Con Phil Arts

I. Pre-Colonial Art (Pre-Conquest)

• Also called indigenous art (stylistic term) or pre-colonial art (cultural term).

• Art was integrated into daily life and rituals.

Forms of Art Before Colonization

1. Rituals & Theater

• Mayvanuvanua (Batanes) – Fishing season ritual.

• Cañao/Kanyaw (Cordillera) – Animal sacrifice, officiated by a shaman (mumbaki).

• Kashawing (Lake Lanao, Mindanao) – Ensured abundance during rice harvest.

• Tagbanwa Ritual (Palawan) – Shamans go into a trance.

2. Ethnic Musical Instruments

• Kudyapi – Three-stringed guitar.

• Kulintang – Array of bossed gongs.

• Gansa – Flat gong.

• Agong – Large bossed gong.

3. Native Dance Forms

• Pangalay (Sulu) – Mimics seabirds.

• Kinabua (Mandaya) – Imitates eagle movements.

• Banog-banog (Higaonon & B’laan) – Courtship dance mimicking birds.

• Manmanok (Bago Tribe) – Roosters competing for a hen.

• Talip (Ifugao) – Courtship dance mimicking wild fowls.

• Inamong (Matigsalug) & Kadaliwas (T’boli) – Imitates monkey movements.

• Tinikling (Tagalog) – Inspired by crane movements.

4. Carving & Symbolic Art

• Bulul (Cordillera) – Granary god, appears in containers and spoons.

• Hagabi (Ifugao) – Status-symbol wooden bench.

• Santos (Paete, Laguna & Betis, Pampanga) – Christian religious carvings.

• Okir – Curvilinear designs in Mindanao woodcarving.

• Sarimanok – Mythical bird holding a fish.

• Naga – Mythical serpent or dragon.

• Pako Rabong – Stylized growing fern.

• Panolong – Decorative protrusions on torogan (sultan’s house).

5. Pottery

• Manunggul Jar (890–710 BC) – Burial jar with human figures on the lid.

• Palayok – Clay cooking pot.

• Banga/Tapayan – Liquid storage pots.

• Burnay Pottery (Vigan, Ilocos) – Traditional pottery still practiced.

6. Weaving & Textiles

• Pis Syabit – Tausug headpiece.

• Malong – Worn by Maranao, featuring langkit (tapestry panels).

• Tepo Mat – Colorful pandan mat by Sama of Tawi-Tawi.

• Ovaloid Baskets – Made from nito and bamboo, used for carrying harvests.

7. Body Ornamentation & Metalwork

• Tattoos – Called “Islas de los Pintados” by Spaniards, common in Visayas and Cordillera.

• Jewelry – T’boli known for brass chains, bells, and beads.

• Lotoans – Betel nut boxes.

• Brass Kendi & Gadur – Ritual and heirloom objects.

II. Islamic Colonial Art (13th Century – Present)

• Islam became culturally dominant in Southern Philippines.

• Sayyid Abubakar of Arabia married Princess Piramisuli, daughter of Rajah Baguinda, establishing the Sultanate of Sulu.

Influence of Islam on Art

1. Tawhid (Unity with God) – Emphasizes divine greatness and the impermanence of nature.

2. Mosque Interior Designs – Elaborate geometric patterns.

3. Mihrab (Niche) & Qibla Wall – Oriented toward Mecca.

4. Bulbous Dome – Represents cosmic existence.

5. Ka’bah – Sacred shrine of Islam.

6. Ablution Areas – Used for cleansing before prayer.

7. Islamic Gardens – Found in mosques and homes.

8. Upward Orientation – Islamic art often extends vertically.

9. Panolong – Wing-like protrusions in torogan houses.

10. Luhul – Canopy inspired by the Tree of Life.

11. Burraq – Mythical horse with a woman’s head.
    

    I. Spanish Colonial Art: Style & Culture

    • Religious Art, Lowland Christian Art, or Folk Art

    • Major forms: Architecture, Sculpting, Engraving, Music, Literature, Theater, and Visual Art

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    II. Architecture

    1. Plaza Complex – Town center with the municipio (local government) and church.

    2. Cruciform Churches – Built in the shape of a Latin cross.

    3. Baroque Style – Grand, dramatic, and elaborate, appealing to emotions.

       • Examples: San Agustin Church (Manila), Paoay Church (Ilocos Norte), Sto. Tomas de Villanueva Church (Iloilo).

    4. Philippine Baroque (Tropical Baroque) – Fusion of European and native elements.

       • Miag-ao Church facade features St. Christopher with tropical motifs.

    5. Earthquake-resistant structures – Use of adobe, limestone, thick buttresses for stability.

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    III. Sculpting & Engraving

    1. Santos – Wooden religious statues influenced by Greek, Roman, and Baroque styles.

    2. Retablo – Ornate altarpieces with carvings and gilded details.

    3. Via Crucis – Series of 14 paintings depicting Christ’s Passion.

    4. Trompe l’oeil – Painting technique that creates a three-dimensional illusion.

    5. Relleves – Carved figurative protrusions.

    6. Plateria – Silverwork with organic designs.

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    IV. Music

    1. Western Musical Instruments – Pipe organ, violin, guitar, piano.

    2. Catholic Liturgical Music – Introduced by Archbishop Juan Rodriguez Angel (1742).

    3. Pasyon (Pabasa) – Chanted biblical narration of Christ’s Passion.

    4. Awit & Corrido – European-style epic chants.

    5. Balitao – Sentimental love songs.

    6. Kundiman – Songs of resignation and resistance (e.g., Bayan Ko).

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    V. Literature

    • Baybayin Writing – Used in bamboo pole inscriptions in Mindoro and Leyte.

    • Catechisms & Prayer Books – Promoted religious education.

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    VI. Theater

    1. Religious Processions – Featured embellished carrozas with Catholic saints.

    2. Zarzuela (Sarsuwela) – Musical theater with songs, dancing, and prose.

       • Famous playwrights: Severino Reyes, Hermogenes Ilagan.

       • Notable actress: Honorata "Atang" dela Rama (National Artist).

    3. Senakulo – Passion play depicting Christ’s suffering and death.

       • Written by Gaspar Aquino de Belen (1704).

    4. Komedya (Moro-Moro) – Dramatized Christian-Muslim conflicts.

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    VII. Folk Music & Dance

    • Cariñosa, Pandango, Polka, Danza, Rigodon – European-inspired dances.

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    VIII. Secular Art

    1. Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Yslas Filipinas (1734) – First scientific map of the Philippines by Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde.

    2. Flora de Filipinas – Compilation of Philippine plants by Fr. Manuel Blanco.

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    IX. Visual Arts

    1. Mural Paintings

       • Heaven, Earth, and Hell (1850) – Jose Dans (Paete Church, Laguna).

       • San Cristobal – Two versions.

       • Basi Revolt – Esteban Villanueva.

    2. Religious Art

       • Marcelo Adonay – Composed Catholic music.

       • Viriña – Glass case for santos.

       • Urna – Small altarpieces in Visayan homes.

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    X. Rise of the New Elite in Art

    1. Bahay na Bato – Spanish-style stone houses.

    2. Paintings

       • Miniaturist Style – Highly detailed, showcasing wealth and refinement.

         • Portrait of the Quiazon Family (1800) – Features jewelry, interior design, and fine clothing.

         • Other artists: Antonio Malantic, Isidro Arceo, Dionisio de Castro, Justiniano Asuncion.

       • Letras y Figuras – Names of individuals combined with everyday scenes.

         • Jose Honorato Lozano – Known for this style.

       • Academic Painting – European styles with chiaroscuro (light & shadow effects).

         • Damian Domingo – Established the first Philippine art school (Academia de Dibujo, 1821, Binondo).

       • Genre Painting – Realistic scenes of everyday life.

         • Primeras Letras (1890) – Simon Flores.

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    XI. Famous Painters & Works

    • Juan Luna – Spoliarium (Gold medal, Madrid Exposition).

    • Felix Hidalgo – Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho (Silver medal, Madrid Exposition).

    • España y Filipinas – In Lopez Museum.

I. American Colonial Period (1898–1946)

• Sedition Law – Banned writing and publishing materials advocating Philippine independence.

1. Literature

• Drama Simbolico – One-act plays expressing the desire for freedom.

  • Tanikalang Guinto (Golden Chain) – Juan Abad (1902)

  • Hindi Ako Patay (I Am Not Dead) – Juan Matapang Cruz (1903)

  • Kahapon, Ngayon, at Bukas (Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow) – Aurelio Tolentino

• A Modern Filipina (1915) – First English play by Liastillejo & Jesus Araullo.

• Vaudeville – A mix of songs, dances, slapstick, acrobatics, and comedy.

2. Architecture

• Neoclassical Urban Design – Government buildings integrated with parks & open spaces.

  • Notable architects: Tomas Mapua, Juan Arellano, Andres Luna de San Pedro, Antonio Toledo.

• Key Structures:

  • Legislative Building (Now National Museum of Fine Arts)

  • National Art Gallery

  • Post Office Building

3. Painting

• Fabian Dela Rosa – Known for naturalist painting, formal brushwork, and somber colors.

  • Planting Rice (1921), El Kundiman (1930).

• Fernando Amorsolo (National Artist, 1972) – Romantic painter capturing Philippine sunlight.

  • Ginebra Logo, Amorsolo School.

• Victorio Edades (National Artist) – Introduced modern art to the Philippines.

  • The Builders.

• Guillermo Tolentino (National Artist, 1973) – Sculptor influenced by classical tradition.

  • Oblation (1935, 1958), Bonifacio Monument (1933).

• Napoleon Abueva (National Artist) – Modern sculptor using various mediums.

II. Japanese Occupation (1941–1945)

• Modern Art slowed down due to war.

• KALIBAPI (Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod ng Bagong Pilipinas) – Sponsored art competitions.

• Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere – Propaganda promoting Pan-Asian unity.

• Amorsolo Paintings – Continued creating peaceful countryside scenes.

  • Harvest Scene (1942), Rice Planting (1942).

• War-Themed Paintings

  • Crispin Lopez’s Study of an Aeta (1943) – Indigenous portrait.

  • Amorsolo’s Bombing of the Intendencia (1942), Ruins of the Manila Cathedral (1945) – Showed neutral war scenes.

  • Diosdado Lorenzo’s Atrocities in Paco, Dominador Castañeda’s Doomed Family – Depicted war’s brutality.

III. Martial Law & Marcos Era (1970s–1980s)

• Bagong Lipunan (New Society) – Marcos’ vision for modernization & cultural revival.

• Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) – Premier institution for arts and culture.

  • Art exhibitions, grants, workshops.

• CCP Complex Structures:

  • Folk Arts Theater (1974) – Miss Universe Pageant.

  • Philippine International Convention Center (1976) – IMF-World Bank Conference.

  • Manila Film Center – Hosted Manila International Film Festival.

  • Coconut Palace (Tahanang Filipino) – Built for the Papal Visit.

Reviving Filipino Tradition

• National Arts Center (Mt. Makiling) – Designed by Leandro Locsin, inspired by Ifugao fale houses.

• Coconut Palace – Designed by Francisco Mañosa, using indigenous materials, with a salakot-shaped roof.

I. What is Context in Art?

• Context refers to the setting, conditions, circumstances, and events that affect the creation and reception of an artwork.

• Recognizing context helps us understand how social, political, economic, religious, and historical forces influence art.

• Example: The Bulul (granary god of the Ifugao) is ancient but remains relevant in contemporary exhibitions.

II. Different Contexts of Art

1. Artist’s Background

• An artist’s age, gender, culture, economic conditions, social environment, and training affect their work.

• Apprenticeship in Art:

  • Betis, Pampanga sculptors learn through mentoring from a master sculptor (matekanan mandukit).

  • Paete, Laguna produces Taka (papier-mâché horses) for local sale and export.

• Cultural Identity in Art:

  • Abdulmari Asia Imao (National Artist, 2006) incorporated Mindanao culture in his works, especially the Sarimanok.

  • Talaandig artists (Bukidnon) use soil pigments to paint about land and environmental issues.

  • Julie Lluch (Cutting Onions Always Makes Me Cry, 1988) – Expresses female identity and struggles through terracotta sculptures.

• Migration & Travel – Broaden artistic influences by exposing artists to different materials and ideas.

2. Nature (Environment & Materials)

• Artists use natural materials in their work:

  • T’nalak (T’boli fabric) – Made of abaca fibers, inspired by nature.

  • Nelfa Querubin-Tompkins – Experiments with San Dionisio clay (Iloilo) in pottery.

• Traditional Architecture:

  • Ivatan houses (Batanes) – Built with stones and fango (cogon + mud mortar) for typhoon resistance.

• Environmental & Climate Awareness:

  • Junyee (Angud, A Forest Once, 2000) – Installation art about deforestation.

  • Veejay Villafranca – Photojournalist raising awareness on climate refugees.

• Depictions of Nature in Art:

  • Fernando Amorsolo – Painted romanticized landscapes.

  • Ricarte Puruganan – Depicted nature as an uncontrollable force (Toilers of the Sea, 1980).

3. Everyday Life

• Art is functional and tied to daily activities:

  • Pabalat (Bulacan) – Decorative wrappers for pastillas.

  • Lirio Salvador (Sandata ni Shiva) – Uses bicycle parts and machine scraps in his sculptures.

  • MM Yu – Captures unnoticed urban patterns & objects in photography.

4. Society, Politics, Economy, and History

• Art is influenced by social change, politics, and economic shifts.

• Technology & Art:

  • Photography became accessible in the 1920s when Kodak set up in the Philippines.

  • Photography served both documentary & artistic purposes.

• Early Filipino Films:

  • Dalagang Bukid (1919) – First Filipino-directed film by Jose Nepomuceno, based on a play by Hermogenes Ilagan & Leon Ignacio.

  • Atang de la Rama (National Artist) sang live during screenings due to the lack of sound recording.

• Art as Protest & Appropriation:

  • Benedicto Cabrera (Bencab) – Brown Brother’s Burden (1970) critiques American colonialism.

  • Appropriation – Using existing materials in a new context to give them alternative meanings.

5. Mode of Reception (How Art is Perceived)

• Museums & Exhibitions shape our perception of art.

• Audience reaction varies based on exposure and personal background.

• Mideo Cruz’s “Poleteismo” (2011, CCP Exhibit “Kulo”) – Controversial mixed-media artwork that sparked debates on religion and freedom of expression.

  • Artist’s Statement: “I like to provoke debates and critical thinking. The audience is free to interpret my work, but I never intended to offend anyone.”

• Factors Affecting Art Reception:

  • Age, gender, culture, economic conditions, social environment, and personal views.

I. National Artist Award (NAA)

• Highest recognition given to Filipino artists for significant contributions to arts & letters.

• Established in 1972; awarded every three years.

• First recipient: Fernando Amorsolo (Painting).

• Categories:

  • Architecture, Design & Allied Arts

  • Film

  • Visual Arts

  • Literature

  • Dance

  • Music

  • Theater

II. Notable National Artists & Their Works

Visual Arts & Sculpture

• Guillermo Tolentino – Oblation (1935) (National Artist, 1972).

• Benedicto "BenCab" Cabrera – Variations of Sabel (2015).

• Napoleon Abueva – Spirit of Business (1979).

Literature

• Nick Joaquin – A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino (1950) (Awarded 1976).

  • Story about a crippled artist dedicating a painting to his unmarried daughters.

III. Support Systems & Institutions for the Arts

• Institutions – Schools & universities offer training, degrees, and art programs.

  • Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) – Focuses on visual arts, creative writing, theater, dance, and music.

Artist Collectives & Organizations

• Anino Shadowplay Collective (1996) – Specializes in shadowplay performances.

• Sipat Lawin Ensemble (2008) – An experimental theater company performing in unconventional spaces (cafes, stadiums, car parks).

• Tanghalang Ateneo – Produces Filipino plays & adaptations of classics.

• Teatro Tomasino – Student-written original plays.

• Dulaang UP – Produces works in English & Filipino, including traditional sarswelas.

IV. Dance & Performing Arts

• Kalilayan Folkloric Dance Group

• University of San Carlos Dance Troupe

• Hiyas ng Maynilad Dance Troupe

• UP Filipina Dance Group

• Lyceum of Batangas Folk Dance Company

V. Visual Arts & Museums

• Museums preserve cultural heritage for future generations.

• Contemporary art exhibitions are no longer confined to museums; they can be held in public spaces and alternative venues.