporary Arts

from the Regions

HUM 001

Note: Please do not only memorize the terms but also internalize it because in the multiple
choice section of the exam, you have to analyze coz you will encounter tricky questions. Be
prepared and do not PROCRASTINATE!

Art may be defined as a human pursuit to imitate life and the world into something pleasing
or beautiful.

Contemporary Art
It is the art of today, produced by artists who are living in the twenty-first century. It provides
an opportunity to reflect on CONTEMPORARY society and the issues relevant to ourselves, and
the world around us.

Aristotle – claimed that humans have instincts for imitation and harmony. “lying deep in our
nature.” He argued that human beings are the “most imitative of living creatures.”

J. Paul Getty – “Art made produced by artists living today. Today’s artists work in and respond
to a global environment that is culturally diverse, technologically advancing, and multifaceted.”

FORMS OF ART
1. PICTURE (drawing, painting, printmaking and photography)
This is a two-dimensional image of various subjects ranging from real-life images to the
visually abstract.

2. SCULPTURE
This is a three- dimensional artwork that may be created using stone, marble, wood and
concrete.
3. ARCHITECTURE
These are structures that meant to be used as shelter. The art of architecture relies on
the design and purpose of the structure.
4. MUSIC
This is the art form that appeals on the sense of hearing. Music is composed by
combining notes into harmony
 5. LITERATURE
This is the art form of language through the combined used of words, creating meaning
and experience.
6. THEATRE
This is the art form of performance. Dramatic texts are portrayed on the stage by actors
and actresses and enhanced by props, lights and sounds.
7. CINEMA
This art form is a technological translation of theatre. In films, special effects are utilized
to enhance the story telling.
8. DANCE
This is the art of human form. The body is used, mobilized and choreographed in a
specific time, form and space.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)

 It is the state agency responsible for the promotion of arts and culture from various
regions.

National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (N.H.C.P)

 An agency whose advocacy is to promote Philippine history and cultural heritage

through research, dissemination, conservation, sites management, and heraldry works.

Cultural Center of the Philippines. (CCP)

 Hosted numerous shows and exhibitions on both performances and arts.

 Responsible for bringing together the different arts from the various regions to the
entire country and the whole world.

National Museum of the Philippines

 Located in the Heart of Manila.

 Country's repository of archaeological artifacts, national treasures, and rare specimens

found and produced in the country.

National Library of the Philippines (NLP)

 NLP has the mandate of serving as a “repository of the printed and recorded cultural
heritage of the country and other intellectual literary and information sources "and
enlightenment.

The National Archives of the Philippines

  Today, the National Archives of the Philippines is guardian to over 400 documents from
Spanish era dating 1552 -1900 and various records from the American period to the
Republic.

Komisyon Sa Wikang Filipino (KWP)

 Republic Act No.7104 “Congress shall establish a national language commission

composed of representatives.

 Promotes and develops our national language.

“Contemporary Filipino Artists have a responsibility to create art that would enlighten the people
of the current conditions of the society.”

ELEMENTS/PRINCIPLES OF CONTEMPORARY ART

1. APPROPRIATION

Existing artworks are appropriated to produce another artwork. This element uses prints,
images, and icons to produce another art form. It combines past from the present and revives
interests to existing forms of art.

2. PERFORMANCE

Performance evolved to “emphasize spontaneous elements of chance”. (Walker Art Center)

3. SPACE

It is an Art that is transforming space. For example, flash mobs, art installations
in malls and parks. This element of Art is performed and positioned in a specific
space such as public places.
4. HYBRIDITY

This element uses unconventional materials and mixing of unlikely materials to produce an
artwork.

For example, coffee for painting; miniature sculptures using crayons.

5. TECHNOLOGY

This element uses technology in the creation and dissemination of art works.

The subject and medium are two basic elements of art that help in experiencing life, world
and its beauty.

The real life objects we are trying to imitate is called Subject. The way the colors are chosen
and blended is called Medium.

What does it take to be a national Artist?

1. Living artists who are natural-born Filipino citizens at the time of nomination, as well as those
who died after the establishment of the award in 1972 but were Filipinos at the time of their
death.

2. Artists who through the content and form of their works have contributed in
building a Filipino sense of nationhood.

3. Artists who have pioneered in a mode of creative expression or style, thus

earning distinction and making an impact on succeeding generations of artists.
4. Artists who have created a substantial and significant body of works and/or consistently
displayed excellence in the practice of their art form thus enriching artistic expression or style.

5. Artists who enjoy broad acceptance through the following;

5.1 Prestigious national and/or international recognition, such as the Gawad CCP para sa
Sining, CCP Thirteen Artist Award, and NCCA Alab ng Haraya
5.2 Critical Acclaim and/or reviews of their works
5.3 Respect and esteem from peers

In the National Artist Insignia, the highly stylized three letter K’s stand for “katotohanan,
kabutihan, at Kagandahan” (the true, the good, and the beautiful)

Research on “Quijano de Manila”

May God bless you!

Sir PJ Bulabog