LESSON 1: ARTS AND ITS VARIOUS FORMS

Ar

In Aryan, which means, “to join or put together.“

Artizein

In Greek, it means “to prepare.”

Ars or artis

In Latin, which means “skill or technique.“

Art

It is a diverse range of human activities involving the creation of visual, auditory, or performance artifacts that express the creator’s imagination, conceptual ideas, or technical skill, intended to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power.

Subject and Medium

The two elements of an artwork.

Subject

It is the main idea or theme being represented in the artwork. It answers the question: “What do you see?” or “What is being portrayed?”

Medium

The medium refers to the materials or tools used by the artist to create the artwork. It answers the question: "What was it made of?" or "How was it created?

Picture

A two-dimensional work using shapes, lines, colors, tones, and textures to express ideas and emotions visually.

Sculpture

Comes from the Latin word "sculpere," meaning to carve. Three-dimensional art formed by working with materials like stone, metal, wood, or plastic to represent ideas or forms.

Architecture

Art and practice of designing and constructing buildings and structures with functional, aesthetic, and cultural value.

Literature

Artistic use of language—written or spoken—to evoke experiences and meaning through poetry and prose.

Poetry

It refers to the type of literature that expresses one’s emotions or ideas using figurative or symbolic language, usually written in a group of lines or stanzas.

Prose

It uses sentences and paragraphs, and sounds like an ordinary speech/writing used to inform and persuade the readers.

Baybayin

It comes from the Filipino root word meaning to “to spell” or “to write syllables,” and it is an ancient pre-colonial writing system used in the Philippines, particularly by the Tagalog, Kapampangan, and Ilocano peoples, before and during the early Spanish colonial period.

Ethnic Traditional Music

It refers to the original musical expressions of the early Filipino ethnolinguistic groups.

European-influenced Religious and Secular Music

This music developed during the Spanish colonial period (16th to 19th century) when Western musical traditions—especially from Europe—were introduced through religious missions, churches, and schools. It includes both sacred music (e.g., mass, pasyon) and secular songs (e.g., harana, kundiman, pandanggo).

American-inspired Music

This music emerged during and after the American occupation (1898 onward), introducing jazz, blues, rock, pop, and hip-hop to the Philippines. It also brought in modern recording and broadcasting technology, influencing the development of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Dance

Art of rhythmic body movement in time and space to communicate ideas, stories, or emotions.

Folk Dance

It is a traditional dance that reflects the life, customs, beliefs, and stories of the people in a specific region. It is usually passed down orally and performed during festivals, rituals, or community events.

Ballet

It is a highly technical and classical form of dance that originated in the royal courts of Europe (particularly France and Italy). It is known for its graceful, precise movements, storytelling, and expressive form.

Modern Dance

It is a free, expressive dance style that emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to the rigid structure of ballet. It emphasizes natural movement, personal expression, and often explores contemporary issues or emotions.

Theater

This is the art form of performance.

Dulang Pahiyang

It refers to a conventional or formal stage play that follows structured elements of Western theatrical traditionn—such as a scripted plot, defined acts and scenes, stage direction, and rehearsed performance. It is usually performed in formal venues like theaters or auditoriums.tradition—such

Dulamayan

It is a community-based, participatory form of theater that aims to raise awareness, empower communities, and address social or political issues.

Film

This art form is a technological translation of theater. In films, special effects are utilized to enhance the storytelling. It uses moving images to tell stories, depict ideas, and evoke emotions.

Action

Fast-paced with fights, stunts, and heroic characters often against crime and corruption.

Drama

Emotional, realistic stories focusing on family, society, or personal struggles.

Comedy

Designed to entertain and make people laugh through humorous content.

Horror

Uses supernatural or eerie elements to scare or thrill the audience.

Fantasy

Features magical or supernatural themes, often inspired by Filipino folklore.

Animation

Uses animated visuals, often appealing to younger audiences or for storytelling.