DHET

CONTEMPORARY ART

DEPED | MARTNSF
CONTEMPORARY PHILLIPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS (June)

Name:_______________________________ Grade 12: _________________ Date: ______________ Score:_____

Activity No. 1 : What is Contemporary Art?

No one seems to agree about the exact meaning of contemporary art. Critics, curators and historians define it in varying
ways. One of the reasons for the confusion is that "Contemporary Art" is preceded by "Modern Art", and there is no precise
agreement on when "Modern Art" ended.
To make things even more complicated, a third term "Postmodernist art" is sometimes used as a synonym for
"Contemporary Art." Postmodernism denotes the main style-trend after Modernism, but it applies to dozens of other disciplines
including architecture, music, film, literature, sociology, design, fashion, and technology, all of which have differing timelines, so it's
hard to get a fix on exactly when postmodernism begins. Also, it's not synonymous with contemporary art. The latter refers to an era
(a time period) while postmodernism is more of an attitude and style within this period. In due course, postmodernism will be
superceded by a newer "-ism" but both will be forms of Contemporary art.

What is a Simple Definition of Contemporary Art?

Skipping the theoretical stuff, there are three main meanings or usages of the terms "Contemporary Art."
• Art produced after 1945.
This is the definition adhered to by most museums when defining their collections of contemporary artworks. However, most art
historians now consider this to be outdated.
• Art produced in our era or lifetimes.
This accords with the definition of "contemporary" used by general historians, but it's too vague for our purposes.
• Art produced since the 1960s.
This definition is the one most commonly used by art critics, but disagreement persists as to the exact cut-off date. Is it 1964, for
instance, or 1968, or 1969?
How We Define Contemporary Art
In this article, we take the 1960s as marking the change-over from Modern to Contemporary; although it's true to say that the
decade included both types. After all, artists around the world didn't just get up one day and become Post-Modernists! This is why
we use 1970 as the cut-off date, because by then the transition was pretty much complete.

Definition of Contemporary Art

- The term "contemporary art" refers to art made and produced by artists living today. Today's artists work in and respond to a
global environment that is culturally diverse, technologically advancing, and multifaceted.
- Contemporary refers to the now, the present moment.
- Contemporary art is art produced at the present period in time.
Contemporary Art Forms: Choreography, Musical instrument, literary and musical composition, visual design and theatrical
performance.

I. Exercises: True or False.

1. "Postmodernist art" is sometimes used as a synonym for "Contemporary Art."
2. Arts are produced in our era or lifetimes.
3. Arts are produced after 1954.
4. “Contemporary art" refers to art made and produced by artists living today.
5. Contemporary means modern times, modern arts.

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Activity No. 2: VARIOUS ART FORMS

ART IS…
 a form of communication with another human being that is indirect but deeply profound.
 having a tendency to deeply move our soul and most masterpieces that we see in museums are a silent testimony to this

CHARACTERISTICS OF AN ART
1. pleasing to the senses
2. expresses the feelings and emotions of the artist
3. it can be interpreted in different ways by different people.
4. essentially tells a story

Forms of Arts
1. Mosaic - a picture or design made by gluing together small stones, pieces of glass or other hard materials. In the ancient
world, grand homes sometimes had mosaic floors. Today, painting has always been a part of human life. Some of the best-
known artists, like Michelangelo and Picasso, were painters.
2. Masks - use in rituals, work, theatre, and just for fun.
3. Drawing – can be seen in newspapers, books, posters, and more. It is an art by itself, but it is also the starting point for other
kinds of art, like painting or sculpture.
4. Jewelry– used in prehistoric times even before people used clothing.

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CONTEMPORARY PHILLIPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS (June)

5. Sculpture – made from materials such as clay, marble, ice, wood, and bronze. Some artists today create sculptures that
move with the wind or when touched.
6. Baskets - Archaeologists have found 7,000-year-old farming baskets in Egypt.
7. Pottery - probably the most ancient art as well as the most common. Prehistoric clay bowls, beautifully glazed tiles, and
other works are not only useful but decorative.
8. Weaving –Tapestries and rugs in every color have brought warmth and beauty to walls and floors.
9. Photography - was invented about 200 years ago. We see them in newspapers and magazines, on billboards and buses
and in museums and galleries.
10. New Media - includes video, performance, computer imagery and installation.

VISUAL ARTS - can be defined as a form of art that uses any medium to represent the artist's idea, emotion and imagination. Visual
art like paintings, sculptures and architecture have evolved with time and different periods.

APPLIED ART
Applied art is a part of visual art .Architecture can be classified as commercial or applied art. Designing and building any
construction might seem to be a marvel of science, but good architectural design is actually a form of art. An architectural design
should not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing. There are different architectural styles from Colonial, Victorian, French
Colonial, Spanish to the modern ones.

PERFORMING ARTS
Of all the different forms of art, performing arts is much appreciated and enjoyed by people - dance, music, opera, films,
theater, drama , magic shows and stand up comedies.
Artists that perform these arts are known by the type of art that they have perfected. Singers, actors, comics, magicians,
dancers and musicians are all people who do these performing arts.

REMEMBER: It is through art that we can communicate to the world our inner feelings and our creativity that only exists within our
minds.

Exercises:
Identification. Identify the following arts whether it is VISUAL, PERFORMING ARTS, or APPLIED.
1. Dance 6. Musical Play
2. Fashion Design 7. Music
3. Painting 8. Photography
4. Opera 9. Wood Crafts
5. Drawing 10. Calligraphy

Enumeration:
1. Give 10 well-known Filipino singers
2. Give 10 famous Filipino actors/actresses
3. Give 5 Filipino TV Hosts
4. Give 5 OPM Songs with respective singer
5. Give 5 famous Filipino dancers.
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Please read the concept notes and answer all the questions diligently. If you have questions, you can reach me through my FB/Messenger :Dhett Dhett .
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CONTEMPORARY PHILLIPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS (June)

Activity No. 3: GAMABA

Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan (GaMaBa) is more suited for the village elder. The National Living Treasures Award is conferred upon "a
Filipino citizen or group of Filipino citizens engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino, whose distinctive skills have reached such
a high level of technical and artistic excellence and have been passed on to and widely practiced by the present generations in
his/her community with the same degree of technical and artistic competence. The Award shall be given in each, but not limited to
the following categories of traditional folk arts, viz.: folk architecture, maritime transport, weaving carving, performing arts, literature,
graphic and plastic arts, ornament, textile or fiber art, pottery and other artistic expressions of traditional culture."
Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan
 National Living Treasures Award
 Republic Act No. 7355
 April 1992
 National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) - The highest policy-making and coordinating body for culture and the
arts of the State
 First awarded in 1993 to three outstanding artists in music and poetry
 has its roots in the 1988 National Folk Artists Award organized by the Rotary Club of Makati-Ayala
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) -
• search for the finest traditional artists of the land
• adopts a program that will ensure the transfer of their skills to others and
• undertakes measures to promote a genuine appreciation of and instil pride among our people about the genius of the
Manlilikhang Bayan
WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANCE OF GAWAD NG MANLILIKHA SA BAYAN AWARD?
 As a group, these folk and traditional artists reflect the diverse heritage and cultural traditions that transcend their
beginnings to become part of our national character.
 As Filipinos, they bring age-old customs, crafts and ways of living to the attention and appreciation of Filipino life.
 They provide us with a vision of ourselves and of our nation, a vision we might be able to realize someday, once we are
given the opportunity to be true to ourselves as these artists have remained truthful to their art.
WHAT IS IN R.A. 7355? -------------“Manlilikhang Bayan”
 shall mean a citizen engaged in any traditional art uniquely Filipino
 whose distinctive skills have reached such a high level of technical and artistic excellence and
 have been passed on to and widely practiced by the present generation in his/her community with the same degree of
technical and artistic competence. 
How does one become a Manlilikhang Bayan?
a. He/she is an inhabitant of an indigenous/traditional cultural community anywhere in the Philippines that has preserved indigenous
customs, beliefs, rituals and traditions and/or has syncretized whatever external elements that have influenced it.
b. He/she must have engaged in a folk art tradition that has been in existence and documented for at least fifty (50) years.
c. He/she must have consistently performed or produced over a significant period, works of superior and distinctive quality.
d. He/she must possess a mastery of tools and materials needed by the art, and must have an established reputation in the art as
master and maker of works of extraordinary technical quality.
e. He/she must have passed on and/or will pass on to other members of the community their skills in the folk art for which the
community is traditionally known.
A traditional artist who possesses all the qualities of a Manlilikhang Bayan candidate, but due to age or infirmity has left
him/her incapable of teaching further his/her craft, may still be recognized if:
a. He/she had created a significant body of works and/or has consistently displayed excellence in the practice of his/her art,
thus achieving important contributions for its development.
b. He/she has been instrumental in the revitalization of his/her community’s artistic tradition.
c. He/she has passed on to the other members of the community skills in the folk art for which the community is traditionally
known.
d. His/her community has recognized him/her as master and teacher of his/her craft.
CATEGORIES FOR THE GAWAD NG MANLILIKHA SA BAYAN:
 folk architecture, maritime transport, weaving carving, performing arts, literature, graphic and plastic arts,
ornament, textile or fiber art, pottery and other artistic expressions of traditional culture
What are the incentives received by the awardee?
a. specially designed gold medallion,
b. an initial grant of P100,000 and
c. P10,000 monthly stipend for life.
 In consonance with the provision of Republic Act No. 7355, which states that “the monetary grant may be increased
whenever circumstances so warrant,” the NCCA board approved:
a. an additional monthly personal allowance of P14,000 for the awardees
In September 2015, netizens lobbied for the declaration of Apo Whang-od as a National Artist of the Philippines for her role
in preserving the dying art of cultural tattoo. 

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Please read the concept notes and answer all the questions diligently. If you have questions, you can reach me through my FB/Messenger :Dhett Dhett .
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CONTEMPORARY PHILLIPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS (June)

Eighty-eight-year-old Whang-od Oggay is considered as the last mambabatok (hand-tap tattoo artist) of her tribe. She hails
from mountains of the Cordilleras, specifically in Buscalan in the municipality of Tinglayan in the Kalinga province. 
The ancient technique called batok dates back a thousand years. The tattoo ink, made of charcoal and water, is tapped into
the skin through a thorn end. Traditionally, it is a symbol of beauty for women and a symbol of strength for men, especially the
headhunters of the Butbut Kalinga tribe. It was said that the number of tattoos on a man's body would account for the heads he has
taken or wars won. 
The campaign with the hashtag #WangOdNationalArtist reached more than 11,000 shares. The Order of National Artists is
"the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine
arts; namely, Music, Dance, Theater, Visual Arts, Literature, Film, Broadcast Arts, and Architecture and Allied Arts."

If Apo Whang-Od will be declared the National Living Treasure, who is with her in the roster? Here are the 13
individuals recognized with the GaMaBa:

1. Ginaw Bilog – Poet 9. Darhata Sawabi - Textile Weaver

2. Masino Intaray – Musician/Storyteller 1o. Eduardo Mutuc - Metalsmith
3. Samaon Sulaiman - Musician 11. Haja Amina Appi – Mat Weaver
4. Lang Dulay - Textile Weaver 12. Teofilo Garcia – Casque (Tabungaw) Maker
5. Salinta Monon - Textile Weaver 13. Magdalena Gamayo – Textile Weaver
6. Alonzo Saclag – Musician and Dancer
7. Federico Caballero – Epic Chanter
8. Uwang Ahadas – Musician

Exercises: Identify the name of the following GAMABA artists. Write your answer below each picture.

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Activity No. 4: Top 10 Philippine Artists that have greatly influenced the Philippine Culture and Society

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CONTEMPORARY PHILLIPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS (June)

1) Artist: Solomon Saprid

Sculpture:Tikbalang

Colonizers have come and gone to our land and inputted different traditions in our very rich culture. There's this one man who
sought to preserve our culture through his paintings and sculptures and he is none other than Solomon Saprid. He gave the public
pictures of Philippine folklore characters that made the Filipinos realized that these imaginary beings are not just a mere myth, rather
it is more of a reality. He sculpted “Tikbalang”, a titanic creature with a horse-like head but has a human-like body. He also sculpted
“Amihan”, the wind goddess. After sometime, these images had been so engraved in the public’s mind that the public began to think
that these creatures could be anywhere. He also sculpted the “Gomburza” along Intramuros that made the public remember the
things that the 3 priests have done for our country. He didn’t just paint or sculpt art that only talked about the Filipino myths, but he
also made pictures that touched our culture. He painted “Mag-ina” that exemplified the joys of parenthood. He was able to pull back
the Filipinos to their roots and made them understand their culture and beginnings. Indeed, he is an artist who enriched the rich
culture of a society.

2) Artist: Ang Kiuko

Painting:The Crucifixion

When a painter paints, his emotions are shown through the painted canvas. It
shows the different realities about life that move its audience. One person was able to
do this through his paintings, and he is the legendary Ang Kiuko. His early paintings
were full of different emotions that influenced the viewers’ feelings. His audience could
easily understand the message of his paintings because he used passion. He drew
the Crucifixion of Christ that exhibited hopelessness and depression. His favorite
subjects for his paintings were angst and anger that are shown in his paintings called
“Payaso” and “Ina at Anak”. His paintings were full of irony and questions. After some
years, he tried to re-create his style in art by painting gleeful pictures of Mother Nature
instead of painting pictures of quarreling crowds. He was able to input different
perspectives of life in a small blank canvas. Indeed, he made a very remarkable
impact in our society. He re-created his art and thus, he has been able to influence the
public’s views about life.

3) Artist: Napoleon Veloso Abueva

Sculpture: Allegorical Harpoon

The Philippines is very fortunate for having the multi awarded national artist,
Napoleon V. Abueva, as its father of modern Philippine sculpture. Abueva is the
pioneer in modern sculptures because he was the first artist who had creatively and successfully moved out of the classic style to
create his own abstract experimental modern art pieces and paved the way for other young aspirants to follow his lead. He was the
only sculptor who is capable on working on all kinds of material in several styles from representational to abstract. There is not one
drop of classical style in all if his masterpieces. Abueva has long been exposed in utilizing almost all kinds of materials. These
materials include wood, adobe, metal, stainless steel, cement, marble, bronze, iron, alabaster, coral, brass, molave, acacia, langka
wood, ipil, kamagong, palm wood and bamboo. One of his most famous works is his wooden sculpture entitled “Allegorical Harpoon”
which is currently housed in the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Also among his various works is the very familiar, “Sunburst”,
which is a twelve meter sculpture made up of twenty one rays of the sun and thirty three spears in copper, bronze and stainless steel
that decorates the ceiling of the Manila Peninsula Manila. What sets him apart from other artists is that he has the talent to unify
different materials and experiment with them. He is a very innovative artist who explores the unknown, but also probes the existing.
According to Abueva, an Abueva sculpture is known for its simplicity with the maximum expression of art. As the leading artist in
contemporary Philippine sculpture, Abueva has set a new standard that other artists have failed to copy.

4) Artsist: Fernando Cueto Amorsolo

Painting: “Portrait of Presidents: Manuel Quezon, Manuel Roxas and Sergio
Osmena”

Dubbed as the grand old man of the Philippine art scene, Fernando Amorsolo,
has made the largest and solidest contribution to the Philippines through his
numerous paintings scattered around the Philippines and through his discovery of
the natural light in canvas. Patronized by many powerful figures in the Philippine
society, Fernando Amorsolo has done many portraits that include past Philippine
presidents Manuel L. Quezon, Manuel Roxas and Sergio Osmena Sr. Most of his
works depict the beauty and the splendor of our society during the late 1800’s until
the 1950’s. Perhaps, his greatest contribution to the Philippine art scene is the
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CONTEMPORARY PHILLIPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS (June)

discovery of natural light that comes out from his paintings making them seem very natural. This illusion of backlight is the glow
against which his figures stand out and develop a burst of light at one point of the canvas. Amorsolo’s passion is clearly
expressed in everything he painted. The light for which he is famous for expresses the love he has for art. And all who have
tried to copy Amorsolo’s illusion of the light is a flattery to him. Indeed, Amorsolo’s art is spread evenly in the 7,107 islands of
the Philippines. Much talent was given to him and in return, he has given this back to his motherland and each of his paintings
shares the rich culture and heritage of our country. His glorious techniques and contribution to Philippine art have earned him
the title of national artist for painting.

5) Artist: Hernando Ocampo

Painting: The Contrast

Hernando Ocampo’s masterpieces had large contribution to full understanding and awareness
of social realities in the Philippines. He made paintings reflecting economic and psychological
dislocation in the country brought by World War II, a time of widespread poverty, hunger, and misery.
His works also depicted objection against the disparity between rich and poor. One vivid illustration
portraying the objection in social inequality is his painting, The Contrast, which pictures a beggar
eating in front of a mansion. As a visual artist, he also envisioned to come up with masterpieces
showing a search for Filipino spirit. His other major work of arts include Ina ng Balon, Calvary, Slum
Dwellers, Nude with Candle and Flower, Man and Carabao, Angel's Kiss, Palayok at Kalan,
Ancestors, Isda at Mangga, The Resurrection, Fifty-three "Q", Backdrop, Fiesta.

6) Artist: Victorio Edades

Painting: The Builders

Victorio Edades, Father of Modern Philippine Painting, created works which were dark
in color and gave pictures of Filipino masses as theme. One of his great works depicting
Filipino masses is The Builders, the most controversial painting. It is dark in color and made
of heavy texture which pictures men working in a quarry. Moreover, his works were very
different from Amorsolo’s bright, sunny, cheerful hues yet his creativity in art made way for
mural and modern paintings to be known in the Philippines. He does not only establish
modern paintings into the Philippines but also link this modernism to the issue of national
identity. Some of his masterpieces were The Artist and the Model, Portrait of the Professor,
Japanese Girl, Mother and Daughter, The Wrestlers, Poinsettia Girl, The Sketch.

7) Artist: Diosdado Lorenzo

Painting: Still Life Paintings

Diosdado Lorenzo is one of the most famous modernist painters in the Philippines. He is one of the pioneers who introduced the
modern 20th century form of art which is stronger and more appealing to the eyes than those of the traditional paintings made by
Fernando Amorsolo. To form the modernist approach in paintings, Lorenzo destroyed the old perspective of traditional paintings to
make way for the new styles in painting. Lorenzo’s obsession with the country’s landscape and people enabled him to try different
forms of paintings such as painting with lights, Chinese arts, watercolors, etc. He tried these kinds of paintings only to find out that his
heart was not really into it. After which, he explored Filipino “Still Life” using objects such as fruits and vegetables as its model. He
prefers using watercolors than oil because he considers watercolor art to be more memorable. His watercolored “still life” is
considered to be one of the best in the country. The modernism found in his works formed a new basis for the reassessment of
Philippine paintings.

8) Artist: Vicente Rivera

Painting: Supplication

Vicente Rivera, a master in Philippine paintings, is commonly underrated due to the

rarity of his works. During his early years in education, he received a silver medal after
taking two head studies. He also received various nominations and awards in the field of
painting. Unknown to everyone, he is one of the founders of U.P. School of Fine Arts. His
famous work, Supplication, depicts a picture of a woman kneeling down on the nailed
feet of Jesus on the cross. The painting has a dramatic background to clearly express the
desperate state of the woman. It is a famous example of a stylish and an organized
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CONTEMPORARY PHILLIPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS (June)

approach in Philippine paintings. Rivera’s organization in paintings made it more appealing to the subject, thus, inspiring painters to
put more passion in their painting rather than painting to make names for themselves.

9) Artist: Juan Luna

Painting: Spoliarium

The paintings of Juan Luna were the first Filipino works of art to become famous inside and outside of the Philippines because
of its meaning and significance. Juan Luna produced works in the romantic and early impressionist styles, achieving great recognition
in Europe. Juan Luna traveled to different parts of Europe, learning various techniques in painting and eventually coming back to the
Philippines to further nurture his talents. He won great praise as wells as many prizes for his works. His achievements helped to
inspire other Filipinos to think of themselves as equal to the Europeans. Juan Luna’s greatest masterpiece is “The Spoliarium”. This
won him a gold medal at the National Exposition of Fine Arts held in Madrid. The Spoliarium depicts the 19th century horror
experience of the Filipinos. It emphasized the violation of Human Rights by the colonizers of Spain. Juan Luna expressed his
patriotism by painting one such masterpiece to enlighten the Filipinos out of oppression. This painting showed great impact and
influence on the Filipino people, truly something that not all artists can possess. He is certainly a very influential artist and has indeed
a painting style of his own making him without a doubt one of the most renowned national artists.

10) Artist: Guillermo Tolentino

Sculpture: Oblation and The Bonifacio Monument

Guillermo E. Tolentino is a renowned artist known for transforming hopes and aspirations of freedom into art. One of his
famous creations is the Oblation, which can be found at the lobby of College of Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines. The
Oblation, famous landmark in the University of the Philippines, has become a symbol of academic freedom. It is a figure of a nude
man with arms outstretched and looking far beyond the horizon. The original Oblation is made of concrete and measures three and a
half meters symbolizing the three and a half years of Spanish rule in the Philippines. The stones on which it stands represent the
many islands in the country. In addition, Guillermo Tolentino included clusters of katakataka found at the foot of the figure, which
symbolize the heroism of the Filipino people. The Oblation is good representation of how one has a thirst for freedom and an
eagerness to offer his whole self for the country. He transformed the country’s aspiration and hope for a freer country into this
amazing sculpture. Another famous sculpture of Guillermo Tolentino is the Bonifacio Monument located in Caloocan City. The
monument commemorates the proletarian hero, Andres Bonifacio and his revolutionary group called “Katipunan” first encounter with
the Spanish soldiers on August 3, 1896. The Bonifacio Monument is an enduring symbol of the Filipinos’ cry for freedom. In these
two masterpieces, Guillermo Tolentino successfully portrays what Filiipinos yearn for and what they want to achieve during the time
of the Spaniards. Because of this, he is considered one of the most known national artists in the Philippines.

EXERCISES:

A. Identification.

1. He made paintings reflecting economic and psychological dislocation in the country brought by World War II.
2. A renowned artist known for transforming hopes and aspirations of freedom into art.
3. His favourite subjects for his paintings were angst and anger.
4. His greatest masterpiece is “The Spoliarium”.
5. Most of his works depict the beauty and the splendor of our society during the late 1800’s until the 1950’s.

B. Determine the type of artworks (painting, sculpture) mentioned below and give its artist.

1. AMIHAN – sculpture , Solomon Saprid

2. STILL LIFE –
3. ANGEL’S KISS –
4. PAYASO –
5. GOMBURZA –

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Dear student,
Please read the concept notes and answer all the questions diligently. If you have questions, you can reach me through my FB/Messenger :Dhett Dhett .
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GOD BLESS. Stay Safe, Stay at Home.

Ma’amDhettDumandan