Lesson 2: Traditional Art and Contemporary Art

Traditional Arts /Folk Arts

 These are the arts that have been handed or passed down from the master
craftsmen to their apprentices. Most are learned informally and usually produced
in indigenous communities, reflecting history and culture.
 These are learned from family or community members and is passed along
through generations, with each artist remaining true to time-honored methods or
techniques, yet free to add personal creativity to the process.
 Are rich in songs and dances that are handed over by nameless master
craftsmen to their younger generations.
 Animism is the usual theme of traditional arts. To depict something of the
people’s gods and goddesses is the main intention, thus, resulting in the creation
of abstract symbols of animistic figures like the sun, the moon, and the other
human images.
 Bulul of Ifugaos

 Woven basketry of the Mangyans

 The t’nalak tapestry woven by the T’bolis in South Cotabato

  The pissiyabit (head cloth) of Mindanao

 The embroidered jusi and pina cloth of Lumban, Laguna

Contemporary Arts
 It revolves around the feelings and thoughts of the artists, and messages to
his/her audience.
 It uses a wide variety of materials, media, techniques and styles.
 It is characterized by being conceptual, innovative, expressive and experimental
compared to traditional art.
 It allows the viewers to participate in the experience and urges them to validate
their own beliefs.
 Can be found anywhere like schools, side streets, trains or bus stations,
shopping centers or parks.
 It is not confined in the museum.
 It functions in a global society that is culturally diverse and technology-oriented,
and provides instances for people to reflect and respond to the contemporary
social concerns and issues pertinent to themselves and to the world.
 Contemporary artists’ artistic work are expressions of freedom, experimentation
and exploration of patterns, figures, objects, and a combination of mixed styles,
materials, techniques and concepts.