Overview
The lecture covers popular techniques and the use of local materials in contemporary art, with examples from Filipino traditions and a creative assignment.
Popular Contemporary Art Techniques
- Minimalism uses simplicity and few elements to create art, often making a conceptual statement.
- Found object art involves using discarded or everyday items to tell a new story or convey meaning.
- Large-scale art creates huge installations or artworks to express diverse perspectives and often incorporates the environment.
Traditional Techniques and Local Materials
- Folding, painting, braiding, and weaving are traditional techniques using local materials for both function and decoration.
- Coconut leaves are used in folding and weaving, often to make toys (like grasshoppers) or food containers.
- Bamboo is elaborately designed in local crafts to make containers and art pieces.
- San Nicolas cookies are shaped with molds and are sometimes believed to have healing designs.
- Papier-mâché (carton making) uses layers of paper (often brown paper as the final layer) to make crafts for local festivals.
- Embroidery is a flourishing craft, with people making floral designs on garments and accessories.
- Furniture, musical instruments, and weapons can be crafted from local fibers and wood.
Notable Local Materials
- Burri palm fibers are cylindrical, durable, moisture-resistant, and can be dyed for various crafts.
- Rattan, a member of the palm family, is abundant in Mindanao and used for furniture and crafts.
- The water lily is a large aquatic plant found in central Philippines; its fibers are used in crafts.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Minimalism — Art style characterized by extreme simplicity and limited elements.
- Found Object Art — Art created by incorporating everyday or discarded items into new works.
- Embroidery — Decorative needlework on fabric or other materials.
- Papier-mâché — Technique using paper layered with adhesive to create sculptural objects.
- Burri Palm — Source of strong, pliable fiber used in Philippine crafts.
- Rattan — Climbing palm plant used widely in furniture and crafts.
- Water Lily — Aquatic plant whose fibers are used for weaving.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Create an artwork using any local material available in your house.
- Attach a photo of your artwork to your module submission.
- Remember grading criteria: 20% technique, 15% cleanliness, 15% use of materials, 5% overall impression.