Contemporary Arts in the Philippines Reviewer
Conceptual Foundations and Categories of Philippine Contemporary Art
Contemporary art is fundamentally defined by its etymological roots, derived from the Latin prefix "con," which signifies "together" or "with," and "tempus," meaning "time." There are two primary perspectives used to define and analyze contemporary art: the chronological view and the historical usage. The chronological view defines contemporary art as being intrinsically related to the current period in art history, specifically referring to works that are new, recent, modern, or pertaining to the present moment. In contrast, the historical usage regards contemporary art as a specific stage in the evolutionary timeline of art, identifying it with a specific location in space and time.
Technically, the progression of Philippine art is categorized into three major traditions: the Ethnic Tradition, the Spanish Tradition, and the American Colonial or Contemporary Tradition. For study purposes, these are often assessed through seven major art forms: visual arts, literature, film, theater, music, dance, and architecture. Contemporary art also serves several critical functions within society, including providing pleasure, serving as a form of spirituality, acting as a means of remembrance, functioning as a professional career path, allowing for self-expression, and providing a medium for social commentary.
Evolution and Styles of Visual Arts in the Philippines
Visual arts are defined as artworks such as painting, photography, or sculpture that appeal primarily to the visual sense and typically exist in a permanent form. A pivotal figure in this field was Victorio Edades, recognized as the Father of Modern Philippine Painting. Edades departed from traditional aesthetics by using dull and dark hues in his works, as seen in his piece "The Sketch." His influence gave rise to Proletarian Art, which depicts life after the war, social issues, and economic problems. This movement was supported by institutions like the Art Association of the Philippines, founded by Purita Kalaw-Ledesma, and the Philippine Art Gallery, established by Lydia Villanueva-Arquilla.
Various styles emerged during the contemporary period, including Paris Cubism, a form of cubism characterized by fragmented figures displayed in larger planes, specific color harmonies, and textures. Notable cubists include Vicente Manansala, Romeo Tabuena, and Cesar Legaspi. Abstract art also became prominent, focusing on shapes, colors, forms, and gestural marks rather than an accurate depiction of visual reality. Key abstractionists include H.R. Ocampo, Constantino Bernardo, Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz, and Jose Joya. Additionally, styles like Magic Realism (characterized by minute details and highlighted textures), Genre Painting (showing the lives of townfolks and traditions), and Surrealism (exploring the world of dreams) gained footing.
In the realm of sculpture, Napoleon Abueva is honored as the Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture. Abueva was known for creating unique sculptures by combining diverse materials such as varieties of wood, metals, and stones. Other sculptors, including Ramon Orlina and Impy Pilapil, explored the innovative use of glass in their works. The legacy of Philippine visual art is further cemented by figures like Fernando C. Amorsolo, the first National Artist and the "Grand Old Man of Philippine Art," known for his famous work "Dalagang Bukid."
Developments in Philippine Literature, Music, and Theater
Philippine literature in the contemporary era saw the rise of the "Bagay" movement. This style of poetry is built on concrete images and uses colloquial language to describe human experiences. A significant literary figure is Amado V. Hernandez, whose work "Ang Bayang Malaya" is a long narrative piece concerning a peasant leader, focusing on themes of oppression and the struggle for human rights. Post-World War II also saw a surge in literary criticism aimed at analyzing Philippine writing.
Philippine music underwent significant evolution, particularly in the s when avant-garde music emerged as a combination of classical traditions and ethnic music. This led to the development of Pinoy Pop, which encompasses jazz, dance hits, folk song revivals, rock and roll, and rap. Original Pilipino Music () refers to music purely composed and performed by Filipinos. This was followed by "Alternative Music," influenced by folk balladeers and sprouting from social protests. Alternative music often covers themes such as Filipino values, political concerns, environmental issues, and other societal themes.
Philippine theater was influenced by the American introduction of Bodabil, or stage shows. While originally composed of songs, dances, and skits, Bodabil evolved during the Japanese period to include short melodramas. Directors like Lamberto Avellana, Severino Montano, and Wilfredo Ma. Guerrero contributed to theater's progress as artists experimented with traditional forms like Sarswela, Komedya, and Sinakulo. Contemporary theater utilizes three main styles: Representational Style (focused on psychological and social realism), Presentational Style (highlighting social ideas, especially during the Marcos regime), and Documentary Style (discussing historical events). The Dula-dula, a short drama-poem, also emerged as a popular theater form.
Innovations in Dance, Architecture, and Film
Contemporary dance in the Philippines includes both the legacy of Bodabil—which featured buck-and-wing, tap dancing, clog, and skirt dancing—and Modern Dance. Modern dance is revolutionary and does not conform to the rules of classical ballet; instead, it mixes western and Asian dances with traditional and experimental forms. In architecture, the Philippine style is characterized as simple, rational, and functional. A notable development was the "Tsalet," a type of house on stilts with a front wooden porch and concrete elements. This period also marked the introduction of steel in building construction to provide protection against calamities such as earthquakes.
The film industry, which started in via Swiss entrepreneurs, became popular in when Edward Gross and Harry Brown produced a film about Dr. Jose Rizal. Jose Nepomuceno, the "Father of Philippine Movies," produced the first Filipino-led film, "Dalagang Bukid." The industry was eventually dominated by the "Big Four" studios: , Sampaguita, Lebran, and Premiere. Recognition for cinematic excellence was established through the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences () and the Maria Clara Awards.
The Order of the National Artist: Visual Arts and Music
The most prestigious recognition for Filipino artists is the Order of the National Artist (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining), established on April , , under Proclamation No. . In Visual Arts, laureates include Fernando Amorsolo (backlighting technique), Carlos ’Botong’ Francisco (historical murals), Guillermo Tolentino (UP Oblation), and Napoleon Abueva (Father of Modern Sculpture). Other masters include Victorio Edades, Vicente Manansala (cubism), Hernando R. Ocampo (whose work "Genesis" inspired the CCP curtain), Cesar Legaspi, Jeremias Elizalde Navarro, Ang Kiukok (expressionistic cubism), BenCab, Abdulmari Asia Imao (Muslim motifs), and Jose Joya (abstract expressionism).
National Artists for Music include Antonino R. Buenaventura, Jose Maceda (traditional music), Lucrecia R. Kasilag (ethnic and western fusion), and Ernani J. Cuenco. Lucio San Pedro is famous for "Sa Ugoy ng Duyan," while Antonio J. Molina is known as the "Claude Debussy of the Philippines." Levi Celerio earned a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for playing music with a leaf. Other notable figures are Ramon P. Santos, Jovita Fuentes, Felipe Padilla De Leon, Andrea Veneracion (Philippine Madrigal Singers), and Ryan Cayabyab (icon of ). Honorata ‘Atang’ Dela Rama, known as the Queen of Kundiman, was a National Artist for both Theater and Music.
National Artists for Film, Dance, Theater, and Architecture
In the field of Film, notable National Artists include Lamberto V. Avellana (the "Boy Wonder"), Gerardo de Leon (most awarded in history), Lino Brocka (freedom of expression), and Ishmael Bernal (director of "Himala"). Other celebrated figures are Eddie Romero, Fernando Poe Jr. ("Da King"), Manuel Conde, and Kidlat Tahimik. Marilou Diaz Abaya and Nora Aunor are also recognized, along with screenwriter Ricky Lee.
For Dance, Francisca Reyes Aquino is the "Mother of Filipino Dances," while Leonor O. Goquingco is the "Trailblazer." Lucrecia R. Urtula founded the Bayanihan Philippine Dance Company, and Alice Garcia Reyes founded Ballet Philippines. Architecture laureates include Pablo S. Antonio (pioneer of modern architecture), Leandro V. Locsin (Istana Nurul Iman), Ildefonso P. Santos (Father of Landscape Architecture), and Juan Nakpil. Francisco Ma%f1osa is known for original Filipino forms like the Coconut Palace. In Theater, pioneers include Daisy Avellana, Rolando Tinio (the "Titan"), and Salvador F. Bernal (Father of Theater Design).
National Artists for Literature, Fashion, and GAMABA Awardees
Literature National Artists include Francisco Arcellana, Nick Joaquin (distinguished writer in English), and F. Sionil Jose (Rosales Saga). Jose Garcia Villa used the pseudonym "Doveglion" and was known for his unique use of punctuation. Amado V. Hernandez focused on colloquial Tagalog prose, while Carlos P. Romulo was the only Asian to win a Pulitzer Prize in Journalism. Other laureates include Edith L. Tiempo, Virgilio S. Almario, and Bienvenido Lumbera. In Fashion Design, Ramon Valera is the "Father of Philippine Fashion" for his innovations on the Terno, alongside Salvacion Lim Higgins (Slim).
The Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan () honors traditional folk artists. Awardees include Ginaw Bilog (Hanunuo Mangyan poet of Ambahan, a seven-syllable poem), Masino Intaray (Palawan poet and musician for Basal, Kulilal, and Bagit), and Samaon Sulaiman (Maguindanaon master of the Kutyapi, a two-stringed lute). Textile weavers include Lang Dulay (T’boli T’nalak fabric) and Salita Monon (Bagobo fabrics). Other traditional artists are Alonzo Saclag (Kalinga performing arts), Frederico Caballero (Epic chanting), Uwang Ahadas (Yakan musician of the Kwintangan Kayu), Eduardo Mutuc (wood and metal craft), and Teofilo Garcia (Tabungaw hat maker).