American and Japanese Colonial Art

American Colonial Art

  • Introduction of Formal Education
    The Americans introduced formal education in the Philippines, along with the incorporation of Philippine literature written in English.

  • Philippine Literature in English
    The first known Filipino short story written in English, Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez, was published in 1925.

  • Secularism
    The principle that religion should not be connected with government, public education, or other societal institutions.

  • Vaudeville/Bodabil
    A form of theatrical entertainment popular during the American colonial period, featuring a variety of performances such as comedy skits, musical numbers, magic acts, and acrobatics.

  • University of the Philippines
    Established in 1908, the University of the Philippines became a center for academic excellence. Its School of Fine Arts, founded in 1909, trained many of the country's prominent artists.

Japanese Colonial Art

  • 1945 and Nationalism
    During the Japanese occupation, art focused on promoting nationalism and Filipino identity, often aligned with Japanese propaganda.

  • Fernando Amorsolo
    A celebrated Filipino artist known for his paintings depicting rural Philippine life, characterized by bright and naturalistic lighting.

  • New Society (Bagong Lipunan)
    A cultural initiative during Martial Law (1972–1981), spearheaded by the Marcos regime, which aimed to redefine Filipino culture and promote social order.

  • Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
    An institution founded to promote Philippine art and culture.

  • Social Realism
    An art movement during Martial Law that depicted the harsh realities of life under the regime, often highlighting poverty, oppression, and social injustice.

Notable Concepts in Literature

  • Pseudonym
    A pen name or alias used by writers to conceal their real identity.

  • Prometheus Unbound
    A significant piece of acrostic poetry written by Jose Lacaba, who used the pseudonym Ruben Cuevas. The work symbolized resistance against the dictatorship during Martial Law.

  • Democracy
    The governance system highlighted in literature and art during the Japanese occupation and Martial Law, emphasizing freedom, equality, and resistance against oppression.

  • Acrostic Poem

    An acrostic poem follows a specific pattern where the first letter (or sometimes syllable or word) of each line spells out a word, message, or theme when read vertically.