Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Week 006-007 CPAR
Week 006-007 CPAR
Welcome to the fifth module of the course on Philippine Contemporary Art from the Regions.
For this chapter, we will discuss the method of describing and interpreting contemporary
artworks.
In this chapter you will be able to describe, analyze and interpret contemporary artworks. In
doing these, you will be able to understand and appreciate contemporary art. Your knowledge in
chapter one and two will be applied here.
Subject matter
As mentioned earlier, this is what is seen by the audience depicted in the
artwork.
o What is the main figure used in the artwork?
o How is the main figure placed/used within the artistic frame?
o How do the other figures in the artwork relate to the main figure?
Material
This is what the artwork is made of.
o What are the materials or objects used by the artist?
o What is the intended effect of the artist by using these materials?
o Do these materials bring out the intended effect of the artist?
o If the artist chose other materials, do you think the same effect will be
achieved? Why and how?
As sample, we will use the artwork of Michael Cacnio, “Balloons”. We will discuss
each step of observing and describing the artwork by answering the guide questions.
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APPRECIATING CONTEMPORARY ARTS
Art elements and principles Perfect balance is achieved. The weight of the two
• What are the dominant elements figures is supported by the two legs of the ladder
used in the artwork? which is standing freely and not attached to the
• How are these used in the wall. The only connection of the two figures to the
artwork? ladder is the male’s foot that is pointed and attached
• What are the unifying features in on one step of the ladder. From the head of the
the artistic composition? female down to her feet and on to the torso of the
• Are there any variations among male is a straight line. Their arms in the air provide
the repeated elements? balance to the whole figure.
• How does the art form appeal to There is a repetition of form as seen in the bended
the senses? knees, arms in the air and pointed feet. The head of
the female is bent while the head of the male looks
up, thus giving an impression that he is flying with
her and both will soon be up in the air being pulled
upward by the balloons.
The figures are light despite the use of solid brass.
They project a floating effect. The sculpture shows
grace, as the figures seem to be dancing while being
pulled upward.
The following questions can guide the viewer in analyzing the artwork:
As sample for analysis, we will discuss the work “Reflection” by Harry Mark Gonzales.
The subject matter is God embracing mankind. The dark color of wood evokes human feelings
and attracts the viewer to get closer to look at the expression on the faces of God and the human
beings engulfed in His embrace.
The expression on the figures’ faces is one of love and dependence, devoid of anger and hatred.
Such depiction of divine love makes the viewer want to be in God’s embrace. It is a beautiful art
piece perfect for indoor display, one that can stimulate conversation among guests. It also
exemplifies God’s love, a value essential to humanity.
Explaining or interpreting art is done by the viewer after describing and analyzing an
artwork. In this stage, the focus is on the artwork’s expressive qualities, the meaning, theme,
mood, or idea communicated by the artist.
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APPRECIATING CONTEMPORARY ARTS
BACOLOD. "Escabeche: Filipino Sweet & Sour” by Manny Montelibano, video and installation, 2009.
(http://www.centerforartandthought.org/work/contributor/mariano-“manny”-montelibano?sort=title&page=1)
This digital and installation art is an expression of human engagement in communication. The
installation used variable materials. Although the video is part of the installation, it can stand on
its own as it is able to show the human emotion experienced by people who communicate, even
when they are continents away from each other. Communication is a two way process. This is
shown in the two images in one frame. The dynamic interaction facilitated by speech and
language depicted by the white lines and spaces that break the monotony of red. The artist’s
choice of digital form as medium delivers the meaning of the artwork effectively, which makes
the artwork beautiful.
After describing, analyzing and interpreting the contemporary artwork, the viewer can
now make a judgment if the artwork is good. The viewer must have the criteria and evidence for
his/her judgment, based on the three processes he/she has gone through.
We will now try and apply the method of description and analysis discussed with this
artwork by Camille Quintos, from NCR. We will discuss each step and answer the guide
questions given above.
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APPRECIATING CONTEMPORARY ARTS
After describing the artwork, observing the subject matter, material and the art elements
and principles used, we can now proceed to analyzing and interpreting the artwork.
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APPRECIATING CONTEMPORARY ARTS
Videos
“Please Do Not Touch” (8:48)
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHoans4ChMQ>
“How to Critique | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios” (6:27)
< https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9neybpOvjaQ>
“How to Learn About Contemporary Art | The Art Assignment | PBS Digital Studios”
(5:50)
< https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An3L7hQdkOg>
Readings
“ART CRITICISM AND FORMAL ANALYSIS OUTLINE” (10:00)
<https://www.uwgb.edu/malloyk/art_criticism_and_formal_analysi.htm>
“Contemporary Art in Context” (5:00)
<http://www.art21.org/learn/tools-for-teaching/on-contemporary-art/contemporary-art-
in-context>
“List of Descriptive Words to Critique Art” (5:00)
<http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/word-lists/list-of-descriptive-words-to-critique-
art.html>
References
Ramirez, Veronica E. Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions. Manila: Vibal Group,
Inc., 2016. Print.