Overview
This lecture explores what makes Philippine art uniquely Filipino by examining its cultural characteristics and the work of key artists, especially Fernando Amorsolo.
Philippine Art and Identity
- Art criticism helps reveal why certain elements are used in Philippine art.
- The question "How Philippine is Philippine Art?" examines what qualities make it distinctively Filipino.
- Filipino culture often values the grandiose and beautiful, as seen in festivals like Pahiyas and Sinulog.
- Vibrant colors and joyful themes are common in Philippine artistic celebrations.
Notable Filipino Artists: Fernando Amorsolo
- Fernando Amorsolo (1892–1972) is a prominent Filipino painter known for portraits and rural landscapes.
- He was the first to be recognized as a National Artist of the Philippines.
- Amorsolo was born in Manila, apprenticed under Fabian de la Rosa, and studied at Liceo de Manila and University of the Philippines.
- His trademark was the use of light, especially backlighting, creating glowing figures and detailed highlights.
- Notable works include "Rice Planting" (1922) and "Afternoon Meal of the Rice Workers," the latter winning an award at the 1939 New York World's Fair.
- During WWII, Amorsolo painted scenes depicting the Japanese occupation.
- After WWII, he became director of the College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines and retired in 1950.
Themes and Legacy of Amorsolo
- Amorsolo’s paintings depict rural life, traditional customs, and optimistic Philippine landscapes.
- He preferred depicting bright, positive scenes and disliked "sad and gloomy" art.
- Continued painting into his late 70s despite arthritis, producing over 10,000 artworks.
- Died in 1972 in Quezon City, leaving a lasting impact on Philippine art.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Art Criticism — the analysis and evaluation of artworks to understand meaning, technique, and cultural context.
- National Artist — an honor granted to individuals who have made significant contributions to Philippine arts.
- Backlighting — an artistic technique where light comes from behind the subject, creating a luminous outline.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review slides and artwork examples, especially works by Fernando Amorsolo.
- Reflect on what makes art uniquely Filipino for class discussion.