Overview
This lecture discussed the roles and significance of Filipino contemporary artists, the process and criteria for selecting National Artists of the Philippines, and highlighted notable National Artists in literature.
The Role of Contemporary Filipino Artists
- Contemporary artists have a responsibility to create art that enlightens society about current issues and realities.
- Their works should have social and political relevance, aiming to contribute to social change.
The National Artist Award
- The National Artist Award is the highest honor given to artists who have significantly advanced Philippine arts and letters.
- Created by Presidential Proclamation No. 1101 in 1972, it recognizes outstanding contributions to arts and letters.
- The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) oversee the nomination and selection process.
- Recipients receive a title, gold-plated medallion, substantial cash awards, a lifetime monthly stipend, life insurance, a state funeral, and a place of honor at official events.
Criteria and Qualifications for National Artists
- Nominees must be Filipino citizens (living or posthumous) or reacquired citizens for at least five years.
- Their works must foster Filipino nationhood and enrich artistic expression.
- Should have pioneered creative styles or modes, influencing future generations.
- Their contributions must be recognized nationally or internationally and receive critical acclaim.
Notable National Artists for Literature
- Francisco Arcellana: Pioneer of modern Filipino short stories in English; wrote "Death in a Factory," "A Clown Remembers."
- N.V.M. Gonzalez: Renowned poet and novelist, known for "The Winds of April," "A Season of Grace."
- Nick Joaquin: Prolific writer and journalist, authored "The Woman Who Had Two Navels."
- F. Sionil Jose: Explored social issues and history in the "Rosales Saga."
- Jose Garcia Villa: Known for innovative poetry and "comma poems."
- Edith L. Tiempo: Fused style and substance in fiction and poetry; founded a national writers workshop.
- Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma): Poet and historian; translated major literary works.
- Amado V. Hernandez: Wrote against social injustice; known for "Mga Ibong Mandaragit."
- Carlos P. Romulo: Pulitzer Prize-winning writer; diplomat and founder of Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
- Carlos Quirino: Biographer and historian; first National Artist in historical literature.
- Alejandro R. Roces: Noted for comic short stories like "My Brother’s Peculiar Chicken."
- Lazaro Francisco: Icon in nationalist Tagalog writing; founded "Pilipino."
- Bienvenido Lumbera: Award-winning poet and scholar; significant in literary criticism and history.
- Cirilo Bautista: Acclaimed poet, fictionist, essayist, and literature educator.
Key Terms & Definitions
- National Artist Award — The Philippines' highest honor for artists who have contributed to the development of arts and letters.
- NCCA (National Commission for Culture and the Arts) — The agency overseeing cultural affairs and the National Artist selection.
- CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) — Institution promoting and preserving Philippine arts and culture.
- Literary Journalism — Reporting on real events using literary storytelling techniques.
- Rosales Saga — F. Sionil Jose’s series of novels interweaving family and national history.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the list and works of National Artists, focusing on their contributions and styles.
- Read assigned literary works by selected National Artists.
- Prepare to discuss the impact of contemporary artists on society in the next session.