Study Notes on Contemporary Philippine Art

Define the term "contemporary art" in art historical, cultural and stylistic terms.
Explain the difference between contemporary and modern art in the context of the Philippines.
Appreciate the role of contemporary art and the artists in the Philippine contemporary life.

Respond to global environment: Contemporary art reflects and responds to the current global issues affecting society.
Culturally diverse: It incorporates and respects the varying cultural backgrounds of artists and communicates a range of cultural narratives.
Technologically advanced: Utilizes modern technology in its production and dissemination.
Multifaceted: Encompasses a wide variety of mediums and formats, reflecting the complexity of contemporary life.

Common Confusion: It is a common tendency to describe the present as modern; however, modern and contemporary art refer to significantly different periods.
Modern Art
- Timeframe: roughly from the 1860s to 1970s.
- Characteristic: Defined by artists breaking away from realism and traditional expressions.
- Focus: Experimentation and abstraction.
Contemporary Art
- Timeframe: from the 1960s to present.
- Characteristic: Defines itself by its focus on social commentary, diverse narratives, and often utilizes digital media.
- Emphasizes ongoing processes of creation.

Appropriation: The use of pre-existing images or objects in a new work, creating a dialogue between the past and present.
Performance: Art created through actions or gestures in front of an audience, engaging them within the experience.
Space: The use of physical environments (installation art) to enhance artistic expression.
Hybridity: Mixing unlikely materials to produce new artistic interpretations.
Technology: Use of video and the Internet for creating and propagating art, reaching wider audiences.

The Philippines is described as a gold mine of ART, celebrating a wealth of artistic traditions and forms.
Influences from four colonial periods: Spanish, British, American, and Japanese.
Art has been shaped by various global influences, including the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Contemporary Philippine art began to take shape after World War II and during the Martial Law Era (1970s).
Writers and filmmakers under oppressive regimes used their mediums to protest and address societal issues.

Birth of Postmodernism: Appeared in the late 1980s, contradicting aspects of modernism.
Emphasized borrowing, combining, and exploring existing themes to create new interpretations, leading to integrative art practices.
- Pastiche: A fundamental characteristic blurring lines between high and low culture, often displaying fragmented narratives.
Contemporary art now addresses socially conscious issues, including feminism, consumerism, globalization, and health awareness.

Painting: The expression of ideas and emotions through aesthetic qualities in a two-dimensional language.
Sculpture: Three-dimensional art objects made from hard or plastic materials, with notable Filipino sculptors emerging in the mid-19th century.
Architecture: Defined by its functional design reflective of Filipino personal and community identity.
Film: A visual art form using moving images to tell stories; the Philippine film industry began in 1897.
Literature: A blend of traditional folktales and contemporary narratives reflecting societal issues.
Dance: Embodies rhythmic movements for expression, varying across the Philippine regions.
Music: A combination of cultural sounds and Western influences shaped contemporary Filipino music.

Explain how tradition becomes contemporary through arts and initiatives like the Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) Awards.
Create artistic works that promote traditional practices in collaboration with GAMABA awardees.

Institutions: Serve to nurture artistic talent over prolonged periods.
Organizations and Collectives: Groups of individuals sharing similar art practices.
Media: Platforms for the storage and dissemination of artistic information.
Alternative Platforms: Independent studios fostering artistic collaborations.

Definition: National Living Treasures Award honoring artists who contribute to the country’s intangible cultural heritage.
Requirements: Candidates must demonstrate mastery in traditional arts and engage their communities.
Impact: Revitalizes local art traditions and facilitates skill transfer to younger generations.

Purpose: The highest recognition for Filipino artists awarded every three years.
Established: 1972, integrating seven disciplines: architecture, film, visual arts, literature, dance, music, and theater.

Fernando C. Amorsolo: Recognized as the first posthumous awardee, known for his depiction of Philippine landscapes.
Benedicto R. Cabrera (BenCab): Renowned painter described as the best-selling artist of his generation.
Napoleon Abueva: Known as the “Father of Modern Philippine Sculpture.”
José Joya: Pioneer of abstract expressionism in the Philippines.

Philippine contemporary art reflects a rich tapestry of influences, traditions, and modern expressions, continually evolving while acknowledging its roots and societal challenges.