Icons & Movements of Philippine Contemporary Art
Philippine Contemporary Art: A Pivotal Era
The Rise of Modernism
The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a significant turning point for contemporary arts in the Philippines. Building upon the pre-war legacy of the “Triumvirate” – Victorio Edades, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, and Galo Ocampo – and the post-war contributions of the Philippine Art Gallery (PAG) artists – Cesar Legaspi, Hernando Ocampo, Ramon Estella, Romeo Tabuena, Vicente Manansala, and Victor Oteyza – this era witnessed a flourishing of artistic innovation.
The international recognition of Filipino artists like Jose Joya and Napoleon Abueva at the 1964 Venice Biennial further solidified the Philippines’ place on the global art scene.
Key Institutions and Collectives
Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
The CCP played a crucial role in addressing social and political issues through art, highlighting the power of artistic expression as a catalyst for societal change.
Independent Art Spaces & Collectives
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of independent art spaces and collectives like Green Papaya Art Projects, providing alternative platforms for artistic exploration and collaboration.
Icons of Contemporary Philippine Art
Vicente Manansala
Posthumously declared a National Artist in 1981, Vicente “Mang Enteng” Silva Manansala is renowned for his signature “Transparent Cubism,” a technique learned from Fernand Leger in Paris. He used overlapping cubistic shapes to create a unique decorative effect.
Arturo Luz
National Artist for Visual Arts, Arturo Luz, is celebrated for his distinctive Modernist approach. His work, characterized by simplified geometric forms, lines, and bold colors, reflects his artistic journey and profound influence on Philippine Modernism. He also played a significant role as a curator, designer, and educator, founding institutions like the Design Center of the Philippines and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.
Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab)
National Artist for Visual Arts, Benedicto Cabrera, widely known as BenCab, explores themes of social commentary, Philippine folklore, and everyday life. His signature style blends realism with expressionistic strokes, capturing the essence of Filipino identity. His renowned Sabel series, inspired by a real-life scavenger, exemplifies his ability to humanize marginalized figures.
Ronaldo Ventura
A dynamic contemporary artist, Ronald Ventura merges hyperrealism with cartoons and graffiti, creating visually arresting pieces that delve into issues of identity, consumerism, and cultural clashes.
Nona Garcia
Nona Garcia is known for capturing the ephemeral and overlooked in her photorealistic paintings and installations. Her work often explores themes of memory, displacement, and the passage of time, employing diverse media from traditional paint to x-rays.
Understanding Art and Its Value
Etymology
- The term “art” is derived from the Latin word “ars,” meaning art, skill, or craft.
- The term “Humanities” comes from the Latin word “humanitas,” emphasizing human subjectivity and individual expression.
The great Russian novelist Leo N. Tolstoy argued for the importance of art even amidst poverty and deprivation.
Three Categories of Art
- Representation: Plato’s concept of “mimesis” (copying or imitation).
- Expression: Aristotle’s concept of “catharsis” (purification or cleansing).
- Form: Immanuel Kant’s belief that art should be judged solely on its formal qualities.
Evolution of Art Definition
- 11th-17th Century: Art as anything done with skill.
- 18th Century (Romantic Period): Art as skill combined with the pursuit of beauty and expression of emotions.
- Avant-Garde Movements: Expanded definition to include originality of vision.
Values of Art
- Material Value: Based on precious materials used.
- Intrinsic Value: Based on artistic quality rather than material worth.
- Religious Value: Communicating religious stories and beliefs.
- Nationalistic Value: Expressing cultural pride and achievements.
- Psychological Value: Evoking a wide range of human emotions.
Content in Art
Content refers to the artist’s intended and actual portrayal, as well as the individual’s reaction to the artwork’s message.
Representational vs. Non-Representational Art
- Representational: Painting, sculpture, graphic arts, literature, theater.
- Non-Representational: Music, architecture, functional arts.
Art Movements and Styles
Abstraction
Focusing on the artist’s idea or feeling rather than objective reality.
Symbolism
Using symbols to intensify meaning and subjectivity.
Fauvism
Characterized by vivid, non-naturalistic colors.
Dadaism
Rejecting traditional art values in response to the horrors of war.
Futurism
Glorifying themes of speed, technology, and the modern world.
Surrealism
Exploring the realm of dreams and the unconscious mind.
Expressionism
Depicting subjective emotions and responses rather than objective reality.
Impressionism
Capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere.
Elements and Principles of Art
Elements
- Color: Hue, Intensity, Value
- Shape: 2-dimensional enclosed area
- Form: 3-dimensional object
- Space: Distance or area between, around, or within things
- Texture: Surface quality or feel
Principles
- Balance: Symmetrical or Asymmetrical
- Emphasis: Focal point
- Contrast: Difference between elements
- Rhythm: Repetition of elements
- Pattern and Repetition: Repeating design
- Variety: Use of differences
- Proportion: Relationship of parts in terms of size
- Unity: Harmonious integration of elements and principles