Unit 5
ART HISTORY
This unit is an overview of how art started to exist from the Prehistoric period up to the
present time. It focuses on the historical background of art in terms of the various art periods and
movements, their characteristics, leading contributors and influential works and significant
historical events.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this unit, the students are expected to:
1. Identify the underlying history, philosophy of the different era or art movements.
2. Classify the various art movements according to their historical background, factors, influential
persons, socio-political issues, prevalent artists, art form and media.
3. Present the history and movements of arts through a timeline.
4. Make a creative interpretation of different music genres.
5. Trace and summarize the development of the arts, art appreciation and aesthetics in contemporary
art practice.
6. Categorize national and GAMABA artists with their art genre and famous works of art.
Lesson 1 - The Beginnings of Art, Western and Asian Art
“Art is the signature of civilizations” – Beverley Sills.
The Beginnings of Art
Art history is a timeline of vast accumulation of movements, periods and styles that reflect
the time during which each piece of art was made. It begins around 44,000 years ago with the first
known cave paintings in Sulawesi, Indonesia that predate writing in the journey of human race. Art
is a significant aspect of history since it is one of the few things to survive. It can tell us stories,
express the condition and beliefs of an era, and lets us connect to the people who lived ahead of us.
Upon exploration of art from Prehistoric to Contemporary times, people of the present day can see
how art influences the future and convey the past.
WESTERN AND ASIAN ART
Prehistoric and Ancient Art
Prehistoric and ancient art were around 44,000 B.C.E. to 400 BCE. It can be considered as
the art period that includes cave paintings, fertility statues and bone flutes to approximately the end
of the Roman empire. A variety of art styles were produced over this lasting period. This Art period
includes those of prehistory to the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the nomadic
tribes.
Pre-historic Art
Prehistoric cave art in Sulawesi, Indonesia was discovered in the 1950's. This art is of
indigenous mammals; a small water buffalo, a warty pig, and a pig-deer, and hand stencils.
Archeologists discovered their age to be around forty thousand years, at least same age as the oldest
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known art in Europe. It would mean that art was developed much earlier than what humans thought,
in Africa, and that men carried the tradition with them as they move.
Cave Paintings
Lascaux, France
Sulawesi, Indonesia
https://thediplomat.com/2014/10/worlds-oldest-art-discovered-in-indonesia/
Seventeen thousand years ago, humans painted on the walls of the caves of Lascaux,
in France the realistic images of bison, bulls, horses, stags, and other animals. They made
stencils of their hands, too. There were also several cave arts found in Europe. These cave
paintings from Indonesia and Europe have similar characteristics which appear to be
prevalent in prehistoric times.
PREHISTORIC ART
CHARACTERISTICS
Cave paintings, fertility goddesses, megalithic structures
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and the
Romans
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Sulawesi Cave Paintings, Lascaux Cave Paintings, Venus of
Willendorf, Stonehenge
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Ice Age ends 910,000BCE-8,000BCE); new Stone Age and
first permanent settlements (8000BCE-2500BCE)
Venus of Willendorf,
Austria
Wikimedia Commons
Stonehenge, Northern
England
Wikimedia Commons
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Ancient Art
Ancient Art period includes the works found in classical civilizations like the Greeks and
Celts as well as that of the early Chinese dynasties.
ANCIENT ART
CHARACTERISTICS
Religious and symbolic imagery, decorations for utilitarian
objects, mythological stories
A sculpture depicts
Babylonian king Hammurabi
and the deity Shamash.
https://www.national geo graphic.com/culture/people/reference/hammurabi/#/
Pyramids of Giza
Mesopotamian -warrior art and narration in stone
Egyptian - Afterlife focus: pyramids and tomb paintings;
massive, monumental structures
Greek and Hellenistic - Greek idealism; perfect proportions;
architectural orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthians)
Romans- Roman realism: practical and down to earth; the arch
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Civilizations from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and the
Romans
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/archaeology/giza-
Parthenon
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Mesopotamian
Code of Hammurabi; Standard of Ur; Gate of Ishtar
Egyptian
Imhotep’s pyramid; Great pyramids; Temple of Rameses; The
Great Sphinx
Greek and Hellenistic
Parthenon; Myron; Phidias; Polykeitos; Praxiteles
Roman
Augustus of Primaporta; Colosseum; Trajan’s Column;
Pantheon
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/magazine/2017/03-04/parthenon-
Colosseum
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encycl
opedia/colosseum/
Mesopotamian
Sumerians invent writing (3400 BC); Hammurabi writes his law
code (1780 BCE); Abraham founds monotheism
Greek and Hellenistic
Athens defeats Persia at marathon (490 BCE); Peloponnesian
Roman
Julius Caesar was assassinated (44BCE); Augustus proclaimed
emperor (27 BCE); Diocletian splits Empire (CE 292)
Rome falls (CE 476)
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The artwork of this time is as varying as the cultures that created it. What relates
them together is their purpose. Most of the time, art was made to narrate stories in a time
when oral tradition predominates. Art was also utilized to decorate utilitarian objects like
bowls, pitchers, and weapons. At times, it was also used to show the status of its owner, a
concept that art has used since time immemorial.
http://collegeprepknowledge.blogspot.com/2012/07/greek-architecture-doric-ionic-and.html
ASIAN ART
Hindu Art
This Art reflects the plurality of beliefs, Hindu Temples, which depicts their architecture
and where sculptures are found, typically are devoted to different deities.
Hindu Art is portrayed by holy symbols like the Om, an invocation of divine consciousness
of God; the swastika, a symbol of auspiciousness; and the lotus flower, a symbol of purity,
beauty, fertility, and transcendence. It is believed that the Christian "Amen" and Islamic
"Amin" are both derived from Om.
Swastika symbol
https://flickr.com/photos/8721758@N06/17057922475
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Chinese Art
This art evolved through its history. As political and social circumstances changed and new
technologies developed, so did its art. Chinese artistic styles are classified according to the
dynasty under which they were produced. The important qualities include a love of nature,
a credence in the moral and educative capacity of art, an appreciation of simplicity, an
gratitude of accomplished brushwork, an interest in viewing the subject from various
perspectives, and a loyalty to much-used motifs and designs from lotus leaves to dragons.
The art forms most worthy to mention are calligraphy and painting though Chinese art also
encompasses fine arts, folk arts, and performance arts.
Wintry Forest, Li Cheng
http://www.chinaonlinemuseum.com/painting-li-cheng-wintry-forest-level
distance.php
Japanese Art
Japanese art covers a wide range of art styles and media, including ancient pottery,
calligraphy on silk and paper, ink painting, kirigami, origami, and dorodango sculpture,
and, ukiyo-e paintings and woodblock prints, and more recently manga, a modern method
of Japanese cartooning and comics. Japan’s art has frequently been complicated by the
definitions and expectation established in the late 19th and 20th centuries when Japan was
opened to the west.
Cherry Blossoms at Arashiyama, Hiroshige
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/36515
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ASIAN ART
CHARACTERISTICS
Serene, meditative, art, and Arts of the Floating World
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Gu Kaizhi; Li Cheng; Hokusai; Hiroshige
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Swastika, om
Wintry Forest, Level Distance
Cherry Blossom Time at Naka-no-cha in the Yoshiwara
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Birth of Buddha (563 BCE); Silk Road opens (1st century BCE); Buddhism spreads to China
(1st-2nd century CE) and Japan (5th century CE)
Byzantine art is about religious expression and more specifically about church doctrine
translated into aesthetic forms.
Byzantine forms of architecture and painting was based on religious concerns which
made art uniform, anonymous, and perfected within this austere tradition. The result was
sophistication of style and a spirituality of expression that rarely compares with the art of
Western tradition.
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BYZANTINE AND I SLAMIC ART
CHARACTERISTICS
Heavenly Byzantine mosaics,; Islamic architecture and amazing maze-like design
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Rublev, Andre
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Hagia Sofia, Mosque of Cordoba; The Alhambra
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Justinian partly restores Roman Empire (533 CE-562CE); Iconoclasm Controversy (726CE843CE); Birth of Islam (610 CE); and Muslim conquests (632 CE-732CE)
The Hagia Sofia, Islamic Art
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hagia-Sophia
The Virgin of Vladimir, Rublev
https://www.theartstory.org/artist/rublev-andrei/artworks /
Medieval Art
To some, the millennium from 400 and 1400 A.D. is considered as the Dark Ages,
where the art in this period were depicted as grotesque or brutal scenes while others were
focused on formalized religion. Most of the art created were melancholy.
Medieval European art saw a transition from the Byzantine period to the Early
Christian period. Within that, from about 300 to 900, we also saw Migration Period Art as
Germanic people migrated across the continent. This Barbarian art was outboard by
necessity and more of it was understandably lost.
As the millennium passed, more and more Christian and Catholic art appeared. The
period centered around elaborate churches and artwork to adorn this architecture. It also
saw the rise of Gothic and Romanesque styles of art and architecture.
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MEDIEVAL ART
CHARACTERISTICS
Dark imagery, biblical subjects,
Classical mythology, Gothic
architecture, Romanesque, Celtic
Art, Carolingian Renaissance
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Abbot, Suger, Cimabue, Duccio,
Giotto
Madonna and the Child,
Duccio
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Crucifix, Lamentation of Christ
St. Sernin, Durnham Cathedral,
The Notre Dame Cathedral
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture
/2019/04/notre-dame-cathedral-gallery/
Chartres Cathedral
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL
EVENTS
Viking Raids (793-1066); Battle of
Hastings (1066); Crusades I-IV
(1094-1204)
Black Death (1347-1351)
Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453)
Early to High Renaissance
This movement covers the period from 1400 through 11500. Renaissance literally
means rebirth and describes the resurgence of curiosity in the artistic achievements of
Greece and Rome. Most known paintings emerged from this period. Many of the notable
art created during the Renaissance was Italian. The famous 15th-century artists like
Brunelleschi and Donatello paved the way to the work of Botticelli and Alberti. When the
High Renaissance took over in the next century, the work of Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and
Raphael emerged.
The increasing edification of society, through political stability, economic growth
and cosmopolitanism brought about the high renaissance. Education at its time took center
stage, with libraries and academies that allowed empirical studies and research to be
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conducted into the cultures of the ancient world. The arts benefited from the patronage of
influential families and individuals.
EARLY AND HIGH RENAISSANCE
CHARACTERISTICS
Rebirth of classical culture
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Ghiberti, Brunelleschi; Donatello; Boticelli;
Leanardo; Michaelangelo; Rapahael
Monalisa, Da Vinci
Wiki Commons
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Ghiberti’s Door; Cathedral of Sta. Monica
del Fiore; David; Primavera, Mona Lisa
David, Botticelli
Wiki Commons
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Guttenberg’s invents movable parts (1447);
Turks conquers Constatntinople(1453);m
Columbus lands in New Word (1492);
Martin Luther starts Reformation (1517)
Venetian and Northern Renaissance
In 1430-1550, a period of Northern Renaissance was famous due to advance
technique in oil painting, realistic, vivid altarpiece art, wooden panel paintings, woodcuts,
and printmaking. Stone sculpture was not extremely popular, but the Germans boost up
their wood carving techniques. Dutch art was governed by empirical perspective. Dutch
aimed to get to the basics, capturing every single detail. The painters learned from direct
observation and their knowledge of the consistency of things.
VENETIAN AND HIGH RENAISSANCE
CHARACTERISTICS
The Renaissance extends northward to France, Low
Countries, Poland, Germany and England
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Bellini, Giorgione, Titian, Durer, Bruegel, Bosch, Jan
Van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Through the Looking Glass
Portrait in a Young Man in Red
Allendale Nativity, Giorgione
http://arthistorynewsreport.blogspot.com/2013/0
1/bellini-giorgione-titian-and.html
Portrait in a Young Man in Red, Bellini
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php
?curid=453592
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SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Council of Trent and Counter-Reformation (15451563); Copernicus proves the Earth revolves around
the sun (1543)
Mannerism
Mannerism (1527-1580) introduced a highly imaginative period in art after the climax of
excellence that naturalistic painting had attained in Renaissance Italy. Artists started to
deviate from classical influences and turn toward a further intellectual and expressive
approach. This ushered in a change from authentic portrayals of figures and subjects, a
rejection of harmony, and the development of a dramatic new style unconstrained by the
graphic plane, reality, or literal correctness. Radical asymmetry, artifice, and the decorative
also apprised this movement. Paintings, and compositions can have no focus and space
can be abstruse. The figures can be represented by an powerful twisting and bending with
distortions, exaggerations, elongations of the limbs, bizarre posturing on one hand, graceful
posturing on the other hand and the rendering of the head as uniformly small and oval. The
compositions are marked by clashing colors which lacks the balance, naturalism, and
dramatic colors of High Renaissance. Mannerist artwork seeks instability and restlessness
with fondness for allegories that have lascivious undertones.
New discoveries in science had led society away from Humanist ideals and paintings no
longer conceived man as the center of the universe, but rather as isolated, incidental
partakers in the great mysteries of life.
MANNERISM
CHARACTERISTICS
Art that breaks the rules, artifice over nature
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Tintoretto, El Greco, Pontormo, Bronzino, Cellini
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
St. Luke, Summer
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SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Magellan circumnavigates the globe (1520-1522)
Baroque Art
Venus, Cupid Folly and Time, Bronzino
Wiki Commons
The word baroque means something that is elaborate and highly detailed. Baroque
style (1600-1750) is characterized by exaggerated motion and clear detail used to produce
drama, exuberance, and grandeur in sculpture, painting, architecture, literature, dance, and
music. The defining characteristics of the Baroque style were real or implied movement,
an attempt to represent infinity, an emphasis on light and its effects, and a focus on the
theatrical.
A number of techniques were introduced, or further established by Baroque artists
to accomplish these effects including quadro riportato (frescos that incorporated the illusion
of being composed of a series of framed paintings), quadrature (ceiling painting), and
trompe l'oeil techniques. This allowed for a blurring of the boundaries between painting,
sculpture, and architecture that was signature to the movement.
Chiaroscuro technique is a trait of Baroque Art in which the treatment of light and
dark in an artwork assisted to create dramatic tension, was a key component in Baroque
artwork. It was further evolved by Baroque master Caravaggio into tenebrism, which used
the intensification of contrast within dark atmospheric scenes to highlight particular
elements.
During this era, significant events like the Reformation and the
CounterReformation occurred with the baroque style being considered intricately linked to
the Catholic Church. The popularity of style was encouraged by the church which was
decided at the Council of Trent that the arts should communicate religious themes and direct
emotional involvement in response to the Protestant Reformation.
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BAROQUE
CHARACTERISTICS
Splendour and flourish for God; art as a weapon in the religious
wars
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Reubens, Rembrandt, Caravaggio,
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Palace of Versailles
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Thirty Years War between Catholics and Protestants (1618-1648)
Neoclassical
The Calling of St. Matthew, Caravaggio
The Neoclassical Period is considered a period of enlightenment. The movement
started in Europe in the 1700's and spread into the colonies. The focus of this was on
government, ethics, and science which varies from the previous period that focused on
religion, imagination, and emotions. Neoclassical art has a cleaner style, sculpted forms, a
shallow depth of background and a more realistic approach. Neoclassical painting and
sculpture involved emphasis on austere linear design in the depiction of classical event,
characters and themes, using historically correct settings and costumes.
NEOCLASSICAL
CHARACTERISTICS
Art that recaptures Greco-Roman grace and grandeur
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
David, Ingres, Greuze, Canova
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Philoctetes on Lemnos, Napoleon crossing the Alps
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Enlightenment (18th Century; Industrial Revolution (1760-1850))
Romanticism
Romanticism (1750-1850) rapidly spread all over Europe and the United States at
the end of the 18th century to the 19th. The period extolled abstract, complex ideas like
despair, hope, heroism, liberty, peace, survival, and other impressions that nature evokes in
human beings. Romantic art concentrated on emotions, feelings, and moods to challenge
the rational ideal held so tightly during the Enlightenment. The subject matter varied widely
including landscapes, religion, revolution, and serene beauty. It also stood counter to
science in favor of spiritualism, deliberation in support of instinct, industry in preference
to nature, subjugation vetting on democracy and against aristocracy for rusticity. The artists
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ROMANTICISM
CHARACTERISTICS
The triumph of imagination and individuality
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Caspar Friedrich, Gericault, Delacroix, Turner, Benjamin West
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Caernarvon Castle; Liberty Leading the People
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
American Revolution (1775-1783); French Revolution (1789-17990;
Napoleon crowned Em
peror by French (1803)
emphasized that sense and emotions - not simply
reason and order - were equally important means of
understanding and experiencing the world.
Romanticism celebrated the individual imagination
Fisherman at Sea, Turner
https://www.ilibrarian.net/art/jmw_turner_fisherman_at_sea_lg.jpg
and intuition in the enduring search for individual
rights and liberty. Its ideals of the creative, subjective
powers of the artist fueled avant-garde movements well into the 20th century.
Realism
Realism (1848-1900) is also called naturalism. The accurate, detailed,
straightforward depiction of nature or of contemporary life. Realists rejected romanticism
which had dominated French literature and art late 18th century. They depicted people of
all classes in ordinary life situations which reflected the changes brought on by the
industrial and commercial revolutions.
REALISM
CHARACTERISTICS
Celebrating working class and peasants; air rustic painting
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Corot, Courbet, Daumier, Millet
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
The Gleaners
The Gleaners, Millet
https://www.theartstory.org/artist/millet-jeanfrancois/artworks/
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
European democratic revolutions (1848)
MODERN ART
The modern art refers to late 19th and early-to-mid 20th century art. Works
produced during this time showcase artists’ interest in re-imagining, reinterpreting, and
even rejecting traditional aesthetic values of preceding styles. Starting with light and airy
Impressionism and ending with energetic Abstract Expressionism, the modern art genre is
composed of several major movements.
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Impressionism
This is the style of painting that emerged in the mid and late 1800s. The movement
emphasizes on an artist’s immediate impression of a moment or scene, communicated
through the effect of light and its reflection, short brush strokes and separation of colors.
Modern life is often used as the subject matter by impressionist painters painting freely and
quickly featuring short visible strokes-dots, commas, smears, and blobs.
Post-Impressionism
Post-impressionism (1885-1910) bridged the gap between the restrictive techniques
found in the impressionist period and the emphasis on geometry found in modern art. PostImpressionism is an art movement characterized by a subjective approach to painting, as
artists opted to evoke emotion rather than realism in their work. While their styles
passionately varied, paintings completed in the Post-Impressionist manner share some
similar qualities like symbolic motifs, unnatural color, and painterly brushstrokes.
POST IMPRESSIONISM
CHARACTERISTICS
A soft revolt against impressionism
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Van Gogh, Gaugin, Cezanne, Seurat
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
The Starry Night, Pyramid of Skulls,
The Dream
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL
EVENTS
Belle Epoch (late 19th Century
Golden Age; Japan defeats Russia
(1905)
The Starry Night, Van Gogh
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/th estarry-night/bgEuwDxel93-Pg?hl=enGB&ms=%7B%22x%22%3A0.5%2C%2
2y%22%3A0.5%2C%22z
Arearea, Gaugin
Paul Gauguin - Arearea Google Art Project.jpg
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Fauvism and Expressionism (1900-1935)
Fauvism is a term to denote the use of distortion and exaggeration for emotional e ect,
which first surfaced in the art literature of the early twentieth century. The artists used pure,
brilliant color applied straight from the paint tubes to create bright effects from the canvass.
Expressionism is an artistic style in which the artist attempts to portray not objective reality
but rather the subjective emotions and responses that objects and events awaken in him. It
is accomplished through distortion, exaggeration, primitivism, and fantasy through vivid,
violent, or dynamic application of formal elements.
FAUVISM AND EXPRESSIONISM
CHARACTERISTICS
Harsh colors and flat surfaces (fauvism)
Emotion distorting form
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Matisse, Kadinsky and Munch
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Dancer Tilting, San Giorgio Maggiore at
Dusk
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Boxer Rebellion in China (1900); World
War (1914-1918)
The Scream, Munch
Harmony in Red, Matisse
https://www.theartstory.org/images2
0/works/munch_edvard_3.jpg
https://historylists.org/art/12-outstanding-paintingsbyhenri-matisse.html
Cubism, Futurism, Supremativism, Constructivism, De Still (1905-1920)
Cubism is an artistic movement, created by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. It
employs geometric shapes in depictions of human and other forms. Overtime, the geometric
touches grew so intense that they sometimes overtook the represented forms, creating a
pure level of visual abstraction.
Futurism is an Italian art movement that took speed, technology, and modernity as
its inspiration. It portrayed the dynamic character of 20th century life, elevated war, and
machine age, and favored the growth of Fascism.
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CUBISM AND FUTURISM
SUPREMATIVISM, CONSTRUCTIVISM, DE STIJL
CHARACTERISTICS
Pre-post World War I art experiment; new forms to express modern life
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Picasso, Braque, Leger, Boccioni, Severini, Malevich
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
The Old Guitarist
Malevich’s Self Portrait
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Russian Revolution (1917); American women franchised (1920)
The Black Square, Malevich
https://www.ba-bamail.com/content.aspx?emailid=23620
Three Musicians, Picasso
https://www.ba-bamail.com/content.aspx?emailid=23620
Dadaism and Surrealism (1917-1950)
Dadaism is the first conceptual art movement where the focus of the artists was not
to craft aesthetically pleasing objects but create works that upended bourgeois sensibilities.
It aimed to generate difficult questions about the society, the role of the artist and the
purpose of art. Dada artist are identified to use ready-made objects with little manipulation.
Surrealism intends to channel the unconscious means to unlock the power of
imagination. Strongly influenced by psychoanalysis, the Surrealist’s considers the rational
mind repressed the power of imagination, weighing it down with taboos. It was also
influenced by Karl Marx in the sense that surrealists hoped that the human psyche had the
power to reveal contradictions in the everyday world and spur on revolution.
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DADAISM AND SURREALISM
CHARACTERISTICS
Ridiculous art; painting dreams and exploring the unconscious
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Duchamp, Dali, Ernst, Magritte, de Chirico, Kahlo
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
The Fountain, The Persistence of Memory
The Fountain,
Duchamp
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Disillusionment after WWI; The Great Depression (19291938); World War II (1939-1945) and Nazi horrors; atomic
bombs dropped on Japan (1945)
The Persistence of
Memory, Dali
https://www.wikiart.org/en/sal
ador dali/the persistence of
Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art
Abstract Expressionism (1940-1950) is an art movement of mostly
nonrepresentative painting. It was neither wholly abstract nor expressionist and comprised
several fairly various styles. What integrated them in one art movement was an aim to
redefine the nature of painting.
The emergence and fast propagation of Abstract Expressionism turn out to be
possible owing to the following factors. First, was the coming to US of many modern artist
refugees from European autocratic regimes of 1930s and war disasters of 1940s (Arshile
Gorky, Hans Hofmann, George Grosz, Fernand Leger, Josef Albers, Piet Mondrian, Marcel
Duchamp, Yves Tanguy, Max Ernst). Second, was the advent of a new network of New
York museums and galleries that staged (for the first time in US) major exhibitions of
European modern art (Museum of Modern Art, MOMA was instituted in 1929 and
increased its popularity by exposing collections of Cubism, Abstract Art, and Dadaism.
Dadaism, known also as Dada is characteristic of messiness and extremely lively
applications of paints. Its brush strokes exposed the artist’s process, this process is the
subject of the art itself.
Pop Art (1960s) is a movement marked by a fascination with popular culture
reflecting the a uence in post-war society. It was most prominent in American art but soon
spread to Britain. In celebrating everyday objects, the movement turn the commonplace
into icons. It is a direct descendant of Dadaism in the way it mocks the established art world
by appropriating images from the street, the supermarket, the mass media, and presents it
as art.
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ABSTRACT EXPRESSIONISM AND
POP ART
CHARACTERISTICS
Post WWII,: pure abstraction and
expression without form; popular art
absorbs consumerism
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Gorky, Pollock, de Kooning, Rothko,
Warhol, Lichtenstein
Autumn Rhythm, Pollock
https://www.theartist.me/art/15-famous-jackson-pollock-paintings/
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Autumn Rhythm, Marilyn Monroe,
Campbell soup cans
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Cold War and Vietnam War (US enters
1965); UUSR suppresses Hungarian
revolt 1956); Czechoslovakian Revolt
(1968)
Campbell Soup cans, Warhol
https://learnodo-newtonic.com/andy-warhol-famous-paintings
CONTEMPORARY ART
Contemporary art is the art of today, created by artists who are living in the twentyfirst century. Contemporary art provides a chance to reflect on contemporary civilization
and the matters relevant to us, and the world around us. Contemporary artists work in a
globally motivated, culturally diverse, and technologically evolving world. This art is a
dynamic mixture of materials, techniques, concepts, and subjects that question traditional
boundaries and challenge easy definition. contemporary art is diverse characterized by the
extreme lack of a consistent, unifying principle or ideology. Contemporary art is concerned
on personal and cultural identity, family, community, and nationality.
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Post Modernism and Deconstructivism
Postmodern art refers to a group of movements that began in the late 1950s and
early 1960s, during which artist rejected established practices and questioned the
importance of their roles in the artistic process. Postmodern artists use familiar images from
consumer and pop culture and mass media to confront or question art and society. Their
work has an irreverent almost mocking view of artistic importance.
MODERNT ART
POST MODERN AND DECONSTRUCTIVISM
CHARACTERISTICS
Art without a center and reworking and mixing past
styles
LEADING CONTRIBUTORS
Gerard Richter, Cindy Sherman, Anselm Kiefer, Frank
Gehry, Zaha Hadid
INFLUENTIAL WORKS
Orders of the Night; Abstract Art
SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL EVENTS
Nuclear freeze movement; Cold War fizzles;
Communism collapses in Eastern Europe and USSR
(1989-1991)
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/anselm-kiefer-the-orders-of-the-nightdie-orden-der-nacht
Deconstructivism is a movement of postmodern architecture which appeared in the 1980s.
It gives the impression of the fragmentation of the constructed building. It is characterized
by an absence of harmony, continuity, or symmetry.
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The Canadian-American Frank O. Gehry is the most well-known proponent of
Deconstructivism building design. He is one of the prominent American architects of the
Postmodern era. Other deconstructivists include Daniel Libeskind, the firm Coop
Himmelb(l)au, Rem Koolhaas, Bernard Tschumi and Peter Eisenman. Astonishing
deconstructivist buildings include: Nationale Nederlanden Building (Prague), Guggenheim
Museum (Bilbao) and The Experience Music Project (Seattle), designed by Frank Gehry;
Hotel Porta Fira (Barcelona), designed by Toyo Ito; Seattle Central Library designed by
Rem Koolhaas; and UFA-Palast (Dresden), designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au.
Guggenheim Museum, Gehry
Hotel Porta Fira, Ito
Wikimedia Commons
https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photos/0b/92/dd/dc/hotelporta-fira-barcelona.jpg
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Lesson 2 - The History of Instrumental Music
"Young people can learn from my example that something can come from nothing. What I have become
is the result of my hard efforts."- Franz Joseph Haydn
Instrumental Music
Instrumental music is a musical composition that is without lyrics, or singing, although it
might include some inarticulate vocals. This music is primarily produced by instruments. The
commencement of this genre of music is significant for it paved the way for the invention and
development of musical instruments with tone qualities as people understand it today. Instrumental
music marked the beginnings of the elements of harmony, rhythm and melody that made music
beautiful then and still is up to now. It can mimic the sound of nature so well that they can effectively
stir the deepest of human emotion.
History of Instrumental Music
The history of Instrumental music is usually dated back from the Middle Ages. During this
period the texture of music was monophonic. Sacred vocal music such as Gregorian chants were
set to Latin text and sung unaccompanied. Subsequently, church choirs added one or more melodic
lines to the Gregorian chants. This created polyphonic texture. During the Renaissance, the size of
church choirs grew, and with it, more voice parts were added. Polyphony was widely used during
this period, but soon, music also became homophonic. During the Baroque period musical quality
was also polyphonic and/or homophonic. With the addition of instruments and the development of
certain musical techniques (ex. basso continuo), music during this period became more fascinating.
Musical texture of Classical music is mostly homophonic but flexible. During the Romantic period,
some forms used during the Classical period were continued but was made more subjective. All the
various changes that happened to music from the Middle Ages to the Romantic period contributed
to the music of the 20th century. Although 20th-century composers used and/or were influenced by
composers and music forms of the past, they created their own unique sound. This unique sound
has many different layers to it, coming from the combination of instruments, noisemakers, and
shifts in dynamics, meter, pitch, etc. The music of the 20th century differs from the music of the
past.
Medieval Music (1150- 1400)
During Medieval period, music was primarily vocal. Instruments were used to accompany
vocal lines or to improvise instrumental dances. Rhythm was not notated and tradition regarding
sacred text, meter of the text and musical abilities of singers and instrumentalist. Harmony and
tonality were not functional during this period.
Monophonic texture was predominantly used during the first period of era. It is the simplest of
musical texture consisting of a melody typically sung by a single singer or played by a single
instrument player without accompanying harmony or chords. Polyphonic texture began to be used
in the middle to late medieval period. It is one type of musical texture, where a texture is the way
that melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic aspects of a musical composition are combined to shape the
overall sound. Polyphony consists of two or more simultaneous lines of independent melody.
MEDIEVAL MUSIC
Characteristics
Type of music
21
(1150-1400)
Secular music with notated
manuscripts showing
connections with the church;
organum indicated the
beginnings of harmony.
Gregorian Chant and Plainsong which
are monodic or written as one musical
line
Gregorian chants, a monophonic vocal
line sung by monks, as well as choral
music for a group of singers
Renaissance Music (1400-1600)
The Renaissance or "rebirth" was a period from 1400 to 1600 of significant changes in
history including music. Moving away from the medieval period, where every facet of life, include
music was church-driven, you begin to see that the church was starting to lose some of its influence.
Instead, the kings, princes and other prominent members of the courts were beginning to have an
impact on the direction of music.
Music was performed by vocal groups (ensembles of one to eight parts). Instrumental
music included ensembles (consort music) and solos (keyboard music for the organ or harpsichord).
Tempos still determined by the musician as well as the sacred character of the piece or text. Rhythm
began to increase in complexity and melodic range increased during this era. Renaissance
composers sought to blend the sound of voices and instruments and pleasing harmonies were
sought. Polyphonic texture was predominantly used.
Harpsichord https://www.washingtonpost.com/resizer/_hUkffxarf78HKxiw6qyjP-M51U=/1484x0/arcanglerfish-washpost-prodwashpost.s3.amazonaws.com/public/PVBAWAEOBJGLTFMZM75LQHZLUM.jpg
Popular Music Forms
During the Renaissance, composers took known musical forms from church music and secularized
them. Forms of music that evolved during the Renaissance included the cantus firmus, chorale,
French chansons, and madrigals.
Cantus Firmus meant "firm chant," that was typically utilized in the Medieval period and was
strongly founded on the Gregorian chant. Composers dropped the chants and instead incorporated
secular, folk music.
The Renaissance, saw the rise of the chorale, a song that was intended to be sung by a congregation.
Its original form was monophonic, which then evolved into a four-part harmony.
The French chanson is a polyphonic French song that was originally for two to four voices. An
Italian madrigal is defined as polyphonic secular music that was performed in groups of four to
six singers who sang mostly love songs. It had served two principal roles: as a enjoyable private
22
entertainment for small groups of skilled amateur musicians or as a small part of a large ceremonial
public performance.
RENAISSANCE
MUSIC (1400-1600)
Characteristics
Composers
Enhanced freedom in music
showed harmony and polyphony;
composers still devoted to choral
writing
Noted composers include Dunstable,
Ockegehm, Despres and Dufay (15th
century) include Dowland, Byrd,
Gibbons, and Tallis (16th century).
Baroque Music (1600-1750)
The word baroque that was used to describe the music styles of the 1600s to the 1700s comes from
the Italian word "barocco" which means bizarre. This word was first used to describe the style of
architecture mainly in Italy during the 17th and 18th century.
The Baroque is considered the late period of the Renaissance, marked by a more intricate and even
unconventional visual style. In some ways the word applies to the music as well. Compositions
became more homophonic, meaning based on one melody with harmonic support coming from a
keyboard player. Tonality was divided into major and minor. This period is also described by the
upsurge of the fugue, a type of polyphonic composition based on a principal theme (subject) and
melodic lines that imitate the principal theme, and of the opera, the first of which were composed
around 1600. The most famous composer of the Baroque is Johann Sebastian Bach, who might
also be considered the greatest composer of any period.
https://images.idgesg.net/images/article/2017/12/johann-sebastian-bach-stamp-100743899-large.jpg
Composers of the Period
Composers of the time period included Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi and
George Handle among others. This period saw the development of opera and instrumental music.
This style of music immediately follows the renaissance-style of music and is a precursor to the
classical style of music.
23
Baroque Instruments
Usually carrying the song where a basso continuo group, which consisted of a chordplaying
instrumentalist like a harpsichord or flute and bass-type instruments carrying the bassline, like a
cello or double bass.
A characteristic baroque form was the dance suite which were designed for listening, not for
accompanying dancers.
BAROQUE MUSIC
(1600-1750)
Characteristics
Composers
Choral music no longer dominated the
era; the idea of the modern orchestra was
born; violin, viola, cello, and harpsichord
were invented; important advances in all
musical groups.
Bach, Monteverde, Corelli,
Schutz, Purcell, Lully, Bach,
Handel, Telemann, Couperin,
Scarlatti and Vivaldi
Rococo is the transitional period between baroque and classical music. It is characterized
by delicate, frivolous expression designed to please than to excite the listener. Some traditional
composers are Couperin, Scarlatti and the sons of Bach.
Classical Music (1750-1830)
The Classical era is the era where the most influential personalities of classical music
emerged. In this period a new form of music which is highly refined, simple in melodic text and
harmonic structure and coordinated by symmetrical form developed. Mozart, Beethoven, Paganini,
Rossini, and others who gave the world some of the greatest music ever composed. This was a time
when musicians went back to more ordered forms and strict compositional direction to guide their
pursuit of musical perfection.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
(1750-1830)
Characteristics
Composers
Sonata form: development of
modern concerto, symphony trio
and quartet; obsession with
structural clarity
Friedman, Christian, Haydn, Mozart,
Beethoven, and Schubert
Romantic Period (1820-1900)
The Romantic Era is characterized by chamber music ensembles, large symphony
orchestras, opera companies and piano as performing mediums. An exceedingly fruitful period, the
Romantic Era of music is expressive, dramatic, and orchestral with rhythmic complexity and raging
tempos. Music are composed and played with a level of drama and emotionality not observed in
previous eras. Composers delved on themes such as romantic love, the supernatural, and even death.
24
Some got inspiration from the history and folk songs of their native country, while others
incorporated foreign influences. Genres included concertos, operas, sonatas, and symphonies. New
and compound harmonies emerged like etude, nocturne and waltz.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
EARLY
ROMANTIC (18301860)
LATE ROMANTIC
(1860-1920)
Ludwig van Beethoven
Franz Josef Hayden
https://www.liveabout.com/classicalmusiccomposer-picture-gallery-723919
https://www.liveabout.com/classicalmusiccomposer-picture-gallery-723919
Characteristics
Leading Composers
Golden age of Virtuoso:
balance of expressive and
formal music
Berloiz, Chopin, Mendelssohn,
Schumann, Liszt and Verdi
Composition in terms of
emotional content and
dramatic continuity
Highlighted by the operatic
supremacy of Verdi and Wagner
Frederic Chopin
https://www.biography.com/.image/ar_1:1%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cg_fac
e%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_300/MTE1ODA0OTcxNTg2OTc5MzQx/frederi
c-chopin-9247162-1-402.jpg
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Modern Music (1900–present)
The 20th century is described as the “age of musical diversity” because composers had
more creative freedom. No single style of music dominates, and composers ranged from the
relatively traditional to the most modern. Many composers ensued the dominant artistic style of the
period, from Impressionism to Futurism to Expressionism to Post-Modernism. Composers were
more willing to experiment with new music forms or reinvent music forms of the past. They also
took advantage of the resources and technology that were available to them. Like George Gershwin
and Andrew Lloyd Webber who not only propelled the classic structure but may also be considered
the grandfathers of American pop music.
Prior to and after World War II, the United States became a center of musical activity. Many
composers from Europe moved to the US and some of them even became faculty members.
Music Forms and Styles
•
12-tone System is credited to Arnold Schoenberg. He developed a technique called 12tone
system wherein all the 12 notes of the octave are of equal importance. The 12 notes are placed in a
specific order called a "tone-row" or "tone-series," and no note is repeated within a row. This
evoked music that felt anxious and unresolved.
•
Concert Music. Many composers combined jazz music elements with other music styles such
as classical and blues. Music during this time also spoke of nationalistic fervor. Some of the
composers whose works were greatly appreciated were George Gershwin (Rhapsody in Blue),
Aaron Copland (Rodeo) and Dmitry Shostakovich (The Golden Age).
•
Electronic Music. Composers of electronic music experimented with technology and how it
affects certain aspects of music such as melody and rhythm.
•
Impressionistic. In music, it is applied to works of early 20th century composers such as
Debussy. Debussy rejected the rules of tonality and created music that is pleasing to the ears as
impressionist paintings are appealing to the eyes. This resulted in music that was relaxed and almost
dreamlike.
•
Jazz can be traced back to earlier African-American music styles. It is particularly remarkable
for its improvisation, harmonic progressions, and modified rhythms.
•
Minimalism is the type of music which was simple and contained patterns that were repeated
and reinforced by a steady beat. Examples are the music of Steve Reich and Philip Glass.
•
New Romanticism desired music that was expressive, haunting, and mysterious, much like
the music of the past. Composers who used this technique were George Crumb (Ancient Voices of
Children) and Gyorgy Ligeti (Lux Aeterna), among others.
•
Neoclassical is a concept applied to the music of early 20th century composers like Stravinsky
which reflects the 18th-century music. Stravinsky's works, particularly after the highly acclaimed
The Rite of Spring, did not emphasize tonality but felt restrained. Stravinsky was discovered by
Sergei Diaghilev, the producer of the Ballet Rouse. His earlier works reflected influences from
Debussy's dissonance and irregular rhythmic patterns.
26
Serialism was based on Schoenberg's 12-tone system, which was continued by his student
Anton von Webern. Serialism was evident in the music of the 1950s and 1960s but appreciation
was limited to university professors and their students. Serialism used a strict musical formula that
was difficult to play. Composers who used this technique were Milton Babbitt and Pierre Boulez,
to name a few.
•
Notable 20th Century Composers and Musicians
➢
Bela Bartok: A Hungarian composer and renowned ethnomusicologist.
➢
Alban Berg: An Austrian composer who adapted the atonal style, also referred to as the
classicist of modern music.
➢
Ernest Bloch: A Swiss composer of spiritual music.
➢
John Cage: An American composer of the 20th century known for his innovative,
avantgarde ideas of creating and appreciating music. He devised the "prepared piano."
➢
Henry Cowell: The American composer, and one of the inventors of an electrical
instrument called "rhythmicon", who wrote pieces wherein the musicians played the keys
of a piano by striking it with their forearms or wrists and strumming or plucking the strings.
➢
Edward Elgar: An English composer, who, according to Richard Strauss, was the "first
English progressive musician."
➢
Charles Ives: The first known composer of polytonal pieces.
➢
Jean Sibelius: A Finnish composer, conductor, and teacher especially known for his
orchestral works and symphonies.
➢
Edgard Varese: One of the composers who experimented with music and technology. He
wrote a piece for an orchestra composed of solely percussion instruments. He also
experimented with taped music and electronic instruments.
➢
Anton von Webern: An Austrian composer belonging to the 12-tone Viennese school.
➢
Ralph Vaughan Williams: An English composer of nationalistic music.
MODERN MUSIC
(1900-present)
Characteristics
Composers
Diverse styles
Debussy, Ravel, Schoenberg, and
Cage
27
Arnold Schoenberg
Claude De Bussy
https://www.biography.com/.image/ar_1:1%2Cc_fill%2Ccs_srgb%2Cg_fa
ce%2Cq_auto:good%2Cw_300/MTE5NTU2MzE2MTk2Mjc1NzIz/claude
http://www.classical.net/music/comp.lst/schoenberg.php
-debussy-9269290-1-402.jpg
Lesson 3 - Philippine Art History
"Some people come into our lives, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same." Franz Schubert
Philippine Arts
The Philippine Arts pertain to Filipino artworks that have developed in country from the
beginning of its civilization up to the present era.
It reflects the culture of the Philippine society and the wide range of cultural influences
from countries that happen to interact with us and also the influenced in local arts that resulted in
Filipino artworks as it is known today as Art of the Philippines.
PRE-COLONIAL PHILIPPINE ART
(before 1521)
The pre-colonial era or also known as Pre-Spanish era is the period of Philippine Art before
the coming of Spaniards. Early evidence of ancient tools and other artifacts are found in the different
islands of Philippines like Batangas, Cagayan, Central Luzon, Davao, and Palawan. Items
discovered were described to be the crudest from the stone tools (flake tools).
Receptacles
Early Filipinos believe in life after death. They used receptacles which were containers
fashioned to enclose and protect the bodies of their dead relatives. Receptacles were made from
fibers and tree barks constructed into mats or they can also be made of leaves, wood, and bamboo.
These receptacles can also function as repositories of food and other possessions which will
accompany the dead on their journey to the other world. Receptacles.
Angono Petroglyphs
The Angono-Binangonan Petroglyphs is a rock art on the wall of a rockshelter in Rizal. A
National Cultural Treasure and declared as the oldest known work of art in the Philippines. This
was discovered in 1965 by the late renowned muralist and National Artist, Carlos "Botong"
Francisco. One hundred twenty-seven human figures spread on the wall were rendered by
engraving lines using a piece of stone on the surface of the rock shelter. The cuts vary from ten
centimeters to faint lines figures. The figures consist of circular heads, with or without necks set on
a rectangular or v-shaped body. The linear arms and legs are usually bent. Some incisions on the
rock wall are circles, rectangles, and triangles. The site is at the border of Angono and Binangonan
in the province of Rizal.
Rock art is closely linked with a system of belief of a group of people which is considered symbolic
and not decorative. Rare rock art in the Philippines were reported in places such as Penablanca
Caves in Cagayan Valley; rock ledges in Alab, Bontoc, Mt. Province; and caves in Singnapan Basin
in Ransang, Palawan.
28
Textile weaving
Weaving is an ancient art form that remain in the Philippines today, with each ethnic group
having their distinctive weaving techniques. Prehistoric textile that have been excavated are
believed to have been created by using flat stone tools to pound and flatten tree barks for use as
materials. According to many accounts of early travelers of the pre-colonial era, the Filipino people
utilized fibers made from natural materials, such as abaca (Manila hemp), maguey, pineapple,
cotton and tree bark, to weave textiles, clothes, rugs, hats and baskets, along with quilts and
bedding.
The oldest surviving textile in the entire Southeast Asian region was found in the Philippine
island of Banton in Romblon province. The cloth, known as the Banton cloth, has designs with
folkloric motifs, and was used as a death wrap.
The different textile forms in the Philippines are the brocaded weave (pinilian) of the Ilocano, the
wavy designs of the Bontoc, the geometric designs of the Kalinga, the piña of the Aklanon, the
hablon of the Kiniray-a and Hiligaynon, the seputangan of the Yakan, the mabal tabih of the Blaan,
the bagobo inabal of the Bagobo Manobo, the dagmay of the Mandaya, the mëranaw of the
Maranao, the pis syabit of the Tausug, and the t'nalak of the T'boli.
Jewelry
Preceding the Spanish colonization, the native Filipino of all genders, all social classes
wore gold from gold necklaces, earrings, bracelets, armlets, even to their grave. Their love for gold
to making a threaded belt and hilts of swords and daggers made of gold. This was the life of our
ancestors. Gold was abundant then in areas now known as Butuan, Eastern Visayas, Mindoro, and
Surigao. The people created belts, necklaces, masks, rings, leg ornaments, even ceremonial
weapons, and wore these gold objects in rituals and celebration and to establish their rank in society.
https://pinoy-culture.tumblr.com/image/96627853461
Gold Death Mask
The burial practice of covering the eyes, nose, and mouth of the dead with sheets of gold
is a custom practiced by a limited group of Filipinos. It is believed that when the face of the dead
is covered with a gold mask, evil spirits cannot come into the body. The face of the corpse was
covered with skillfully labored sheets of gold. The gold nose-disc and gold eye-mask dated from
the late 14th to the early 15th century A.D. were found in a grave site in San Antonio, Oton, Iloilo.
Aside from the museum collection, another pre-Hispanic gold burial mask was also recovered in
Masao, Butuan, Agusan del Norte where gold was abundant in prehistoric times. The elaborateness
depends on their social status. This suggests how rich the Philippines back then. Wearing gold was
part of their daily clothes. This was proven through the Boxer Codex
29
manuscript in gold leaf.
Gold Death Mask
https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbe
ta/Collections/Archaeo/deathmask.png
Shell Bracelets and Pendants
In the early days, shells were transformed into tools, as well as ornaments. The oldest identified
ornaments made from cone shells were found in the early 1960’s in the tomb of an adult male in
Duyong Cave in Palawan. A shell disk with a cavity in the center was found next to his right ear
and a disk with a hole by the edge was found on his chest. The shell ornaments were dated 4854
B.C. and are characteristic of the Late Neolithic Age
Other personal ornaments such as anklets, beads, bracelets, and earrings recovered from tomb sites
were unearthed together with dippers, spoons, and other tools transformed from shells. Shell beads
retrieved from other sites were made from cowry, whelk, and conch shells. Shell beads were also
recovered from Arku Cave in Cagayan, Ngipe’t Duldug Cave in Palawan and in Bato Caves, in
Sorsogon; a shell bracelet was also found in Bato Caves.
https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmus
eumbeta/Collections/Archaeo/bracelets.png
https://thefilam.net/archives/18816
“Many of the works, unearthed between the 1960s and 1981, affirm the unprecedented creativity,
prosperity, and sophisticated metalworking tradition of the precolonial period,” (Josette Sheeran,
2015).
30
Pottery
Earthenware pots resembling human figures were found in Ayub Cave, in Pinol, Maitum,
Saranggani Province. The jars used for secondary burial were dated to the Metal Age about 5 BC.
- 225 A.D. Each of the twenty-nine jars recovered from the site is unique. The head-shaped covers
portray different kinds of facial expressions like sadness, joy, contentment. The heads were either
plain, perforated or coated with red and black paints. Some have earrings, others are tattooed. Some
head-shaped covers depict teeth while others have arms, female breasts, and male genitalia. Clay
pots were also discovered in Masbate which dated as early as 710 B.C.E.
The jar burial practices of early Filipinos were prevalent not only in the Philippines, but
also in Southeast Asia. These practices date back to the Late Neolithic Period from 1,000 B.C. to
the 16th century before the arrival of the Spaniards. The discovery of jar burials uncovers significant
clues to the prehistory of Maguindanao and the country.
https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbeta/Collections/Arc
haeo/pots.png
To categorize and analysis thousands of pre-Hispanic potteries, they are classified
corresponding to shape, method of decoration and type of design on the surface.
Shape is the description of the vessel’s body, the form of its mouth, the thickness of its lips, or the
presence of ears, spouts and legs attached to its body.
Method of decoration is how designs are applied on the body’s surface. Decorative designs are
either impressed or incised.
Pressing on the container with certain things like a string, rope, or small piece of mat while
the surface is still wet create impressed designs.
Some of the designs on the pottery were like those found in southwestern Mindanao but the detailed
facial expression is unique. The making of these earthenware depicting human figures and faces
indicates a high level of craftmanship.
The use of sharp objects to draw patterns on the while the pot is still damp body produce incised
designs.
31
https://miro.medium.com/max/750/1*ek8OS
0V9nj4Pzo8cTKOGeQ.jpeg
Designs are either abstract or representational. Abstract design consists of dots, straight lines,
and curved lines, which are inspired by nature. Examples are seeds, stars, waves, clouds, flowers, and
feathers which primitive Filipinos styled into simple, flowing forms. Representational designs are
usually of objects in nature, for example trees, animals, and drawings of human figures.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Ma
nunggul_Jar.jpg/220px-Manunggul_Jar.jpg
SCULPTURE
The ancient Filipinos had attained a high artistic level through pottery, jewelry, and wood
carving.
Mununggul Jar
The Mununggul jar is regarded as the symbol of Philippine Prehistoric artifact. It was found
in Palawan and is estimated to be from 890-710BCE. Figures representing spirits constituted most
of the early Philippines representational sculpture. Some statues of Hindu gods and goddesses were
also discovered all over the archipelago which proved that the early Filipinos with Hindu traders.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Manunggul_Jar.jpg/220px-Manunggul_Jar.jpg
Maitum jar
In Ayub Cave, now referred to as Pinol Cave 29 burial jars and around 33 baskets or about
4 cubic meters of archaeological material have been collected. Pinol, Maitum was formerly part of
32
South Cotobato in Sarangani. These secondary burial jars have characteristics that belong to the
Developed Metal Age Period in the Philippines calibrated date of 190 BC to 500 AD, these jars date
back to the Metal Age. Two conventional dates calibrated date of AD 70 to 370 and calibrated date
of 5 BC to 225 AD. Experts used samples taken from the walls of a small earthenware vessel found
inside one of the larger burial jars. The Maitum burial jars were discovered in by the archeological
group of the National Museum in 1991. The jars have designs that signify human figures with
complete or partial facial features or known as anthropomorphic jars.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Mindanao_Burial_Pottery_-_24863772040.jpg
ARCHITECTURE
In the 16th century, early inhabitants of the Philippines built single room structure with walls of
bamboo and roof of palm leaves, with the ground floor typically utilized for storage. There were
three different styles of structure of native dwellings, the bahay-kubo or nipa hut, Ifugao house and
the Maranao house.
•
Bahay-kubo is built from bamboo and nipa which are the most available construction
materials in the rural areas. The bahay-kubo is very functional in terms of comfort and affordability
of materials.
https://historyofarchitecture.weebly.com/vernacular-houses.html
•
Ifugao house is so designed for the reason of the cold climate of the Mountain Province. The
Ifugaos construct their houses for protection from the low temperature and the rainfall common
in the Mountain Province.
33
https://historyofarchitecture.weebly.com/vernacular-houses.html
Maranao house is an archaic-style house with a boat-like appearance. This
description is primarily due to the existence of the panolong, carved beam that protrudes
in the front of the house that support its flooring.
Torogan known as the flower symbol of the ancestral home of the highest titleholder in a
Maranao village. The panolong symbolizes power and prestige.
https://historyofarchitecture.weebly.com/vernacular-houses.html
Muslim Art
Islamic art meshed with ethnic culture and produced a Filipino Muslim art that reflects the ethnic
background and Islamic identity of the people.
•
Okir is a general name for the colorful flowing designs which decorate any surface of the
Muslim regions. It is an elaborate curvilinear motif made by the Maranao and Tausug tribes
of Mindanao. The main motifs are the sarimanok, the naga and the pako-rabong. These are
mainly used to decorate the houses of Sultans. Okir-a-datu are ornamental design for men
and okir-a-bay for women.
In the book of Dr. Nagasura Madale, it explains that the Okir has patterns which are used by the
Maranao artists. 1. Matilak (circle) 2. Poyok (bud) 3. Dapal (leaf) 4. Pako (fern or spiral form) 5.
Todi (fern leaf with spiral at upper edge) 6. Pako lungat (fern leaf with a cut at one edge). Other
elements found by Dr. Madale were: Naga, obid-obid binotoon, kianoko, pakonai and tialitali.
34
Panolong with okir motif
•
Sarimanok is a depiction of an open-winged legendary bird which stands on a fish with
another fish hanging from its beak. It is usually positioned atop bamboo poles at the center
of Maranao villages among decorative flags during celebratory events.
•
Naga is a stylized dragon or serpent carved in grave markers or elaborately in plows.
•
Ukkil is a design technique usually see in the Sulu Peninsula. Others consider it a variant
of the okir. It is a decorative design that is used in carving, baskets, pottery and weaving. It
is a pattern like Western style Arabesque and Art Noveau.
•
Maranao Brass is best observed in the kabul and gadur. This is a jar-like container with
covers that look a lot like the domes of their mosques.
invaluable.com
•
Kampilan
A long sword, its handle akin to the open mouth of a naga, a wavy flame-like blade representing
the body of a serpent; the barong, a leaf-like blade having the same geometric designs on its hilt.
invaluable.com
35
Art of the Mountain Province
Wood is the medium of choice in the art of the Mountain Province. It is used in making shields,
spoons, ladles, bowls, and human and animal figures. Woodcarving is considered an important skill
in all tribes. Mountain Province art is divided into two kinds: the ritualistic and the decorative.
The bulul, a carved male figure made of narra is seated while its crossed arms rest on its raised
knees. Believed to guard rice crops, this figure was traditionally bathed in pig’s or chicken’s blood
during rice planting rituals in Ifugao.
Ritualistic Art
https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/arts/2018/3
/12/bulul-salcedo-auctions-philippine-art.html
google images
Decorative Art
ANCIENT WRITING
The ancient script Baybayin. According to many
early Spanish accounts, the Tagalogs had already
been writing with the baybayin for at least a century.
Baybayin handwriting by Filipino artist Jacob Ira
Azurin Vijandre. (Biyani Art, 2018)
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THE SPANISH COLONIAL ART
(1521-1898)
The year 1521 marks the dawn of the the first colonial power in the Philippines. This is
called the Spanish period.
For the Catholic faith to be propagated successfully, it should be able to communicate well
with the educated as well as the uneducated, and the best way to achieve this is through art.
Religious paintings, sculptures, literature, music, dance, and theatre have all contributed to instilling
the doctrines of the Catholic faith into the hearts and minds of the early Filipinos.
ARCHITECTURE
Fr. Antonio Sedeno introduced a lime in the construction of buildings. He was responsible
for the construction of the first fortress, the Nuestra Senora de Guia Fort in Manila.
He was instrumental in the planning and building of the Manila’s Secular residences. Early painting
and sculptural works for the church were largely given to the Chinese artisans living in a community
SCULPTURE
outside Intramuros called the Parian.
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Carving which began in the pre-Hispanic times in making the likha (a local deity), was
redirected by the friars into the creation of santos (sculptures of saints). The making of santos are
strictly supervised by the church authorities for fear that the natives might include pagan elements
into the prescribed iconography of the church.
Mediums
Most of the santos had been carved out of wood. Ivory and animal bone were also used.
Famous Sculptors
Juan delos Santos carved several retablos for the Augustinian church in Intramuros.
Lorenzo Flores carved the escudo of the Franciscan Order found in front of the Tayabas Church.
http://media.philstar.com/images/the-philippine-star/lifestyle/travel-and-tourism/20160124/san-agustine-shine-2.jpg
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PAINTING
A rise of national consciousness was expressed through the reform
movement during the 19th century. The Sociedad Economica de
Amigos dela Pais, a civic organization, aimed to encourage the
development of visual arts which led to the establishment of the
Escuela de Dibujo y Pintura in 1821.
The school closed in 1834 but reopened 20 years later. This school was
incorporated with the Escuela Pintura Escultura Y Grabado in 1879.
https://assets.explora.ph/images-dev/entry-attraction-carousel/1496404537_quezon-tayabaschurch6.jpg
Damian Domingo
Sociedad Economica de Amigos dela Pais
Damian Domingo, the first teacher, a mestizo whose talents impressed local authorities.The
technique of painting during this time may be from his works, where detailed and fine lines give
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volume or body to objects or parts of the human figures. The quality of softness in the rendering of
the lines suggests the use of a Chinese brush.
The earliest portraits were done in miniature, the size of a thumbnail. The painters are called
miniaturists. Large portrait of wealthy natives began to appear in 1850.
Two local artists became famous abroad: Juan Luna and Felix Hidalgo.
Juan Luna won a silver medal for his La Muerte de Cleopatra at Exposicion General de Bellas Artes
in 1881. He also won a Gold medal at Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 for his famous
Spolarium. Felix Hidalgo won a silver medal for his Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace in
Exposicion Nacional de Bellas Artes.
Christian Virgins Exposed to the Populace, Hidalgo
Spoliarium, Luna
PRINTING
Nicolas Bagay is one of the outstanding engravers who ran a printing press and Francisco Suarez
are both known for their designs in 1733 and for the 12 scenes depicting representative life in the
islands in the Murillo-Velarde Map. They signed their works proudly writing Indio Tagalog after
their signatures.
40
https://www.wdl.org/en/item/10089/
18th Century
Earliest among the collection are religious in themes and composed of 18th century icons and
images created by local artisans under the tutelage of the friars. The devotional pieces of the
collection are of outstanding significance. Engravings were printed from copper plates and wood
cuts.
Coronation of the virgin
It is one of the oldest artworks in the visual arts collection. An extremely rare icon belonging to the
primitive school of Philippine art. It is typical of the religious art produced during the 18th century
for household use (devotional piece).
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/JZdSDTHfO4/TreeB9
EjjgI/AAAAAAAAAHA/cfIHHMoDhg4/s400/
coronation.jpg
19th Century
The introduction of lithograph prints eventually replaced engraving in copper. Lithograph
Print- oil and water
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AMERICAN COLONIAL ART PERIOD
(1898-1946)
The arrival of the new colonial power ushered in a change in art patronage – from
the native ilustrados to the Americans. The new patrons, including the tourists and foreign
investors, favored landscapes, still life, and genre themes that show the beauty of the land
and its people. Portraits were still favored by the public officials, usually depicting them in
dignified poses. There from, the American Colonization brought high influence to the major
Filipino art forms: architecture, paintings and sculptures.
ARCHITECTURE
Architecture during the American colonial period witnessed the commencement of
the use of new materials such as reinforced concrete, glass, and steel, in the neoclassical
architectural style. The famous architects are Juan Arellano, Tomas Mapua and Antonio
Toledo.
Manila Metropolitan Theatre, Juan Arellano
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Dela Salla University, Tomas Mapua
Manila City Hall, Antonio Toledo
SCULPTURE
Only a lone name stood out, Guillermo Tolentino, trained in the classical style in Rome,
Tolentino’s masterpieces include the Oblation in the University of the Philippines and the Bonifacio
Monument in Caloocan City.
PAINTING
Bonifacio Monument, Guillermo Tolentino
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Filipino painters depicted scenes from the countryside. Fabian de la Rosa and Fernando
Amorsolo dominated and influenced the art scene with their landscape and genre painting.
Rice Planters, Dela Rosa
Fabian dela Rosa was noted for his realistic portraits, genre, and landscapes in subdued
colors. He was enrolled at the Escuela de Bellas Artes y Dibujo and took lessons from
Lorenzo Guerrero. De la Rosa is often considered the brightest name in Filipino painting
and certainly the most important for the first quarter of the century.
Fernando Amorsolo captured the attention of the public and the buyers, and had a long
artistic career. Spanning for more than half a century, his influence is still evident in some
of today’s painters. He was named as the country’s first National Artist in 1972.
Planting Rice, Amorsolo
ART OF THE POST-WAR PERIOD
(after 1946)
During Post war, Philippine Architecture was dominated by the American style. In
this period the plan for the modern city of Manila was designed with a large number of art
deco buildings, by famous American and Filipino architects. During the liberation of
Manila by the Americans in 1945 large portions of Intramuros and Manila were destroyed.
ARCHITECTURE
➢ Massive rehabilitation and reconstruction was seen by the Philippine society in the
post-war years.
➢ Leandro Locsin designed the Cultural Center of the Philippines who earned a National
Artist award.
44
https://media.philstar.com/photos/2019/09/22/cultural_2019-09-22_21-54-26.jpg
➢ Other architectural landmarks are Philippine International Convention Center and
many other tall structures particularly in the Business Center of Makati City.
https://amelinearagon01.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/picc3.png
SCULPTURE
➢ Napoleon Abueva is considered the first modern Filipino sculptor. His modernism was
developed during his studies in the United States. Noted works are Double Crucifix
suspended from the dome above the altar of UP and Allegorical Harpoon at CCP
Allegorical Harpoon, Napoleon Abueva
Double Crucifix, Napoleon Abueva
Other noted sculptors include: Abdulmari Imao, a sculptor from Jolo; Solomon Saprid, for
his Peace Loving Tikbalang and Eduardo Castrillo for his massive sculptures of the
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Last Supper and Pieta at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina and Paranaque respectively
Sarimanok, Imao
The Redemption, Eduardo Castrillo
PAINTING
➢
The establishment of Art Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Art Gallery
helped to introduce modern art locally, to support its struggle against conservative art, and to create
patronage among art-buyers. The early post war modernist, call themselves Neo-Realists. ➢ Two
popular names were Vicente Manansala for Madonna of the Slums and Carlos Fran for Sungka
Players. Their works demonstrated the influence of various Western Art styles such as postimpressionism, abstraction, cubism, expressionism and surrealism.
➢
Some famous painters in the fifties and early sixties are: Fernando Zobel, Arturo Rogerio
Luz, Jose T. Joya, Maura Malang Santos, and Anita Magsaysay Ho.
➢
In the mid sixties further developments in the international art movement such as pop art,
abstract expressionism, constructivism and environmental art were reflected in the works of: Robert
Chabet, Mars Galang, and Bendicto Cabrera
Sungka Players, Manansala
Madonna of the Slums, Manansala
PR I NT MAK I N G
➢ One of the artistic forms that involves a large audience.
➢ Manuel Rodriguez, Sr. is the pioneer and mentor in Philippine graphic art who opened
Contemporary Graphic Art Workshop in Malate to attract artists to the new medium. He
specialized in etching. Three of his sons-Manuel Jr., Marcelino and Ray are all accomplished
printmakers.
➢ The Philippine Association of Printmakers was founded in 1968 and offered workshops in
various graphic mediums. The Association developed outstanding printmakers: Raul Isidro,
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Manuel Rodriguez Sr
Rodolfo Paras Perez
Orlando Castillo, Imelda Cajipe Endaya, Rodolfo Paraz Perez in wood cut, Rodolfo Samonte
in serigraphy, Virgilio Aviado and Ofelia Gelvezon in etching.
Activity
Lesson 5 - Philippine Contemporary Art and National Artists
“Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan .“- Jose Rizal
Philippine Contemporary Art
Contemporary Philippine Arts is an art produced at the present period, roughly from 1970
up to the present time. The term “contemporary art” refers to art made and produced by artists living
today. Massive progress in technology impacted the arts in terms of medium and technique. The
invention of computer technology greatly influenced graphic arts and combined arts.
In sculpture and architecture, introduction of new materials and innovativeness of artists to try out
new media, designs and techniques commercialized the process of plastic arts. Inventions of
machines for mass production and use of computer software for architecture enabled to view their
designs virtually in cyberspace.
Even the audience have changed. The impact of globalization, the internet and social media
strengthened interconnectedness of people around the globe increasing the level of awareness and
understanding of other countries society and culture.
Philippine National Artists
The National Artist recognition is the highest individual award given to an artist who
contributed works of significance to the Philippine arts in their area of artistry. This task is handled
by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and the Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP) and bestowed by the President of the Philippines. The confirmation of the
National Artist Award started in 1972 through Presidential Proclamation No. 1001 s. 1972. the
following is the list of National Artist of the Philippines (as of April 2017) in the categories of
architecture and Allied Arts, Broadcast Arts, Dance, Film, Literature, Music, Theater, and Visual
Arts.
Fernando Amorsolo was the first Philippine National Artist in 1972 and since then only 73
talented individuals have been given this honor. It is the highest recognition given to Filipino artists
(film, visual arts, dance, etc). In order to be considered for selection, the artist must meet certain
criteria such as work towards nation-building and has reviewed prestigious national and
international recognition.
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The Order of National Artists is the highest recognition given to Filipinos who have
contributed significantly to the status of Philippine arts, such as music, visual arts, literature, film,
broadcast arts, theater, dance, architecture, design, and allied arts. The recognition is sparsely given
to artists, with awards sometimes taking place years apart.
Since its inception in 1972, only 73 individuals have been conferred this highest honor of becoming
a National Artist of the Philippines. Of that number, 26 were awarded posthumously, including the
first National Artist, Fernando Amorsolo.
Originally, the recognition was called National Artists Award, until it was elevated in 2003
by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to the rank of Order. The Order is conferred to
individuals by the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural
Center of the Philippines (CCP) at a ceremony in Malacañang Palace.
The rank and title of a National Artist, although conferred by the NCCA and the CCP, bears the power
of a presidential proclamation.
To date, the Philippines has conferred the Order of National Artist to 13 individuals for music, six
for dance, eight for theater, seven for architecture, design, and the allied arts, one for historical
literature, seven for film, 14 for literature, and 17 for visual arts
Fernando Amorsolo
First conferred National Artist (1972)
Sample Works: Maiden in a Stream, Dalagang Bukid
http://tumblr.malacanang.gov.ph/
The Roster of National Artists
Year
Awardee
1972
Fernando C. Amorsolo
Visual Arts – Painting
Francisca Reyes Aquino
Dance
Carlos "Botong" V. Francisco
Visual Arts – Painting
Amado V. Hernández
Literature
Antonio J. Molina
Music
1973
Category
48
1976
1981
1982
1987
1988
1989
1990
1991
1997
Juan Nakpíl
Architecture
Guillermo E. Tolentino
Visual Arts – Sculpture
Jose Garcia Villa
Literature
Napoleón V. Abueva
Visual Arts – Sculpture
Leonor Orosa-Goquingco
Dance
Lamberto V. Avellana
Film and Theater
Nick Joaquín
Literature
Jovita Fuentes
Music
Victorio C. Edades
Visual Arts – Painting
Pablo Antonio
Architecture
Vicente S. Manansala
Visual Arts – Painting
Gerardo de León
Film
Carlos P. Rómulo
Literature
Honorata "Atang" de la Rama
Theater and Music
Antonino Buenaventura
Music
Lucrecia Reyes Urtula
Dance
Lucrecia R. Kasilag
Music
Francisco Arcellana
Literature
César Legaspi
Visual Arts – Painting
Leandro V. Locsin
Architecture
Hernándo R. Ocampo
Visual Arts – Painting
Lucio D. San Pedro
Music
Lino Brocka
Film
Felipe P. de León
Music
Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero
Theater
Rolando S. Tínio
Theater and Literature
N. V. M. González
Literature
49
Levi Celério
Music & Literature
Arturo R. Luz
Visual Arts – Painting
José Maceda
Music
Carlos Quirino
Historical Literature
Year
Awardee
J. Navarro Elizalde
Category
Visual Arts – Painting
Ernani Joson Cuenco
1999
2001
Andrea O. Veneración
Music
Edith L. Tiempo
Literature
Daisy Avellana
Theater
Ishmael Bernál
Film
Severino Montano
Theater
F. Sioníl José
Literature
Ang Kiukok
Visual Arts – Painting
José T. Joya
Virgilio S. Almario
2003
2006
20091[5]
2014[6]
Alejándro R. Roces
Literature
Eddie S. Romero
Film and Broadcast Arts
Salvador F. Bernál
Theater and Design
Benedicto Reyes Cabrera
Visual Arts – Painting
Abdulmari Asia Imao
Visual Arts – Sculpture
Bienvenido Lumbera
Literature
Ramón Obusan
Dance
I.P. Santos
Architecture – Landscape
Fernando Poe Jr.
Film
Ramón Valera
Architecture, Design and Allied Arts –
Fashion Design
Manuel Conde
Film and Broadcast Arts
Lázaro Francisco
Literature
Federico Aguilar Alcuáz
Visual Arts – Painting, Sculpture and Mixed
Media
Alice Reyes
Dance
Francisco Coching
Visual Arts
Cirilo F. Bautista
Literature
50
2018
Francisco Feliciano
Music
Ramón Santos
Music
José María Zaragoza
Architecture
Ryan Cayabyab
Music
Francisco Mañosa
Architecture and Allied Arts
Ramon Muzones
Literature
Resil Mojares
Literature
Larry Alcala
Visual Arts
Year
Awardee
Category
Amelia Lapeña Bonifacio
Theater
Kidlat Tahimik
Film and Broadcast Arts
Lesson 6 - Philippine Indigenous Arts and GAMABA Artists
“The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward
significance.” - Aristotle
Philippine Indigenous Arts
Creativity through craftsmanship is what Filipinos are also known. Many artisans across the
country showcase different unique crafts and arts that will surely catch your interest.
Cloth weaving
One of the most valuable living traditions that are still preserved until this day is the cloth
weaving. Threads or strands of material are passed under and over each other. Beginning in the
pre-colonial era, the art of cloth weaving, particularly of the Cordillera tribes in the North, still lives
notwithstanding the threat of the more practical production of fabrics today. The natives practice
blackstrap loom to create blankets and pieces of clothing.
Piña cloth is also created through looms everywhere in the province of Antique. It is a fine and
elegant handwoven fabric that is produced from the fibers of pineapple plants. It is commonly used
in Barong Tagalog, the traditional Philippine clothes for men. With its airy and organic textile, it is
growing more popular today and also around the world.
Another is the abaca fiber which comes from the abaca plant. Abaca is endemic and grown in the
Philippines. It is woven mainly to produce sinamay fabric. Abaca is famous in manufacturing rope,
51
specialty papers like the currency, vacuum bags, and tea bags. There are also handicrafts like
furniture, carpets, bags, and clothing specially made out of abaca.
Basket weaving
The Cordilleras mainly use baskets for their occupation. They utilize them for food storage too when
they have to go to the mountain terraces and farm their lands.
A basket is a must have for carrying hunting animals, grains, and fishing in the waters. The baskets
are made of bamboo to become as their fish traps; the size and the shape of the baskets are based
on the variety of fish they wish to catch.
Jewelry making
Since the 16th century, it is presumed that jewelry making in the country already existed. It is known
that the skills of the early Filipinos in creating jewelry are parented from our Asian neighbors like
the Chinese people.
There are two largest product classes of fine jewelry production in the Philippines:
Metal Jewelry
This jewelry is made of gold and silver which are in the forms of earrings, bracelets, rings, brooches,
necklaces, tie pins, pendants, and cuff links.
Pearls
Pearls are considered precious stones and as semi-precious stones. These are either unworked or
worked types of pearls.
52
Pottery
Pottery are made from wet clay, then hardened by baking. Pottery includes both decorative and
practical items such as bowls, dishes, vases and lamps. Pots in the country have various shapes,
sizes, and designs. Their designs are typically geometric with embellished nature motifs.
A model of this is the “palayok,” which is utilized for cooking. The “Banga” and “Tapayan” are
also used for depositing liquids. There is also the stove or “kalan” which is made out of clay. The
production of “Burnay” pottery in the Ilocos Sur is yet a spirited tradition that remains up to the
today.
Woodcarving
The Philippine sculpture is the most well-known art form of the Filipinos. The most famous
woodcarving in the Philippines is the carvings of the “Anitos” or the nature gods, “Santos” or saints,
and figures of Christ and the Blessed Mother Mary. Accordingly, Paete in Laguna is considered
wood carving capital of the Philippines since 2005.
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GAMABA Artists
In April 1992, the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan or the National Living Treasures Award
was institutionalized through Republic Act No. 7355. Tasked with the administration and
implementation of the Award is the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the
highest policy-making and coordinating body for culture and the arts of the State. The NCCA,
through the Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan Committee and an Ad Hoc Panel of Experts, conducts
the search for the finest traditional artists of the land, adopts a program that will ensure the transfer
of their skills to others and undertakes measures to promote a genuine appreciation of and instill
pride among our people about the genius of the Manlilikha ng Bayan.
First awarded in 1993 to three outstanding artists in music and poetry, the Gawad sa
Manlilikha ng Bayan has its roots in the 1988 National Folk Artists Award organized by the Rotary
Club of Makati-Ayala. As a group, these folk and traditional artists reflect the diverse heritage and
cultural traditions that transcend their beginnings to become part of our national character. As
Filipinos, they bring age-old customs, crafts and ways of living to the attention and appreciation of
Filipino life. They provide us with a vision of ourselves and of our nation, a vision we might be
able to realize someday, once we are given the opportunity to be true to ourselves as these artists
have remained truthful to their art.
As envisioned under R.A. 7355, “Manlilikha ng Bayan” shall mean a citizen engaged in
any traditional art uniquely Filipino whose distinctive skills have reached such a high level of
technical and artistic excellence and have been passed on to and widely practiced by the present
generation in his/her community with the same degree of technical and artistic competence.
GAMABA Artists
Ginaw Bilog
Poet, 1993
Hanunuo Mangyan
Panaytayan, Orinetal Mindoro
(Died in 2003)
He helped preserved the Mangyan literary tradition by documenting the pieces
of ambahan recorded not only on bamboo tubes but also on notebooks passed
on to him. The ambahan is a poetic literary form composed of seven-syllables.
The Filipinos are grateful and justifiably proud of Ginaw Bilog for vigorously
promoting the elegantly poetic art of the surat Mangyan and the ambahan.
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Masino Intaray
Musician and Storyteller, 1993
Palawan
(Died in 2013)
He has mastered the traditions of his people, the Palawan, Batak and
Tagbanwa in the highlands of Southern Palawan. He is skillful in basal
(gong music ensemble), kulial (lyrical poem expressing passionate love
song with the accompaniment of the kudyapi, and bagit (instrumental music
depicting nature.)
Samaon Sulaiman Musician, 1993
Magindanao
Mama sa Pano, Magindanao
(Died in 2011)
A master in the use of the kulintang and kudyapi (of the magindanaos) His
extensive repertoire of dinalayday, linapu, minuna, and binalig has
demonstrated not only his own skills but their culture.
Lang Dulay
Textile Weaver, 1998
T’boli
(+ 2015)
T’bolis are known for their use of abaca fibers in textile weaving. Lang
Dulay continued this tradition and preserved the culture of their community
through patterns of crocodiles, butterflies, flowers, mountains, and streams
of Lake Sebu in her works.
Salinta Monon
Textile Weaver, 1998
Tagabawa Bagobo
Bansalan, Davao del Sur
(+ 2009)
Salinta Monon had watched her mother’s nimble hands glide over the loom,
weaving traditional Bagobo textiles. She developed a keen eye for the
traditional designs, and now, at the age of 65, she can identify the design as
55
well as the author of a woven piece just by a glance. Salinta has built a solid reputation for the quality of her
work and the intricacies of her designs. There is a continuing demand for her fabrics.
Alonzo Saclag
Musician and Dancer, 2000
Lubugan, Kalinga
Worked for the preservation of Kalinga culture. He lobbied that the
abandoned Capitol Building be turned into a museum, that schools
implement the practice of donning the Kalinga costume for important
events and that traditional Kalinga music should be broadcasted alongside
contemporary music in the local radio station. He formed the Kalinga
Budong Dance Troupe
Francisco Caballero Epic Chanter, 2000
Sulod-Bukidnon
Calinog, Iloilo
A Panay-Bukidnon from the mountains of Central Panay to ceaselessly work for
the documentation of the oral literature, particularly the epics, of his people. These
ten epics, rendered in a language that, although related to Kiniray-a, is no longer
spoken, constitute an encyclopedic folklore one only the most persevering and the
most gifted of disciples can learn. Together with scholars, artists, and advocates of
culture, he painstakingly pieces together
the elements of this oral tradition nearly
lost.
Uwang Ahadas
Musician, 2000
Yakan
Lamitan, Basilan
His life’s work is to preserve and promote Yakan’ culture through the
traditional music and instruments of his tribe.He has mastered the
gabbang, the agung, the kwintagan and others.
Eduardo Mutuc
Metalsmith, 2004
Kapampangan
Apalit, Pampanga
56
He dedicated his life in sculpting retablos, mirrors, altars and carosas from bronze, and wood. Some of his
works can exceed 40 feet tall while the others feature smaller sizes and dedicate craftsmanship.
HAJA AMINA APPIMat Weaver, 2004
Sama
Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi
(+ 2013)
Haja Amina Appi of Ungos Matata, Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi, is recognized
as the master mat weaver among the Sama indigenous community of
Ungos Matata. Her colorful mats with their complex geometric patterns
exhibit her precise sense of design, proportion and symmetry and
sensitivity to color. Her unique multi-colored mats are protected by a plain
white outer mat that serves as the mat’s backing. Her functional and
artistic creations take up to three months to make.
Darhata Sawabi
Textile Weaver, 2004
Tausug
Parang, Sulu
Her remarkable proficiency with the art and the intricacy of her designs
allows her to price her creations a little higher than others. Her own
community of weavers recognizes her expertise in the craft, her bold
contrasting colors, evenness of her weave and her faithfulness to
traditional designs. Pis syabit weaving is a difficult art. She remains
faithful to the art of pis syabit weaving. Her strokes are firm and sure,
her color sensitivity acute, and her dedication to the quality of her
products unwavering.
57
Teofilo Garcia
Casque Maker, 2012
Ilocano
San Quintin, Abra
He learned how to make gourd casques and weave baskets from his
grandfather at the ag of 16. He never stopped experimenting with
other designs. He previously used nito to decorate the headgear and
then used with other materials such as bamboo after his supplier from
Cagayan passed away.
Magdalena Gamayo
Textile Weaver, 2012
Ilocano
Pinili, Ilocos Norte
Magdalena’s handiworks are finer than most abel –her blankets have a
very high thread count and her designs are the most intricate and can
sometimes take up to five colors. Making sure the right colored threads
are spaced evenly and keeping accurate count is a challenge that
Magdalena has always unerringly met. The beauty of her designs lies in
how delicate the patterns are, and yet how uniform the weave.
Magdalena’s calloused hands breathe life to her work and her unique
products are testament to how machines can never hope to equal the
human art.
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Ambalang Ausalin
Textile Weaver, 2016
(born 4 March 1943)
Apuh Ambalang's skill is deemed incomparable: she is able to bring forth
all designs and actualize all textile categories typical to the Yakan. She can
execute the suwah bekkat (cross-stitch-like embellishment) and suwah
pendan (embroidery-like embellishment) techniques of the bunga sama
category.
She possesses the complex knowledge of the entire weaving process, aware
at the same time of the cultural significance of each textile design or
category.She practiced the sinalu’an and the seputangan, two of the most
intricate categories in Yakan weaving. They are the most intricate since the
former requires the use of the minutest details of diamond or rhomboid
designs, and the latter demands balance and the filling up of all the spaces
on the warp with pussuk labung and dinglu or mata-mata patterns.
Estelita Bantilan
Mat Weaver, 2016
(born 17 October 1940)
Born as Labnai Tumdan was already precocious in mat weaving, took on
the name Estelita in the 1950s. She kept to her mat weaving. She persisted
where other women could not because her. Estelita also carried on because
mats were her gifts of choice to people she cherished. She was never wont
to monetize her mats. She carved out considerable time from domestic and
farming responsibilities to accomplish some of the biggest, most subtly
beautiful mats to be seen anywhere in Southeast
Asia today. And, from the evidence of the mats she makes today, Estelita
has continued to cultivate a personal aesthetic through half a century.
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Yabing Masalon Dulo Ikat Weaver, 2016
(born 8 August 1914)
She carries on with an exquisite tradition of her gift: the expert making
of fine warp ikat textiles. That focus brings to greater clarity a person
whose ikat-dyed fabrics bear stunning similarity with museum-held
Blaan pieces created more than a century ago.
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