Dogillo, Beatrice Alexandra

2MT-M

What do you think is the meaning of “soul” in connection of space and arts as a whole?

The soul of art is the essence of it. It is the emotion that comes out when you see a
masterpiece. Art is a reflection of the culture in which it develops. People's perspectives can be
affected through art, which can bring about profound changes in culture and society.

The place of origin of art will reflect the region's characteristics. For instance, European
Renaissance paintings that drew inspiration from classical Greek and Roman civilizations gave a
sense of grandeur, sublimity, and beauty to cultures. In the Philippines, its history and culture
marked the architectural heritage of our nation including the homes and churches of the
country's numerous ethnic groups. There is a variety of indigenous houses in the Philippines–
Nipa hut, Maranao house, Ifugao house, and Bahay na bato. Nipa hut is regarded as the
country's shelter, a piece of cultural heritage, and one of its most iconic structures. Pre-Hispanic
structures were formed of local, organic materials like bamboo and were bound together by
tree strings with dried coconut leaves or cogon grass to fully adapt to the tropical climate. On
the other hand, the Maranao house is the traditional royal residence of upper-class citizens. The
Maranao people's current sultan and his family have traditionally lived in the Torogan. It is
elevated above the ground by columns that were carved out of trees with enormous trunks. In
addition, the Ifugao house has a ladder, and wooden walls, and resembles an elevated pyramid.
Timbers were utilized as the building blocks, and they were connected together without the use
of nails. As for the Bahay na bato, it is a style of architecture that was first used in the
Philippines during the Spanish Colonial Era. Certainly, these indigenous houses signify that
Filipinos used to fill the house spaces with meaningful designs.

The soul of artwork is reflected in the mindset and the content of his work. It is what
makes us want to be artists and create beautiful things for others to enjoy. Arts are a reflection
of the mindset of the individual who created them including the place where they originated.
Thus, the culture in which art is created influences its soul.
 References:

Bahay na Bato | Historic Houses Wiki | Fandom. (n.d.). Historic Houses Wiki. Retrieved
November 20, 2022, from https://historic-houses.fandom.com/wiki/Bahay_na_Bato
Gutierrez, J. P. (2020, May 8). My Experience in Ifugao Native Houses! Getting to know the
Ethnic Group in Cordillera. Joan's Footprints. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from
https://joansfootprints.com/2020/05/08/my-experience-in-ifugao-native-houses-getting
-to-know-the-ethnic-group-in-cordillera/
Soul and Space: Philippine Architecture. (n.d.). Wakelet. Retrieved November 20, 2022, from
https://wakelet.com/wake/mYlpJXqcggirzaA9LfSnG