Quarter 1- Module 1-4

Contemporary Philippine Arts

From the Regions

ARTWORK OF DANTE HIPOLITO

PREPARED BY
JOHN MARK D. MORALES, LPT
 WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

For the Learners

Congratulations! Welcome to our first module. This module presents lessons
about the characteristics of contemporary arts, subject matter and style, skills
and techniques, and art production. Have some fun to learn more effectively,
enjoy learning. Good luck!

Module Content
My dear learner, welcome to our first module.
The knowledge you will gain from this module will widen your ideas about art and
appreciate the artworks of others.

These are the competencies included in this module:

1. Identifies various contemporary art forms and their practices from the various regions
CAR11/12IAC-0a-1
2. Classifies various art forms found in the Philippines
CAR11/12IAC-0b-2
 NAME:___________________________ SECTION:_______________
PRETEST
This activity will enable you to assess your prior knowledge from the topic that
will be discussed in this lesson.

Directions: Read the questions carefully and complete the crossword puzzle
below.
 UNIT THE CONTEMPORARY
1 ARTS

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW

OBJECTIVES:

This module will enable you to:

1. Describe the characteristics of contemporary art;

2. Identify the subject matter and different styles;

3. Explain how different materials are used in art-making; and

4. Identify the difference between artwork in the past and contemporary art.

Contemporary art is art made today by

living artists. As such, it reflects the

complex issues that shape our diverse,

global, and rapidly changing world.

Through their work, many contemporary

artists explore personal or cultural identity,

offer critiques of social and institutional

structures, or even attempt to redefine art

itself. In the process, they often raise

https://manilaartblogger.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/self-portrait-too-oscar-floirendo.jpg
difficult or thought-provoking questions

without providing easy answers. Curiosity, an open mind, and a commitment to dialogue and

debate are the best tools with which to approach a work of contemporary art.
(https://walkerart.org/visit/what-is-contemporary-art)
 Lesson THE CHARACTERISTICS OF
CONTEMPORARY ART
1
OBJECTIVES
This lesson will enable you to:
1. Describe the beginnings of contemporary art in the Philippines;
2. Discuss the characteristics of contemporary art; and
3. Explain the importance of process in contemporary art-making.

Since the 1950’s, artists have experimented on a variety of techniques and different ways of
expressing their emotions, perceptions, convictions, ideas, ideology, and other things that could be
expressed through art. Some of the famous art styles from 1950’s through 2000’s are abstract
expressionism, kinetic art, Op art, performance art, environmental art, feminist art, post-
minimalism, video art, graffiti art, post modern art, body art, and digital art.

In the Philippines, Victorio Edades was the first to break the rules of art. He did not show
natural forms nor perspective and use bold strokes and bright colors. The early contemporary
artists, like Carlos “Botong” Francisco and Galo Ocampo, were influence by Western artist.
Abstraction, expressionism, and surrealism were evident in their paintings. Other artists
experimented with forms.

In Romeo Tabuena’s
painting, the heavy black
carabao is shown standing
on thin legs that disappear
in flat background.

(https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll00096lldyQOGFgMNECfDrCWvaHBOcSE9/romeo-
v.-tabuena-carabao-(water-buffalo).jpg)
 PAGODA BY HERNANDO OCAMPO

Hernando Ocampo used geometric forms in

strong red colors overlapping with shades of
yellow to brown.

https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll00047lld75EJFgTQe
R3CfDrCWvaHBOcVokE/hernando-ruiz-ocampo-pagoda.jpg

Vicente Manansala painted abstract cubism his

human forms engaged in genre such as those in
his market scene.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/35/9d/a0359dce51928fc2683ac1f4
938a3f0c.jpg

WORKERS BY CESAR LEGASPI

Cesar Legaspi used his art as a commentary to

the state of hard labor in the Philippines,
employed cubism with a lot of flowing lines that
give movement to his human forms.
https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2013/40th-
anniversary-evening-sale-hk0488/lot.21.html

There are hundreds of contemporary artist found in the 17 regions of the Philippines today. Those
works of them can be group according to visual, performance art and craft. It will be discuss in
more detail in the next chapters.
 CHARACTERISTIC OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Contemporary art is not only found in the museum. They can be also found in galleries, art
schools, side streets, and public spaces like train or bus stations, shopping centers, or parks.
The practice of selling paintings has also changed in contemporary art. We know that selling
artwork are intended for display only in a particular setting and for given span of time. However,
this time many artworks are posted online. This means that anyone has an access to view the
artwork and actually purchase it. This makes it possible that an artist from the Philippines can sold
an artwork to the people coming from different country.
Many contemporary artist are self-taught and did not have formal formal education. The
problem of weight has also been solved by technology, which has given artists enough flexibility
and liberty to combine materials with found objects.
Monastery in San Jose, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon

In architecture, different shapes and forms have

emerged as a result of the use of different materials.

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/7e/be/d9/7ebed96e8745d99091a8d2c7e7a39eff--san-jose-philippines.jpg

"Marilyn Monroe" by Geovanni Abing Originality is not an issue in contemporary art. An

artist can get another artist’s work and add to it,
redesign or interpret using other materials. For
example, the portrait of Mariyn Monroe has been
interpreted by artist Andy Warhol in an artwork
where a series of faces of Monroe appears in
variety of colors. In Bohol, artist Geovanni Abing
used colorful papers to make a collage portrait of
https://images.saatchiart.com/saatchi/731366/art/2360551/1430706-7.jpg
Monroe.

By these characteristics, it can be said that contemporary art is a statement that an artist makes
about life, thoughts, ideas, beliefs, and many other things that define human life.
 NAME:_____________________________
SECTION:_______________
LET’S PRACTICE!
ACTIVITY 1
Answer the following question bellow.
1. Who were the artists who started contemporary art in the Philippines?

2. Contemporary art is ( in your own words 3-5 sentences only)

3. “Originality is not an issue in contemporary art” means

4. Describe the artwork done by an artist in the past.

5. Describe the new artwork based on the previous artwork.

6. Compare the two. What qualities of contemporary art are manifested in the new artwork?
 Lesson SUBJECT MATTER AND STYLE IN
CONTEMPORARY ART
2
OBJECTIVES
This lesson will enable you to:
1. Identify the subject matter that are common to contemporary art;
2. Differentiate among the major styles and movements in contemporary art; and
3. Create your own contemporary art.

Subject matter in contemporary art is not confined to representations of human figures and
landscapes.

The favorite subjects in contemporary art

are children, women, or the environment. It
can also be a combination of any of these.
In some artworks, the subject matter is not
easily recognized.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts

If the artwork is an experiment on technique,

the subject matter is the technique itself. In
others, such as those in conceptual art, the
viewer has to engage in thinking and
exploring the meaning of the artwork. Some
artworks are intended to make a statement
about an issue so the viewer is guided by a
written explanation.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts
 In Plet Bolipata's Cat Dolls the subject
matter combines human figure and cat
head. The artist constructed a human
skeleton made of wires and covered it with
textile. The cat head is made of resin.
Several of these are found infront of her
house to serve as guards.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts

Sam Penaso's Metalscape is an

abstraction using metal. This is an example
of a contemporary art style.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts

There were art movements and styles that dominated contemporary art through the decades since
the 1950s. These are abstract expressionism,kinetic art, Op art, performance art, environmental
art, feminist art, post-minimalism, video art, graffiti art, postmodern art, body art, and digital art.

Abstract expressionism is a painting

style in which the artist applies paint in a
manner that expresses emotions and
feelings in a spontaneous way. The
figures may be heavy in lines and color
without solid mass.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts
 Kinetic art is a sculpture that moves with
the wind or is powered by a machine or
electricity.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts

Op art uses lines or images repeatedly

to create an optical illusion.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts

Performance art combines a variety of

media and the human body to execute
an artistic theatrical expression before a
live audience.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts
Environment art involves the artistic creation or manipulation of space such as landscape or
architectural design that may enclose its audience. Earthworks, or art using stones, leaves, tress,
grass. or other natural elements are included in this category.

Feminist art emerged from concerns of female

artists expressed through art. They tackle issues
of identity, sexuality. gender roles, equality, and
the ways in which the female is treated in
society, among others.

AT A GLANCE by LYDIA VELASCO

Minimalism had a stripped-down, pre-

fabricated look, free of details, and often with
flat surface, but expresses a specific content or
statement. An example is electric wire emerging
from the wall that coils to form a particular
shape.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a2/cc/04/a2cc04536c8cb2537abe23856f983b29.jpg
 Video art consists of images that are recorded through a video and viewed through television,
computer, or projection screen.

https://manilaartblogger.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/manny-pamunti.jpg

Graffiti art is a drawing, inscription or

sketch done hastily on a wall or other
surface made to be seen by the public.

https://i2.wp.com/www.lataco.com/wp-content/uploads/FSAP_Gerilya.jpg

Postmodern art carries modern styles to

extreme practices, often expressing an
idea through a mix of materials such as
found objects welded together.

https://www.slideshare.net/shinpaiwa/subject-matter-in-contemporary-arts

https://triptheislands.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/nay.jpg

Body art is an art form that uses the body as the medium
or main material. It can be painted or clothed and used to
perform artistic act in public. Tattooing and piercing are examples
of body art.
 Digital arts done with the aid of
computer to create an image or
design composed of bits and bytes.
The image can be printed on paper,
tarpaulin, or other mediums.

Some art styles progress through the

decades and have influenced artists throughout the globe while some are short-lived and are
confined to a group of locality. As such, some styles cannot be confined to one particular decade.
Below is a list of some of the art movements and styles grouped by decades they are known to
have flourished.

In contemporary art in the Philippines, there is a dominance of abstraction,expressionism,

social realism and mixed media art. Traces of western influence are visible in two-dimensional
abstract paintings. Recently, community and environmental arts are gaining popularity. When
there is public space that can be used by artists, they collaborate in art-making and conduct
workshops to teach and involve the children or specific groups in the community.

Interactive art-making is also practiced among Filipino artists. In some cases, visual art is
combined with performance art to make a statement or express an idea about an issue. Film has
expanded to include indie films that explore specific themes. Theatre performances are no longer
confined to the theatre stage. They can be performed on the streets with minimal props that
enable transport and movement. In music, there is fusion of different styles and use of words in
songs sang in irregular sound patterns.

Although the trend in contemporary art is one of explorative use of new materials aided by
technology. its content does not leave out human elements, concerns, issues, and things of high
value to human beings.

NAME:_____________________________
SECTION:_______________
LET’S PRACTICE!
 ACTIVITY 2
Answer the following questions below.

1. Choose only two major styles in contemporary art and differentiate them for each other.

2. The specific style that progressed through the 1970s up to the 1990s were.

3. What are the common subjects in contemporary art?

NAME:_____________________________SECTION:_______________
TEST YOUR SKILLS!
 ACTIVITY 3
Create your own artwork using this sheet of paper by applying your chosen style. Label
your artwork and indicate its title, style, materials used and size.

Lesson SKILLS, TECHNIQUES AND PRODUCTION

IN CONTEMPORARY ART
3
OBJECTIVES
This lesson will enable you to:
1. Identify the different types of techniques in art making;
2. Give examples of how Filipino artists use certain art techniques; and

There are different types of techniques that artists can choose from:

Collage is made by adhering flat elements such as newspaper

or magazine cut-outs, printed text, illustrations, photographs,
cloth, string, etc. to a flat surface to create a thick layer that is
almost like a relief sculpture.
Image was retrieved from:
https://jennysserendipity.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/filipino-artist-jonathan-benitez-
mixed-media-collage-art-and-environmental-art-8.jpg?w=676
Artwork by Jonathan Benitez

Decalcomania is the process of applying gouache to paper or

glass then transferring a reversal of that image onto canvas or
other flat materials.
Image was retrieved from:
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/files/2014/06/t0616velasco-art_feat2_2.jpg

Decoupage is done by adhering cut-outs of paper and then

coating these with one or more coats or transparent coating of
varnish.

3d jeepney decoupage by Edon Tuazon

Image was retrieved from:
https://www.deviantart.com/edontuazon/art/Philippines-Jeepney-3D-decoupage-
355554997
 Frottage is the technique of rubbing with crayon on a piece of paper which has been
placed over an object or an image. The impression of the image can be created using
leaves, wood, wire screen, or metal with embossed image or words.
Image was retrieved from:
https://www.deviantart.com/yikyik/art/Daily-Sketch-20-Frottage-705980558

Montage is used for photography or film where a pictorial

image is juxtaposed or placed overlapping to make another
picture or design.
Image retrieved from
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn
%3AANd9GcSwHzEIAaqU2BFPZZ2eW2neLEE_OvLH3xzGFg&usqp=CAU

Trapunto painting is the technique used by Pacita Abad

where her canvases are padded, sewn, and often filled with
sequins, beads, shells, buttons, tiny mirrors, bits of glass,
rickrack, swatches of precious textiles, and other things that
she picks up from her travels and journeys.

SAILING BY PACITA ABAD

Digital applications for art viewing is another technique. An example was made possible
by the Samsung Supports the Arts FACETS based at Yuchengco Museum.
Visit:https://yuchengcomuseum.org/samsung-electronics-philippines-yuchengco-museum-
present-relative-realities-digital-art-experience/
 NAME:_____________________________ SECTION:_______________
LET’S PRACTICE!
ACTIVITY 4
Instruction: Answer the question below.
1. What are the different types of techniques in art making? Describe each technique.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.
 NAME:_____________________________ SECTION:_______________
LET’S PRACTICE!
ACTIVITY 5

Instruction: search in the internet for interactive or collaborative art done by contemporary
artists. You may search at the website of National Commission for Culture and Arts (NCCA)
or webpages of art associations of different regions. Just choose one interactive or
collaborative artwork and describe the following:
1. What is the subject matter of the artwork?

2. What techniques were employed in the art production?

3. Interactive and collaborative art production can benefit the artists and the public by?

Lesson DESCRIPTION APPLIED TO

4
CONTEMPORARY ART

OBJECTIVES
This lesson will enable you to:
1. Analyze the method of description of contemporary artwork’s subject matter, material, art
element, and principles; and
2. Apply description on a sample contemporary artwork.

There are three elements that constitute description of contemporary art: what the artwork
is all about (subject matter), what materials/medium were used in the process of art-
making, and the art elements, and principles. These are the description of the three
elements;
 SUBJECT MATTER is what you see that is depicted in the art work. It maybe a human form
where the figures are engaged in an activity, or combination of texture and color. It maybe also
a figure made from found objects put together or assemble into a coherent whole.
 MATERIAL is what the artwork is made of. It can also be a combination of object used in the
artwork.
 ART ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES refer to the physical qualities of the image. The artist
uses color, lines, space and other elements to create visual images. These are arranged into
an organized manner that observes unity, harmony, rhythm, or other principles of design in a
creative way.

Below is an example of applying the three elements about Michael Cacnio’s sculpture,

“Balloons.”
Image came from: Ramirez, V. (2016). Contemporary Philippine Arts form the Regions. Description Applied to Contemporary Art.
Vibal Group, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines. Page 24, table number 2.
SAILING BY PACITA ABAD
 NAME:_____________________________
SECTION:_______________
LET’S PRACTICE!
ACTIVITY 6

Instruction: Complete the table below. Use the three elements that constitute description
in contemporary art. Describe the artwork of Pacita Abad entitled “SAILING.”

What is the main figure in the

1. The Subject Matter artwork?
How do the other figures in
the artwork relate to the main
figure?

What are the materials or

2. The Materials medium used by the artist?
Does this medium bring out
the intended effect of the
artist?
If the artist chose another
medium, do you think the
same effect will be achieved?
Why and how?

What are the dominant

elements in the artwork?
3. The Art Elements and Principles How are these used in the
artwork?
How does the artist use line
to define shape and volume?
How is space used within the
artistic frame?
What are the unifying
features in the composition?
What variations appear
among repeated elements?
How does the object appeal
to the tactile as well as visual
 sense?

References:
Ramirez V. (2016). Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions. Vibal Group, Inc. 1253
Gregorio Araneta Avenue, Quezon City
Ramirez, V. (2016). Contemporary Philippine Arts form the Regions. Description Applied to
Contemporary Art. Vibal Group, Inc. Quezon City, Philippines. Page 24, table number 2
https://manilaartblogger.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/self-portrait-too-oscar-floirendo.jpg
(https://walkerart.org/visit/what-is-contemporary-art)
https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll00096lldyQOGFgMNECfDrCWvaHBOcSE9/romeo-
v.-tabuena-carabao-(water-buffalo).jpg)
https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll00047lld75EJFgTQeR3CfDrCWvaHBOcVokE/hern
ando-ruiz-ocampo-pagoda.jpg
https://www.artnet.com/WebServices/images/ll00047lld75EJFgTQeR3CfDrCWvaHBOcVokE/hern
ando-ruiz-ocampo-pagoda.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a0/35/9d/a0359dce51928fc2683ac1f4938a3f0c.jpg
https://jennysserendipity.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/filipino-artist-jonathan-benitez-mixed-
media-collage-art-and-environmental-art-8.jpg?w=676
http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/files/2014/06/t0616velasco-art_feat2_2.jpg
https://www.deviantart.com/edontuazon/art/Philippines-Jeepney-3D-decoupage-355554997
https://www.deviantart.com/yikyik/art/Daily-Sketch-20-Frottage-705980558
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn
%3AANd9GcSwHzEIAaqU2BFPZZ2eW2neLEE_OvLH3xzGFg&usqp=CAU
Visit:https://yuchengcomuseum.org/samsung-electronics-philippines-yuchengco-museum-
present-relative-realities-digital-art-experience/