Modern Filipino Art and Artists

Jul 21, 2025

Overview

This lecture reviewed key international art movements and introduced influential modern Filipino artists, focusing on their styles, contributions, and notable works.

Review of Previous Lesson

  • Covered international artists and their works from movements like Impressionism, Expressionism, Abstractionism, Pop Art, Installation, and Performance Art.
  • Impressionism was exemplified by Claude Monet’s “Bridge over a Pond of Water Lilies.”
  • Expressionism included styles like Neoprimitivism, Fauvism, Dadaism, Surrealism, and Social Realism.
  • Abstractionism has two types: representational and pure abstractionism.

Modern Filipino Art and Artists

  • Modern Philippine art has evolved into diverse expressions and mediums, integrating local and global influences.
  • Filipino art expresses universal themes while retaining a distinctly Filipino character.
  • Contemporary Filipino artists express love for their country and its culture in their works.

Profiles of Notable Modern Filipino Artists

  • Jose Joya: Abstract expressionist known for dynamic spontaneity and action painting (e.g., “Hills of Nikko”).
  • “Hills of Nikko” uses earth colors for human flaws, greens/blues for hope, and white for life cycles.
  • Vicente Manansala: Cubist painter/illustrator blending rural and urban life (e.g., “Madonna of the Slums,” “Jeepneys”).
  • “Madonna of the Slums” portrays a mother and child living in poverty after moving to the city.
  • Hernando Ocampo: Developed new abstractionism with biological forms that seem to mutate and move (e.g., “Growth”).
  • Mauro Malang Santos (“Malang”): Award-winning cartoonist and painter known for his unique figurative art.
  • Roberto Chabet: Pioneered conceptual art in the Philippines, valuing ideas over finished objects (e.g., “Shanghai”); influenced by Cubism and Dadaism.

Assessment Highlights

  • Jose Joya is known as an abstract artist.
  • Modern Filipino artists portray patriotism, nationalism, and evolving culture.
  • Vicente Manansala is a renowned Filipino cubist illustrator.
  • Ocampo’s work features abstract forms resembling biological mutations.
  • “Madonna of the Slums” depicts urban poverty.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Impressionism — Art movement focusing on light and color to capture momentary impressions.
  • Expressionism — Art movement emphasizing emotion and individual perspective.
  • Abstractionism — Art that does not attempt to represent reality directly.
    • Representational Abstractionism — Abstract forms still suggest recognizable subjects.
    • Pure Abstractionism — No reference to observable reality.
  • Cubism — Art style using geometric shapes and multiple perspectives.
  • Conceptual Art — Art where the idea or concept is more important than the physical work.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Complete “What Can I Do” activity in the learning module: create an artwork inspired by your favorite OPM song using available art materials.