CONTEXT OF ARTS

• Art does not have one, single context but

multiple and varied contexts.
• History is just one.
• We acknowledge art’s complexity and diversity
brought by its interaction with active forces in the
society—social, political, economic, religious, and
historical to name a few.
• Art draws inspiration from the society, at the
same time that it is honed by specific conditions
that engendered its production.
Source: Datuin, Flaudette May et al. 2016. Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions. Rex Publishing.
Context refers to setting, conditions, circumstances
and occurences affecting production and reception
or audience response to an artwork.
It is a set of background information that enables us
to formulate meanings about works of art and note
how context affects form.
BUL-UL
 Artist’s background

• Age • Mediums
• Gender • Techniques
• Culture • Styles
• Economic conditions
• Social environment
• Disposition
 Abdulmari Asia Imao
(January 14, 1936-December 12, 2014)

• The first Moro to receive the Philippine

National Artist Recognition
• An articulator of Philippine Muslim art and
culture
• The indigenous ukkil, sarimanok and naga
motifs have been popularized.
• His UP education made him met Tolentino and
Abueva who became his mentors.
 Nature
• Source of inspiration and a wellspring of
materials for art production
• It could also be seen as a force to contend
with.

 Okir
 T’nalak
• It is a traditional cloth made by T’bolis.
• It is handwoven made of abaca fibers which
traditionally has red, black and original color
of abaca leaves.
• It has been present in significant turning
points in a T’boli’s life—birth, marriage and
death.
Angud: A Forest Once (Junyee, 2007)
 Everyday life
• Philippine traditional art has always been an
integral part of daily life. Its significance lies
not only in its aesthetics appearance but also
in its functionality and its value to the
community that produced it.
• Because traditional forms may also be used in
daily private situations, it is expereinced more
intimately and engages many sense
simultaneously.
Pabalat
Lirio Salvador
Society, Politics, Economy and History
• Although art is a form of expression, we
discern that throughout its history, the works
are not always created out of their own
volition. Review historical overview of each
artistic style/ period.
• Changes in the society, pollitics and economy
affect artists, their works and the structures
that support their production.
• Technological innovations engender shifts in
artistic production.
• Example: KODAK

• We can think of art not only as a document

that gives us clues about the historical
conditions surrounding its production, but
also as a means to re-tell history itself.
• Example: JEEPNEY
 Mode of Reception
• When, where and how art is encountered.
• Reception is very much affected by our level
of exposure to artforms that may be
unfamiliar or have startling or shocking images
• Most often, art is encountered only in
museums—arranged and categorized before a
public for leisure and education.
Ifugao Red