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Order of the National Artists

  • Established under Proclamation No. 1001, s.1972.

  • Highest national recognition for Filipino contributions to arts.

  • Administered by NCCA and CCP, with awards given every 3 years by the President.

Objectives

  • Recognize significant contributions of Filipino artists to cultural heritage.

  • Promote high-level Filipino artistic accomplishments.

  • Encourage creative expressions that strengthen cultural identity.

Criteria for Selection

  • Must be natural-born Filipino citizens, includes posthumous awardees.

  • Contributions to Filipino sense of nationhood through works.

  • Pioneering in creative expression or style with an impactful body of work.

  • Acceptance through recognition and respect from peers and critics.

Honors and Privileges

  • Rank and title of National Artist; gold-plated medallion; lifetime benefits.

  • Cash awards: P200,000 for living, P150,000 for posthumous awardees.

  • Monthly stipend of P30,000; life insurance for insurable awardees; state funeral benefits.

  • Place of honor at national events.

National Artists by Discipline

Architecture

Key Figures:

  • Pablo S. Antonio (1976): Pioneered modern architecture in the Philippines.

  • Juan F. Nakpil (1973): Known for reflecting Filipino traditions in architecture.

  • Ildefonso P. Santos (2006): Father of Philippine Landscape Architecture.

Major Works:

  • Notable projects by mentioned architects including buildings and theaters.

Visual Arts

Key Figures:

  • Fernando Amorsolo (1972): Grand Old Man of Philippine Art, known for backlighting.

  • Cesar Legaspi (1990): Neo-Realist, remembered for cubism refinements.

  • Hernando Ocampo (1991): Recognized for vibrant landscapes and activism in Philippine art.

Notable Artists:

  • Arturo Luz (1997): Established professional art gallery standards.

  • Jose T. Joya (2003): Pioneer of Filipino abstract expressionism.

  • Benedicto Cabrera (2006): Renowned for the emblematic figure 'Sabel'.

Literature

Key Figures:

  • Jose Garcia Villa (1973): Influential poet known for unique rhyme schemes and punctuation.

  • Nick Joaquin (1976): Distinguished writer who enhanced English literature in the Philippines.

  • Francisco Arcellana (1990): Pioneer of lyrical prose in short stories.

Contemporary Arts Characteristics

  1. Not confined to museums; diverse locations such as streets & galleries.

  2. Online selling practices for artworks.

  3. Many contemporary artists are self-taught.

  4. Use of diverse materials and collaboration with various trades for art creation.

  5. Process of art-making valued over sales.

  6. Subject matter often includes socio-political themes and abstraction.

  7. Various styles range from Abstract expressionism to Kinetic art, Video art, and Body art.

Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA)

  • Awarded to traditional artists excelling in distinct Filipino crafts, aimed at preservation and recognition of indigenous arts.

  • Criteria: Mastery of craft, community recognition, ability to pass on skills.

  • Honors include medallion, cash grants, and lifelong stipends.

  • Notable awardees include Ginaw Bilog for poetry, Lang Dulay for weaving, and Samaon Sulaiman for musically preserving cultural heritage.

Traditional Folk Arts

  • Folk architecture representations such as Bahay Kubo, Ivatan houses, and Badjao's stilt houses.

  • Maritime transport traditional boats like Wooden Banca and Vinta.

  • Weaving and textiles' cultural significance, including Piña and T’nalak cloths.

  • Wood carving and pottery as essential components of Philippines' artistic heritage, illustrated by Manunggul jars and anthropomorphic potteries.

References:

  • National Commission for Culture and the Arts (ncca.gov.ph)

  • Contemporary Philippine Arts, Vibal Group Inc.

  • Various historical literature sources including works on contemporary arts and traditional folk arts.