Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions – Week 1

Thirty question-and-answer flashcards covering key concepts, artists, artworks, and definitions from Week 1 of Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions.

What is meant by “contemporary art”?

Art produced by artists living today, created in the present period and developing from post-modern/modern art.

Give the three stated objectives of the lesson on Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions.

1) Define contemporary arts, 2) Classify various art forms in the Philippines, 3) Appreciate contemporary art forms and practices.

List at least five visual-arts disciplines mentioned in the notes.

Possible answers: painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video, filmmaking, design, crafts, architecture.

From what material are Angono’s ‘Higantes’ primarily made?

Paper-mâché (locally called “taka”).

The ‘Higantes’ of Angono traditionally honor which patron saint and on what date?

St. Clement on November 23 during the Angono festival.

What does each ‘Higante’ figure symbolically represent in Filipino culture?

Members of a family—a father, mother, and children.

Where was the Manunggul Jar discovered, and what journey do its cover figures represent?

Excavated in Tabon Caves, Palawan; the figures depict the soul’s voyage to the afterlife.

Identify the material used to create the Manunggul Jar.

Clay mixed with sand soil.

Which National Artist sculpted the Bohol Blood Compact monument and what historic event does it commemorate?

Napoleon Abueva; it honors the 1565 blood compact (Sandugo) between Rajah Sikatuna and Miguel López de Legazpi.

Name two common materials, other than wood, that Filipino contemporary sculptors use.

Metals, stones (also acceptable: plastic, jade, brass).

Define the practice of painting according to the notes.

Applying pigment in a medium with a binder onto a surface (paper, canvas, wall, etc.) often to express ideas or spiritual motifs.

Which Filipino painter is renowned for rural landscapes and mastery of light?

Fernando Amorsolo y Cueto.

In painting, what does the style term “magic realism” signify?

Highly detailed depiction that emphasizes minute textures and colors, creating a realistic yet magical effect.

What characterizes ‘genre painting’ in the Philippine context?

Depictions of everyday town life, legends, and traditions.

Describe the general architectural character adopted in early-20th-century Philippine buildings.

Simple, rational, and functional forms influenced by modern Western styles yet adapted to local conditions.

Name one of the Filipino architects who studied in American schools and influenced modern Philippine architecture.

Juan Arellano (also acceptable: Carlos Barreto or Antonio Toledo).

Which iconic Manila structure exemplifies early modern Philippine architecture mentioned in the notes?

The Manila Metropolitan Theater.

Provide the broad definition of ‘literature’ given in the lecture.

Any collection of written work considered an art form or valued for artistic/intellectual merit, often employing language distinct from ordinary usage.

What is the ‘Bagay’ poetry movement notable for, and name one poet associated with it.

Use of colloquial language and concrete imagery; poets include Jose F. Lacaba, Rolando Tinio, Bienvenido Lumbera, etc.

Define ‘spoken word’ poetry.

A word-based performance art emphasizing oral delivery, intonation, and voice inflection.

During which decade did avant-garde Filipino music begin blending classical and ethnic elements?

The 1960s.

Which Filipino musician’s hit song “Anak” became an icon of Filipino pop/rock?

Freddie Aguilar.

What is ‘Manila sound’ in the context of Pinoy pop?

A Western-derived, English-lyric pop style imbued with a distinctly Filipino spirit.

What does the abbreviation OPM stand for and what does it refer to?

Original Pilipino Music; popular Filipino songs by local artists.

List two common societal themes tackled by Philippine ‘alternative music’.

Filipino values, political issues, environmental concerns (also acceptable: protest topics, social commentary).

Provide the definition of ‘theatre’ as given in the notes.

A collaborative performing art using live actors to present a real or imagined event to an audience through speech, gesture, music, and dance.

What entertainment form introduced by Americans evolved into including short melodramas during the Japanese period?

Bodabil (stage show/vaudeville).

Which traditional Philippine folk dance features dancers stepping between moving bamboo poles?

Tinikling.

In the Cariñosa folk dance, what props highlight the courtship theme?

A fan or handkerchief used to create a romantic scenario.

In art critique, what is meant by the term ‘medium’?

The material or means an artist uses to express or convey the artwork (e.g., oil paint, stone, digital video).