There are different of eras or period that influences the art history in Philippines.

Here are the Three Major

Colonial Traditions of arts history in Philippines including Modern art and Contemporary Period.

1. Pre-colonial Art (Pre-13 AD)

 Pre-colonial is also called ethnic art. During those times arts are used for ritual and for everyday purposes.
 Arts for ritual purposes or for every use. As long local communities become established, art starts to go
beyond mere craft, Ex. Stone weapons or jewelry but starts to have decorative elements, meaning and
context.
Characteristics – Integral to life

2. Spanish Colonial Art (1521-1898)

 The Spaniards used arts as a tool to introduce the catholic faith. Used images like cross and saint figures.
 When the Spaniards arrived in the Philippines in 1521, the colonizer used art as a tool to propagate the
Catholic faith through beautiful images. With communication as problem, the friars used images to explain
the concepts behind Catholicism, and to tell the stories of Christ’s life and passion.
Damian Domingo AKA Damian Gabor Domingo
First Filipino to paint his face, the first self-portrait in the Philippines, Founder of the Academia de Dibujo y
Pintura, the first school of drawing in the Philippines (1821). Father of Filipino Painting “Alias “The First
Great Filipino Painter”. He Established the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura in 1821.
Characteristics – Faith and Catechism

3. American Colonial Art (1898-1990)

 During American era. Commercial and advertising arts are integrated.
 From one colonizer to another-after more than three centuries of Spanish rule, the Americans came. They
set out to conquer the Filipinos Through education and governance-the public-school system and a system
of government. Classicism: Fabian dela Rosa (1869-1937) was the first painter of note for the 20 th Century.
He was noted for his realistic portraits, genre and landscapes in subdued colors. He was enrolled at the
Escuela de Bellas Artes y Dibujo and took lessons from Lorenzo Guerrero. Modernism would have its seeds
planted in the 1890’s with Miguel Zaragosa’s two pointillist works. Emilio Alvero later produced several
Impressionist landscapes are as impressive as his buildings. Carlos “Botong” Francisco, (1913-1969), Angono-
based painter, depicted Philippine History in his “History of Manila” mural at the Manila City Hall.
Characteristics – Secular Art form- Commercial and advertising arts content.

4. Modern Art
 Modern art began after world war II after Philippines was granted of its independence it is also called post-
colonial era. The themes are expression of liberty.
 Modern era in Philippine Art began after World War 2 and The Granting of Independence. Writers and
artists posed the question of national identity as the main theme of various art forms. Modern art is
characterized by the artist’s intent to portray a subject as it exists in the world, according to his or her
unique perspective and is typified by a rejection of accepted or traditional styles and values.
Characteristics – Nationality Identity

5. Contemporary Art
 Contemporary art is an art of today’s art. Arts, work of artist of 21 st century.
 Contemporary art mirrors contemporary culture and society, offering the general audiences a rich resource
through which to consider current ideas and rethink the familiar. The work of contemporary artists is a
dynamic combination of materials, methods, concept, and subjects that challenges traditional boundaries
and defies easy definition. Diverse and eclectic, contemporary arts is distinguished by the very lack of a
uniform organizing principles, ideology, or -ism.
 Characteristics – Social Realism