Integrative Art as Applied

to Contemporary Art
By: Noel Francisco Ruga MAEd
Art plays a significant part in the rich cultural identity
of the Philippines. It mirrors the Filipino people, it’s
history, traditions and the country as a whole. Diverse
art forms in the different parts of the archipelago,
when integrated, will give a clear picture of what kind
of country the Philippines is and what kind of people
the Filipinos are
This art forms developed from the early times
continue to evolve up to the present. From the ethnic
tradition, it continues to progress to contemporary art
tradition.
As Filipino, one should have the knowledge of the
different forms of art in the Philippines to fully grasp
its identity as a nation and to completely embrace
oneself as a citizen of the country.
The lessons and activities incorporated in this section
will helps you as students to have an understanding
and appreciation of the Philippine Art specifically the
contemporary Philippine Arts. This will provide the
students an overview of the history of Philippine Arts
from the Ethnic up to the Contemporary Period. Also,
the succeeding discussion will focus on the
contemporary art forms and practices in the country.
Historical Background
The development of Philippine Art comes from
three(3) major Traditions:
1. Ethnic Tradition (pre-colonial): high land people
mimic the animal movements as choreography.
Pottery, weaving, wood carving and metal crafting
were dominant during pre-colonial period as visual art
About architecture using local materials such as
anahaw, bamboo, cogon, cane, rattan, and other light
materials in constructing structures
Folk literatures came in the form folk speeches, songs
and narratives.

Theater art: tribal presentations and rituals by

depicting their beliefs

In music, ancestors have their owned bamboo flutes

and brass gongs as indigenous instruments
2. Spanish Colonial Tradition
Replacing the Philippine Indigenous art with Western art
forms.
Propagating Christianity and maintaining power of
colonizers, Religion and secularization(not religious)
greatly influenced the art in the Philippines.
Literary works classification : religious and secular, prose
and poetry
Theater art: secular and religion plays “komedya”
Choreography for religious dance: venerate(show deep
respct) to patron and saints proliferated.(increase of
number quickly)
Secular dances: valse, fandango, polka and minuet,
Musical instruments: popularity of orchestra and
bands
Visual art: painting and sculpture (religious matter)
Architecture: stones and bricks for structures, in and
exterior designs.
Decorative designs: metal and wood carving product.
3. American Tradition and Contemporary Traditions.
Changes in politics, economy, education and culture
Modern art was refers in year 1860s- 1960s, rise of the
middle class family, secularization, changes in political
system, technology innovation.(experimental
approach- practice and methodology)
Modern art deeply develops after World War-II.
Contemporary art refers to the recent and current
practice of art from 1970 up to present. It mirrors the
society and culture of the present times
It is also uses a combination of different methods,
materials and ideas that transcend the traditional way
of art making.
All Philippine art forms had a different twist as the
American way of life became a part of lives of the
Filipinos, The art forms and practices became rapid in
popularity.
Artist experimented using different materials and
methodologies and produced non- conventional
artworks with a wide-range of themes.
Quiz#1
 Lesson2
Contemporary
Art Forms and
Practices from
the Regions
Visual Arts
In the American period, education was
introduced to the Philippines. There were
Filipinos studied abroad and influenced the
art making the country.
Vicotorio Edades, Juan Arellano and
Diosdado Lorenzo who study abroad and
went back to introduce the concept of
modern in the country.
Victorio Edades introduced modern art
through his art exhibition, who shocked
many Filipinos and audiences in his
different style of painting. He used as model
or main character in his are laborers,
workers and lower sector of the society and
used dull colors instead of bright and happy
colors.
art modern artist (13)
1. Vicente Manansala
2. Cesar Legaspi,
3. Anita-Magsaysay-Ho,
4.Hernando Ocampo,
5. Carlos Francisco
Subject art works was noticeable shifted from rural to
Urban themes. Urban set-up became the usual subject
of visual art.
Ploratarian art was created to depicts the life after
WWII, social issues and economic problems
Different Groups and associations of artist and
institutions was forms( Art Association of the
Philippines by Purita Kalaw- Ledesma, the Philippine
Gallery by Lidia Villanueva-Arguilla, which give
support the modern art movement.
Through the year’s different artists with different styles
in creating their masterpiece and they became popular
in visual art, some of theme were used stylistics art and
drawing and thematic artwork reflect historical,
economic, and political themes and different themes
were also applied in art making.
Also the Paris-Cubism took its scene, it shows the
fragmented figure (broken pieces) in larger planes(flat
or smooth surface), color harmonies and textures.
Cubist and Abstraction Artist
Vicente Manansala
Romeo Tabuena
Cesar Legaspi
They also apply the abstraction in art.
H.R Ocampo,
Constatntino Bernardo,
 Frederico Aguilar Alcuaz,
 Arturo Luz and Jose Joya
Sculpture
Napoleon Abueva- woods, metal and stones as his
material in creating his work, he also used plastic,
jade, brass and other materials as modern artist
His works reflects the dynamism, freedom of
expression and concern to the masses(MASA)
For me(NFR),a lot of young artist make their own way
and follow the path of the people behind of the success
of art in the Philippines.
Painting,sculptures and Realism art
Benedicto Cabrera known as BenCab worked with
realism and experimental devices
Ramon Orlina and Impy Pilapil used glass as materials
in creating glass sculpture as masterpiece.
Surrealism was also involved in art, Surreslist Galo
Ocampo and Juvenal Sanso explored the world of
dream as surrealist artist, they create comic, posters
and cartoons in conveying nationalistic messages. And
magic realism was also entered in the art scene.
This refers to the style in painting showing minute
details of the subject and highlighting of their texture
and color
Genre of painting is showing of the lives of townfolks,
legends and traditions at our time today.
Using indigenous materials became trend in
sculptures and illustration art to promote
environmental awareness.
Junyee, Roberto Villanueva and Roberto Fleo used
traditional materials in their artpiece.
Cartoons, comics and photography became popular.
Teachers point of view.
In deed, visual art has developed and
transformed through the years. The
significant development of the modern
and contemporary art in the country
only shows how creative, innovative
and free thinkers the Filipinos are.
In order to promote and preserve the rich
artistry of the country, the National
Government through the NCCA’s
Committee on Visual Art(CVA) launched an
education program that tends to convene
artists annually in the country through their
level congresses.
Artist from different parts of the Philippines
interacts on different congress activities while
being encouraged to participate actively in
national and international exhibits,
workshops and lectures. The Committee on
the other hand developed, and annual art
exhibition is inviting artist from the regions
to submit their artworks and be exhibited in
Manila.
The artists were given more avenues to exhibit their
works in Manila and their regions as well that led to
their initiatives in promoting visual arts in the regions.
There were art groups founded in the regions and
provinces like Baguio Art Guild and Bacolod’s Black
Artist in Asia. These groups create workshops, art
festivals and art exhibitions to encourage young
generations to take part in enriching the country’s
visual art.
Literature
The bond between Philippines and America
still continues even after the declaration of
independence in 1946 which is evident in
the continual flourishment of modernism.
In the field of poetry during the
contemporary period, publication of young
poets to campus journals emerged.
The “BAGAY” movement also took the
scene. It is a kind of poetry which uses
colloquial language and is built on concrete
images which tend to describe experiences.
Poets Jose F. Lacaba,Rolando Tinio,
Bienvenido Lumbera, Antonio Samson,
Edmundo Martinez started the BAGAY
movement.
Example of Bagay Poetry
Valediction sa Hillcrest – Taglish- Rolando Tinio-
Introduced another form of poetry “Ang Bayang
Malaya” national consciousness and it is a long
narrative piecea bout a pleasant leader by Amado
V. Hernandez.
Oppression and fighting for human rights are the
main themes of the said piece and the succession
of the themes was observed.
Social protest and social realism became the theme of
the poems. Protest poetry proliferated(rapid increase)
Arousal of writers(Martial Law)
Influenced of English poems in the
Philippines(American and British poetry)
Edith Tiempo, Emmanuel Torres and Dominador Ilio
poets influenced by Western Poets
Their works revolved on different subjects like
searching love and identity, oppression and concern to
private world.
Social issues during Marcos era also contained in
poems(poverty, inequality, political turmoil and other
social problems)
After WWII the short stories and writers was focus on
the self-consciousness and self-expression.
NVM Gonzales, Nick Juaquin, Alejandro Roces,
Francisco Arcellana, Gregorio Brillantes, Bienvenido
Santos, Edith Tiempo etc some short story writer.
Vernacular Language was also used in short stories
continuous due to the lack of moral and financial support
and social protest fiction was produced during Marcos Era
1970s.

Producing of Novels also evolve with sociopolitical themes.

They are also focused on searching identity.

Essay and criticism also developed(by women’s writers with

different themes and using different innovative techniques
in writing.
Thank you..

For giving attention and time to listen.

MUSIC
Early American period the music was classical
influenced by European, continued flourished until
1950s
Group of people who develop new art called Avant-
garde (progressive)music emerged in 1960s
Philippine music was composed of combination of
classical and traditional music.
Introduction of radio, film, and other entertainment
technology, the theater music flourished gradually
declined.
Rondallas and string bands remains even up to
present.
Philippine music continuously developed and Pinoy
pop took place.
Pinoy pop covers different forms like jazz, dance hits,
folksongrevival, rock and roll, rap etc. also the Manila
sound was born.
The music was derived from western music with
English lyrics but Filipino spirit
OPM became popular. Music origin by Filipino
composers and artist/singers. Alternative music also
started. The folk-balladeers influence alternative
music.
Type of music sprouted((to grow/develop) out of
protest that later on included themes like Filipino
values, political and environmental concerns and other
societal themes(Anak Freddie Aguilar, Tayo’y mga
pinoy Hernert Bartolome, Akoy Pilipino, Florante De
Leon.
Music like Pop, rock OPM, indigenous music, jazz,
rap, mixture o different genre exist in the music
industry, also the rock bands.
Filipino music and local artist were given
importance through the help of Cultural Center of
the Philippines.
Vernacular songs were applied in
music(composition)
Different Festivals also established.
Bodabil or stage play was introduced by the
American in the Philippines and it composed
mainly of songs, dances and skits.(short, funny
story or performance.)
This is also called as Melodrama during Japanese
period.
The educational system established by the
American in the country paved the way(facilitate
development)of legitimate theater.
Western Education
Production of shakespereans plays and
western classics entered the scene.
Western culture influenced theater
production in the country at early stage of
Philippine theater.
Theater artist tend to imitate the popular
American actors and actresses, and the
Philippine theater was Americanized.
Exposure to different theatrical style and dramatic
theories, the Filipinos were able to expand their
horizon and create stage play that reflect Philippine
realities and set-up
Experimentation of stage play by the Filipino artist on
traditional theater forms sarswela, komedya and
sinakulo and directors who significantly contributed in
the success of Philippine Theater National Artist
Lamberto Avellana, Severino Montano and Wilfredo
Ma. Guerrero.
Applying different styles also observed in Philippine
Contemporary Theater.
Representional style-psychological (with the problems
of individual and social realism iproblems of
individuals considering the society.)
Paraisong Parisukat by Orlando Nadres
Bayan bayan by Bienvenido Norgiera Jr.(Psychological)
The world is an apple by Alberto Florentino(Social)
Presentational style which highlights disccusion of
social ideas.
Realistic Portrayal was prohibited during Marcos
Regime.
They use another methods like dance, song, mime etc
to summon ideas of the audience.
Theater of the oppress by Augusto Boal
Documentary style: tend to discuss historical events.
Mayo-a-Bente-uno of Al Santos
Dula-dula-short drama poem was also used in
theater.
Musicals with contemporary themes, dance
dramas employing ethic music and choreography,
plays mixing realistic and non-realistic styles and
traditional drama forms with contemporary
messages are also among the different art forms
today.
In the regional scene, the National Theater Festival of
CCP involved performances of theater art group
established in the regions. These include theater
groups from Luzon like the cultural workers from
Bicol, Visayas region like Silay City’s Sarswela group of
dumaans and Dagyaw Theater and Dance Company
and from Mindanao the Kaliwat Theater Collective and
Sining Kambayoka Ensemble. The Establishment of
the group only shows that there are regional initiatives
to develop the theater art.
Thank you..

For giving attention and time to listen.

Dancing
Bodabil –is a kind of stage play became
popular during American period.
Dances like buck-and-swing, tap dancing,
clog, shirt dance were the dances performed
in the show.
Ballet dance was also introduce by ballet
dance group performed. This is also the
classic dance in Europe.
Remidios de Oteyza and Leonor Oresa became
learn ballet dance by ballet dancers from Europe.
Huge popularity of ballet that led to birth of ballet
in the country.
The ballet was followed by modern dance.
Modern Dance – is a revolutionary in nature and
does not conform to the rules of the classical ballet
and it deals with a mixture of a wide range of
dances(Western and Asian dances, traditional and
other experimental dances.)
Bodabil
Ballet
Dula-dula
Folk and social dances followed the rise of modern
dance. Francisca Reyes Aquino researched on the
Philippine folk dances, she published her researched
and influenced many Filipino dancers to do similar
“practice”. She entered also in Bureau of Education to
integrate folk dances in the curriculum result to
widespread popularity.
Many dancers create their own group to performed and
adopt the European and American dances like valse,
rigaudon, polka, Fandango, Jota etc.. also adaptation of
customs in these Western dances.
Folkdances still alive even in the contemporary setting
in fiestas and different festivals.
Ballet performances and schools and associations still
exist and established also the modern dance also
continues to live with techniques and innovations.
In local many dancer groups established like the
Integrated Performing Arts Guild(IPAG) in the
Mindanao State University in Iligan City and the
Dagyaw Theater and Dance Company and Teatro
Amakan in Iloilo City
The Philippine High School for the Arts in Laguna
hones(used with for or after) the skills of the students
in performing arts. The school has its also performing
arts group.
We have also still young group of performer founded
to develop to promote and preserve the Philippine
culture and tradition.
Architecture
Philippine architecture was develop during American
Colonial and contemporary period.
As simple, rational and functional, it was also adopted
the modern western architectural.
Young Filipinos studied in American Universities and
institute Juan Arellano, Carlos Barreto and Antonio
Toledo, introduced neoclassic style
Neoclassical:
National Museum of Fine arts
Close up to the deco ornaments of
Metropolitan Theater
Entrance Façade of Metropolitan Theater
Glass mural and other decorative elements
Organic ornament found in M.T
 The Metropolitan Theater is one of the structures that
Arellano designed and with touch of experimented
romanticism. Decorative motifs incorporating native
plants and variety of colors were employed in the
building.
Tsalet also develop in 20th century,
Tsalet is a type of house on stilts with a front porch
made of wood and concrete. Steel also apply at present
to protection for calamities like typhoon fire and
equarthquake etc..
Young architects changed path and
deviated(make difference) from the
traditional architectural design.
Architectural business emerged time and
ideas that there had been growing demand
for commercial buildings.
After WWII the architecture
departed(existing in the past) from the
native tradition.
Real estate, 2storey houses(Americanzied)introduced.
Urban housing, multi-story tenements and
government housing project emerged due to the
increase of population and decrease of land
availability. The Government cannot accommodate all
those needing low-coast housing, slums(old building
apartments for poor families)and shanties started to
proliferate (increase in number quickly)
Upper class families own a huge with large front
garden, also the condominiums born.
Constructing expressways, convention centers, hospitals,
hotels, malls, high-rise buildings, amusement centers etc.. All
these comes with technological advancements like escalators,
elevators, air-conditioning systems, computers, etc during
Marcos Era.
Regional set-up, residential houses, churches, public markets,
business space, tend to imitate the architectural styles in the
urban. Also eco-tourism was introduced. Theme park and
resorts were developed in tourist spots(Palawan, Davao,
Bohol, Intramuros, Batangas. Guven cultural heritage
preservation, heritage towns like Vigan, Dapitan etc.. Were
given attention.
Film
1897 – Film industry was introduced by foreign
businessman.
In 1912 the film about the life of Dr. Jose Rizal
was produced by Edward Gross and Harry
Brown and film became popular and start in
the country.
Jose Nepomuceno is the first Filipino who
produced a film and he considered as “Father of
Philippine Movies”.”Dalagang Bukid”.

Philippine was influenced by Hollywood because
of it became their set of model.
Limited budget and outdated technology(problem
of Filipino producers)
They used Tagalog language in movies and
portraying lives of Filipino was applied their edge.
Theater forms was also proceed in film production
because theater art and film are related to each
other.
Philippine Literature(novels and folklores(beliefs.
Customs, stories) was used as source in movie themes.
Florante at Laura, Noli me Tangere and El
Filibusterismo etc.. as adaptation in Movie
Established of film companies(Filippine Film,
Parlatone Hispano-Filipino, Excelsior Pictures,
Sampaguita Pictures Inc., LVN Pictures, X’Otic Film
Increase of local movie actor and actresses.
Hollywood film is more appeal than Japanese film or
movies.
1942 stoppage of movie production and it resumed
after war.
The movies contained war stories and
heroism( Garrison 13 and Dugo ng Bayan). In 1950s
regain strength and flourished of Philippine Film
Industry.
LVN, Sampaguita, Lebran and Premiere considered as
Big Four Film studios.
Film awards was also established, the Filipino
Academy of Movie Arts and Science and Maria Clara
Awards
Recognition of Filipino movies, Directors and
Producers in local and international.
Ifugao by Gerardo Deleon and Anak Dalita by
Lamberto Avellana.
Independent producers became dominated in
film industry and sex films also enter in movie
industry.
Action, drama and comedy also became
popular in film industry.
Filmmaking regulated by the Government during
Marcos Era. Board of Censorship Motion
Pictures(BCMP), more young directors enter and started
the so-called new cinema.Lino Brocka, Celdo ad-Castillo
and Ishmael Bernal,they used themes on nationhood,
love in a hostile(harsh/enemy)setting and social issues.
More directors studied in film industry art form became
member and enter in movies, Marilou Diaz Abay, Mike
deLeon, Laurice Guillen, Maria O’Hara and Mel
Chionglo
Filmmaker create alternative cinema or independent
film(director Kidlat Tahimik) because of lightweight
technologies.
Schools, plazas and other common public places used as
screening venues in creating movies also used
international film fest and outreach program.
Martyr wife, superheroes, action, melodrama, comedy etc..
Apply in creating movies.
In regional setting through CCP’s Coordinating Center for
Film, educational and outreach programs which promote
quality film and conduct film courses established.
Thank you and Good Day!!!..

Long Quiz tomorrow…

Prepare ½ lengthwise yellow paper no paper no quiz.

By: Noel Francisco Ruga

 Chapter 2
Philippine Artist
and their
Contributions to
Contemporary Arts
 Introduction
Many exceptional Filipino artist
emerged as the arts in the country
progresses.
These artist aid in promoting arts in
and out of the Philippines through
their organizes their contribution in
specific field of arts.

The Order is administered by the
Cultural Center of the Philippines by virtue of
President Ferdinand Marcos's Proclamation №
1001 of April 2, 1972 and the
National Commission for Culture and the Arts to
give awards to all notable contemporary artists
and the most prestigious recognition of them is
the Order of the National Artist Award( Orden ng
Pambansang Alagad ng Sining)
The NCCA not only focus on the development
of the modern and contemporary arts but also
in the preservation of the traditional arts as
well being the foundation of the arts in the
country.
The government also gives recognition to the
nation’s finest traditional artist at present
through the GAMABA or the National Living
Treasure Awards
Highlights of the Philippine artist modern
and contemporary and traditional arts.
Recipients of the Order of the National
Artist of the Philippines and GAMABA
awards.
Topics: contributors in different Arts form.
To preserve and protect and enrichment of
the Philippine Arts.