SOC-SCI-1-Lesson-1.1

Chapter 1: Lesson Summary

What is Contemporary Art?

  • Refers to art being created now; derived from Latin where 'con' means "together" and 'tempus' means "time".

  • Constantly changing and innovating.

Characteristics of Contemporary Art

  • Emphasis on experimentation with new media and methodologies.

  • Influences of new technologies provide novel ways for conceptualizing, producing, and displaying art.

  • Two main views: chronological and historical perspectives.

When Did Contemporary Art Start?

Chronological View

  • Defines contemporary art as relating to current events in art history.

  • Refers to art that is new or modern, indicating that older works were once contemporary in their time.

Historical View

  • Regards contemporary art as a specific stage in the evolution of arts, marked by a timeline.

  • Associated with the period following modernism.

Important Historical Context

  • Art Produced since the 1960s:

    • Post-WWII shift from European to U.S. cultural dominance.

    • Marked the end of European colonialism.

    • 1960s defined as the reference point for transition from modern to contemporary.

Contemporary Art in the Philippines

1970s

  • Emerged in reaction to social and cultural conditions.

  • Era marked by repression and censorship by the Marcos regime.

  • Social realism movement aimed at exposing societal conditions.

Post-1986

  • Following EDSA People Power Revolution:

    • Return to democracy under Aquino government.

    • Improved socio-economic environment enabled the rise of contemporary art.

    • Artists blended fine arts, indigenous traditions, and market designs to forge identity.

Breaking of Norms in Contemporary Art

  • Newness defines contemporary art as progressive.

  • Appropriation:

    • Creating new works by combining pre-existing images from various contexts.

    • Examples include "Carnivore of Session Road" by Santiago Bose and "Shoal" by Jose Tence Ruiz.

Functions of Contemporary Art

Contemporary Art for Pleasure

  • Art provides delight, enjoyment, and beautification.

Contemporary Art as Profession

  • Artistic work is a source of income; contributes to creative industries.

Contemporary Art as Commentary

  • Artists provide commentary through accessible subject matter.

Contemporary Art in Spirituality

  • Art reinforces beliefs through rituals and social ceremonies.

Contemporary Art as Remembrance

  • Visual imagery aids memory and commemoration, connecting humanity.

Contemporary Art for Persuasion

  • Used for political change and societal influence through various media.

Art as Self-Expression

  • Fulfills expressive functions, communicating artists' feelings and worldviews.

Let's Reflect!

  • "Art is too important not to share." - Romero Britto