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Philippine Contemporary Arts Overview

Jul 2, 2025

Overview

This lecture provides an introduction to Philippine contemporary arts, highlighting its seven major art forms and notable examples from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Philippine Contemporary Art Forms

  • Philippine contemporary art includes painting, sculpture, architecture, film, literature, music, and theater/dance.
  • Art forms reflect the diverse customs and traditions of Filipino regions.

Painting

  • Painting is a two-dimensional art expressing feelings on a flat surface using lines, colors, and tones.
  • Early Philippine paintings were commissioned during Spanish colonization.
  • Sample works: Sketch by Victorio Edades (Luzon), Magellan's Cross by Raul Agas (Visayas), Salam (Mindanao).

Sculpture

  • Sculpture is a three-dimensional art using hard or plastic materials.
  • Philippine sculpture gained prominence in the 19th century.
  • Examples: Bonifacio Monument by Guillermo Tolentino (Luzon), Sandugo (Visayas), Six Ladies in Durian (Mindanao).

Architecture

  • Architecture involves designing and constructing buildings, evolving to include neoclassical and functional styles.
  • Notable works: Cultural Center of the Philippines by Leandro Locsin (Luzon), Saint Andrew the Apostle Church (Visayas), Pearl Farm Beach Resort (Mindanao).

Film

  • Film uses moving images to communicate ideas or stories; also known as cinema.
  • Major themes include morality, religion, and social issues.
  • Examples: Himala (Luzon), Muro Ami (Visayas), Mindanao (Mindanao).

Literature

  • Literary arts express ideas through writing, including poetry, prose, and drama.
  • Philippine literature is rooted in creative imagination.
  • Examples: A Blade of Fern (Luzon), Paghilom (Visayas), Dead Stars (Mindanao).

Music

  • Music consists of coordinated sounds, influenced by Western and indigenous traditions.
  • Music is integral to all aspects of Filipino life.
  • Examples: Pastores (Luzon), Kuratsa (Visayas), Singkil (Mindanao).

Theater and Dance

  • Theater combines gesture, song, music, and dance performed live for audiences.
  • Dance is rhythmic body movement to express ideas or emotions.
  • Notable dances: Banga (Luzon), Kuracha (Visayas), Singkil (Mindanao).

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Contemporary Art — art produced in the late 20th century or later, reflecting current issues and culture.
  • Sculpture — three-dimensional visual art created by shaping materials.
  • Architecture — the design and construction of buildings.
  • Film/Cinema — visual storytelling through moving images.
  • Literature — written or spoken creative works, including prose, poetry, and drama.
  • Theater — performing art combining speech, movement, and music before a live audience.
  • Dance — rhythmic movement of the body, often to music, for artistic expression.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review examples of each art form from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
  • Prepare to discuss how regional diversity influences Philippine contemporary arts.