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