Contemporary Arts Reviewer
an optical illusion
Contemporary Art- art that springs out of the
present-day events
-newest form of art
-statement that an artist makes about life,
thoughts, and ideas
Characteristics of Contemporary Art
1. It is not confined in the museum
2. It practices a different way of selling art
works
3. Many contemporary artists are self-
taught and did not have formal
education
4. It has a variety of materials or medium
to choose from
5. Its artists sometimes employ the help of
fabricators, carpenters, electricians, or
welders in “constructing” artworks
6. Originality is not an issue in this type of
art
7. It is the process, rather than sale, which
is essential in contemporary art-making
Subject Matter and Style in Contemporary Art
Subject Matter- any person, animal, thing that is
described or represented in a work
-not confined to representation of human figures
and landscapes
-If an artwork is an experiment on technique, the
subject matter is the technique itself
Styles
Abstract expressionism- painting style in which
the artist applies paint in a manner that expresses
emotions and feelings
Kinetic Art- a sculpture that moves with the
wind or with the help of a machine
Op art- uses lines or images repeatedly to create
Performance art- variety of media and human
body to execute an artistic theatrical expression
before a live audience
Environment Art- involves artistic creation and
manipulation of space such as landscape or
architectural design
Feminist art- tackles issues of identity, sexuality,
and the ways in which the female is treated in
society
Minimalism- stripped-down, pre-fabricated look
often with flat surface but expresses a specific
content
Video art- consists of images that are recorded
through a video and viewed through projection
screen
Graffiti art- drawing or sketch done hastily on a
wall made to be seen by the public
Postmodern art- carries modern styles often
expressing an idea through a mix of materials
such as found objects welded together
Body art- art form that uses body as the medium
or main material
Digital art- done with the aid of computer to
create an image or design composed of bits and
bytes
Types of techniques in Contemporary Arts
1. Collage- piece of art made by sticking
various materials such as photographs
2. Decalcomania- process of transferring
designs from paper to glass
3. Decoupage- art of decorating surfaces
by applying cutouts then coating with
usually several layers of finish
4. Frottage- creating a design by rubbing a
pencil over an object placed underneath
the paper
 5. Montage- production of a rapid
succession of images in a motion picture
6. Trapunto- decorative quilted design
through at least 2 layers of cloth
7. Digital applications- application
software that can be used by a computer
to make a work of art
The Order of the National Artists
Proclamation No. 1001, series of 1972- highest
national recognition given to Filipino individuals
who made contribution to the Philippine art
The National Commission for Culture and the
Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the
Philippines (CCP)- administers the award
President- grants the award
Objectives
1. Filipino artists who have made
significant contributions to the
cultural heritage of the country.
2. Filipino artistic accomplishment at its
highest level and to promote creative
expression as significant to the
development of a national cultural
identity.
3. Filipino artists who have dedicated
their lives to their works to forge new
paths and directions for future
generations of Filipino artists.
Criteria for Selection
1. Living artist who are natural-born
Filipino citizens
2. Artists who through the content and
form of their works have contributed in
building a Filipino sense of nationhood
3. Artists who have pioneered in a mode of
creative expression or style, thus,
earning distinction and making an
impact on succeeding generations of
artists.
4. Artists who have created a substantial
and significant body of works and/or
consistently displayed excellence in the
practice of their art form thus enriching
artistic expression or style.
5. Artists who enjoy broad acceptance
through:
prestigious national and/or international
recognition, such as the Gawad CCP
Para sa Sining, CCP Thirteen Artists
Award, and NCCA Alab ng Haraya
critical acclaim and/or reviews of their
works
respect and esteem from peers
Honors and Privileges
1. Rank and title of national artist
2. The national Artist gold-plated
medallion
3. Minimum cash award of 200, 000 net of
taxes
4. Minimum cash award of 150, 000 net of
taxes for posthumous awardees
5. Minimum lifetime personal monthly
stipend of 30, 000
6. A state funeral benefit not exceeding
500,000
7. A place of honor, in line with protocular
precedence, in state functions, national
commemoration ceremonies, and all
other cultural presentations.
The National Artists
Architecture
National Capital Region
a. Pablo S. Antonio (1976)- he pioneered
modern Philippine architecture
- Antonio’s major works include the
following: Far Eastern University
Administration and Science buildings;
Manila Polo Club; Ideal Theater; Galaxy
 Theater; Capitan Luis Gonzaga
Building; Boulevard-Alhambra
apartments; and Ramon Roces
Publications Building
b. Juan F. Nakpil (1973)- known as the
“Dean of Filipino Architecture”
- His major works are: Geronimo de los
Reyes Building, Magsaysay Building,
Rizal Theater, Capitol Theater, Captain
Pepe Building, Manila Jockey Club,
Rufino Building, Philippine Village
Hotel, University of the Philippines
Administration and University Library,
and the reconstructed Rizal house in
Calamba, Laguna
c. Ildefonso P. Santos (2006)- considered
as the “Father of Philippine Landscape
architecture”
- His works include Tagaytay Highland
resort; Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country
Club in Lipa, Batangas; and Orchard
Gold and Country Club in Imus, Cavite
Region 3- Central Luzon
a. Jose Maria V. Zaragoza (2014)- his
name become almost synonymous with
modern ecclesiastical architecture
- His major works include Meralco
Building, Philbanking Building, Sto.
Domingo Church and Convent,
Metropolitan Cathedral of Cebu City,
Villa San Miguel Church in
Mandaluyong
Region 18- Negros Island
Leandro V. Locsin (1990)- he believes that the
true Philippine Architecture is “the product of
two great streams of culture, the oriental and the
occidental… to produce a new object of
harmony.” He used themes of floating volume,
the duality of light and heavy, and buoyant and
massive in his major works.
-His largest single work is the Istana Nurul
Iman, the palace of the Sultan of Brunei. He
designed the five buildings of the CCP Complex
– the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Folk
Arts Theater, Philippine International
Convention Center, Philcite, and The Westin
Hotel
Visual Arts
National Capital Region
a. Fernando Amorsolo (1972)- the “Grand
Old Man of Philippine Art”
- The backlighting technique became his
trademark
- His major works include the following:
Maiden in a Stream (1921), El Ciego
(1928), Dalagang Bukid (1936), The
Meztiza (1943), Planting Rice (1946),
and Sunday Morning Going to Town
(1958).
b. Cesar Legaspi (1990)- a pioneer “Neo-
Realist
- is remembered for refining cubism in the
Philippine context
- He made use of geometric fragmentation
technique
- Among his works are Gadgets I,
Gadgets II, Diggers, Idols of the Third
Eye, Facade, Ovary, Flora and Fauna,
Triptych, Flight, Bayanihan, Struggle,
Avenging Figure, Turning Point, Peace,
The Survivor, and The Ritual
c. Hernando Ocampo (1991)- self-taught
painter
- his canvases evoked the lush Philippine
landscape, its flora and fauna, under the
sun and rain in fierce and bold colors.
- He also played a pivotal role in
sustaining the Philippine Art Gallery,
the country’s first. His acknowledged
masterpiece “Genesis” served as the
basis of CCP Main Theater’s curtain
design. His other major works include
Ina ng Balon, Calvary, Slum Dwellers,
Nude with Candle and Flower, Man and
Carabao, Angel’s Kiss, Palayok at
 Kalan, Ancestors, Isda at Mangga, The
Resurrection, Fifty-three “Q”,
Backdrop, and Fiesta
d. Arturo Luz (1997)- He established the
Luz Gallery that professionalized the art
gallery as an institution.
- Among his other significant paintings
are Bagong Taon, Vendador de Flores,
Skipping Rope, Candle Vendors,
Procession, Self-Portrait, Night Glows,
Grand Finale, Cities of the Past, and
Imaginary Landscapes. His mural
painting Black and White is displayed in
the lobby of the CCP’s Bulwagang
Carlos V. Francisco (Little Theater). His
sculpture of a stainless steel cube is
located in front of the Benguet Mining
Corporation Building in Pasig
e. Jose T. Toya (2003)- He pioneered
abstract expressionism in the Philippines
f. Benedicto Cabrera (2006)- has been
noted as the best-selling painter of his
generation
- He has christened the emblematic
scavenger figure “Sabel” who is a
melancholic symbol of dislocation,
despair, and isolation
g. Federico Aguilar (2009)- he was known
mainly for his gestural paintings in
acrylic and oil
h. Francisco Coching (2014)- was
acknowledge as the “King of Komiks”
and “Dean of Filipino Illustrators”
- He was a part of the golden age of the
Filipino comics in the 50’s and 60’s
Region 1- Ilocos Region
a. Victorio Edades (1976)- the “Father of
Modern Philippine Painting”
- Among his works are The Sketch, The
Artist and the Model, Portrait of the
Professor, Japanese Girl, Mother and
Daughter, The Wrestlers, and Poinsettia
Girl.
Region 3- Central Luzon
a. Guillermo Tolentino (1973)- hailed as
the “Father of Philippine Arts”
- His famous works include the Bonifacio
Monument in Caloocan, and the UP
Oblation in Diliman, Quezon City
- He also designed the gold and bronze
medals for the Ramon Magsaysay
Award and did the seal of the Republic
of the Philippines
b. Vicente Manansala (1981)- a cubist
painter and illustrator
- Manansala’s works include A
Cluster of Nipa Hut, San Francisco
Del Monte, Banaklaot, I Believe in
God, Market Venders, Madonna of
the Slums, Still Life with Green
Guitar, Via Crucis, Whirr, Nude.
Region 4A-CALABARZON
a. Carlos “Botong” Francisco (1973)-
single-handedly revived the forgotten art
of mural and was best known for his
historical pieces
- His other major works include the
following: Portrait of Purita, The
Invasion of Limahong, Serenade,
Muslim Betrothal, Blood Compact, First
Mass at Limasawa, The Martyrdom of
Rizal, Bayanihan, Magpupukot, Fiesta,
Bayanihan sa Bukid, and Sandugo
Region 6- Western Visayas
a. J. Elizalde Navarro (1999)- A versatile
artist, being both a proficient painter and
sculptor, devotion to the visual arts
spans 40 years of drawing, printmaking,
graphic designing, painting, and
sculpting
- Three of his major mixed media works
are I’m Sorry Jesus, I Can’t Attend
Christmas This Year (1965), and his
Homage to Dodjie Laurel (1969: Ateneo
Art Gallery collection), and A Flying
 Contraption for Mr. Icarus (1984:
Lopez Museum)
Region 7- Central Visayas
a. Napoleon Abueva (1976)- considered as
the “Father of Philippine Modern
Sculpture”
- Some of his major works include
Kaganapan (1953), Kiss of Judas
(1955), Thirty Pieces of Silver, The
Transfiguration (1979), Eternal Garden
Memorial Park, UP Gateway (1967),
Nine Muses (1994), UP Faculty Center,
Sunburst (1994)- Peninsula Manila
Hotel, the bronze figure of Teodoro M.
Kalaw in front of National Library, and
murals in marble at the National Heroes
Shrine, Mt. Samat, Bataan
Region 11- Davao
a. Ang Kiukok- He fused influences from
cubism, surrealism, and expressionism
in his style
- He favored subjects such as fighting
cocks, rabid dogs, and people enraptured
by rage
- He also painted multiple depictions of
the crucified Christ.
- Some of his works include Geometric
Landscape (1969); Pieta, which won for
him the bronze medal in the 1st
International Art Exhibition held in
Saigon (1962); and the Seated Figure
(1979), auctioned at Sotheby’s in
Singapore
Fashion Design
National Capital Region
a. Ramon Valera- a fashion designer from
Abra.
- His contribution lies in the tradition of
excellence of his works, and his
commitment to his profession,
performing his magical seminal
innovations on the Philippine terno
Literature
National Capital Region
a. Jose Garcia Villa (1973)- is considered
as one of the finest contemporary poets
- introduced reversed consonance rhyme
scheme, including the comma poems
that made full use of the punctuation
mark in an innovative, poetic way
b. Nick Joaquin (1976)- is considered as
the most distinguished Filipino writer in
English writing
- Among his works are The Woman
Who Had Two Navels, A Portrait of
the Artist as Filipino, Manila, My
Manila: A History for the Young, The
Ballad of the Five Battles, Rizal in
Saga, Almanac for Manileños, and
Cave and Shadows.
c. Francisco Arcellana (1990)- he
pioneered the development of the short
story as a lyrical prose-poetic form
d. Levi Celerio (1997)- “National Artist for
Literature and Music”
- a prolific lyricist and composer for
decades. He made it to the Guinness
Book of World Records as the only
person able to make music using just a
leaf
e. Rolando S. TInio (1997)- “National
Artist for Theater and Literature”
- A playwright, thespian, poet, teacher,
critic, and translator, marked his career
with prolific artistic productions
f. Alejandro Roces (2003)- considered as
the country’s best writer of comic short
stories
- He is the champion of the Filipino
culture and was instrumental in
popularizing several local fiestas
specifically Moriones and Ati-atihan
 g. Cirilo F. Bautista (2014)- a multi-
awarded poet, fictionist and essayist
- He founded the Philippine Literary Arts
Council in 1981, the Iligan National
Writers Workshop in 1993, and the
Baguio Writers Group
Region 1- Ilocos Region
a. Francisco Sionil Jose (2001)- one of the
most widely-read Filipino writers in the
English language
- also a publisher, lecturer on cultural
issues, and the founder of the Philippine
chapter of the international organization
PEN
Region 2- Cagayan Valley
a. Edith L. Tiempo (1999)- She is a poet,
fictionist, teacher, and literary critic who
founded the Siliman National Writers
Workshop
Region 3- Central Luzon
a. Amado V. Hernandez (1973)- a poet,
playwright, and novelist from Hagonoy,
Bulacan
- He contributed to the development of
Tagalog prose through the use of
colloquial style
b. Carlos P. Romulo (1982)- he is the first
Asian president of the United Nations
General Assembly, then Philippine
Ambassador to Washington D.C., and
minister of foreign affairs
c. Virgilio S. Almario (2003)- he currently
serves as the chairman of the Komisyon
ng Wikang Filipino
- His earliest pieces of literary criticism
were collected in “Ang Makata sa
Panahon ng Makina” now considered as
the first book of literary criticism in
Filipino
d. Lazaro Francisco (2009)- earned his
reputation as the “Master of the Tagalog
Novel”
- His novels exposed the evils of the
tenancy system, the exploitation of
farmers by unscrupulous landlords, and
foreign domination
Region 4A- CALABARZON
a. Bienvenido Lumbera (2006)- He
introduced Bagay poetry to Tagalog
literature
- he pioneered the creative fusion of
fine arts and popular imagination
Traditional Folk Arts
A. Folk Architecture- simple structures built of
local materials and available tools to provide
shelter for its inhabitants
1. Bahay Kubo or Nipa Hut- also known as
kamalig
- A stilt house with walls usually made up
of bamboo rods
2. Bale or Ifugao House- a one-room house
with an attic for storage
- The exterior of the house looks likea
pyramid resting on four posts
3. Ivatan House in Batanes- built with
limestone walls, and cogon roofs. It has
narrow doors and windows with wooden
shutters
4. Torogan or Maranao House- means a
place for sleeping
- Stately house for the elite members of
the Maranao tribe in Mindanao
5. Badjao’s Stilt Houses and Houseboats-
Badjao, the sea gypsies of the
Philippines, cruise along the islands of
Sulu.
- Strong platforms are made on both ends
of the boat for the fish, kitchen utensils
 and fishing gadgets with the kitchen area
usually found at the back
B. Maritime Transports- simply marine vessels
made for the transport of goods and people
by sea and other waterways in the
surrounding regions
1. Wooden Banca- a small wooden boat
used for transport in daily activities
2. Vinta- traditional boat made by Sama-
Bajau and Moros living in the Sulu
Archipelago
C. Weaving, Textile making, and Fabric Art-
Early Filipinos weaved using fibers from
abaca, cotton, pineapple and, bark.
1. Piña fabric- oldest industry in Aklan
- Piña cloth is soft and looks delicate but
it is durable and long-lasting. It is often
used to our national costumes, the
baro’t saya and barong
2. T’nalak woven cloth- Woven by the
T’boli women of Lake Sebu, South
Cotabato, Mindanao, it represents the
tribe’s culture and tradition
3. Tingkep baskets- serves both practical
and spiritual purposes in the Pala’wan
community life
- used as a storage container for rice, salt,
and personal belongings
- It is also used to house the powerful
female spirit Linamin et Kundu during a
healing ritual called Kundu
4. Hinabol- Weaving is a happy activity for
the Higaonon hinabol weavers of
Bukidnon
- It is woven as offering to the spirits and
also given as a gift, as a dowry, and is
used to bring peace during tribal
conflicts
5. Yakan-weaved cloth- it features
elaborate geometric designs and patterns
that are inspired by nature
- The fabrics produced by the weavers are
used for religious and ritual purposes,
bartered for daily necessities, given as
gifts, and used for peace offerings in
times of conflict
6. Tapis of the Kalinga Tribe- The tapis is
a costume indigenous to the Kalinga and
Apayao. It is a rectangular cloth woman
wear as a wraparound skirt
D. Carving- Wood is the common material that
is widely used in the country. Other
materials such as stone and metals such as
silver and bronze are used in regions where
there is an abundance of the mineral.
Paete, Laguna- wood carving capital of the
Philippines
E. Performing Art- These may be folk dances
and music which are developed by an
individual or groups of people that reflect
their traditions and culture
F. Literature- refers to the traditional oral
literature of various ethnic groups of the
country
G. Graphic and Plastic Arts- Graphic arts are
mainly two-dimensional (2D), like
sketching, painting, photography, and
calligraphy. Plastic arts include sculpture or
ceramics which have three dimensions (3D)
H. Ornament- is used to embellish parts of a
building or object
I. Pottery- Native Filipinos created pottery
since 3500 years ago. These potteries serve
as a secondary burial jars to hold the
deceased
1. Manunggul Jar- It is a secondary
burial jar found in the early 1960’s
in Manunggul Cave, Lippun Point,
Palawan
2. Maitum Anthropomorphic
Potteries- Earthenware pots
resembling human figures were
 found in Ayub Cave in Pinol,
Maitum, Saranggani Province
Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan (GAMABA) or
National Living Treasures Awards
R.A No. 7355- GAMABA is awarded to a
citizen engaged in any traditional art uniquely
Filipino whose distinctive skills reached such a
high level of technical and artistic excellence
and have been passed on to and widely practiced
by the present generation in his/her community
with the same degree of technical and artistic
competence
Categories
The Award shall be given in each, but not
limited to the following categories of
traditional folk arts, namely: folk
architecture, maritime transport, weaving,
carving, performing arts, literature, graphic
and plastic arts, ornament, textile or fiber
art, pottery and other artistic expressions of
traditional culture. Consideration shall be
given to geographical distribution and
balance of artistic categories.
Criteria for Selection
1. Inhabitant of an indigenous cultural
community anywhere in the
Philippines
2. Must have engaged in a folk art
tradition that has been existence and
documented for at least 50 years
3. Must have consistently performed or
produced over a significant period,
works of superior and distinctive
quality
4. Must posses a mastery of tools and
materials needed by the art
5. Must have passed or will pass on to
other members their skills in the folk
art
Honor and Privileges
1. An awardee receives a specially
designed gold medallion, an initial grant
of P100,000 and a P10,000 monthly
stipend for life but according to R.A.
No. 7355 “the monetary grant may be
increased whenever circumstances so
warrant.” The NCCA board approved an
additional monthly personal allowance
of P14,000 for the awardees as well as a
maximum cumulative amount of
P750,000 medical and hospitalization
benefits annually similar to that received
by the National Artists and funeral
assistance/tribute fit for a National
Living Treasure.
2. The NCCA has also formulated
“Guidelines on Inviting a GAMABA
Awardee” which states the
honorarium and other benefits that an
awardee should receive whenever
he/she is invited to a private event
3. Befitting their national status, the
presence of Gawad sa Manlilikha ng
Bayan Awardees are required in the
events under the institutional
programs and projects of the NCCA
such as the Philippine National Arts
Month, the National Heritage Month,
and other important national and
regional cultural celebrations and
similar future events.
Manlilikha ng Bayan Awardees
1. Ginaw Bilog (1993)- Poet, Hanunuo
Mangyan
- Contributed in the preservation and
promotion of ambahan
2. Masino Intaray (1993)- Musician and
Storyteller, Pala’wan
- productive and leading epic chanter and
storyteller recognized for his
outstanding mastery of the musical
instruments basal, kulilal, and bagit
3. Samaon Sulaiman- Musician,
Maguindanao
- he becomes the most acclaimed kutyapi
master and teacher of his instrument in
Libutan
- Samaon was a popular barber in his
community and serve as an Imam in the
Libutan mosque
4. Lang Dulay (1998)- Textile Weaver,
T’boli
- Lang Dulay knows a hundred designs,
including the bulinglangit (clouds), the
bankiring (hair bangs), and the
kabangi (butterfly
5. Salinta Monon (1998)- Textile weaver,
Tagabawa Bagobo
- Her ardent desire to excel in the art of
her ancestors enabled her to learn
quickly
- She developed a keen eye for the
traditional designs, and now, at the age
of 65, she can identify the design as well
as the author of a woven piece just by a
glance.
- She has built a solid reputation for the
quality of her work and the intricacies of
her designs. There is a continuing
demand for her fabrics
6. Alonzo Saclag (2000)- Musician and
Dancer, Kalinga
- master of dance and the performing arts
whose mission is to create and nurture a
greater consciousness and appreciation
of Kalinga culture among the tribe and
beyond their borders
7. Federico Caballero (2000)- Epic
Chanter, Sulod-Bukidnon
- ceaselessly works for the documentation
of the oral literature particularly the
epics Labaw Dunggon, and
Humadapnon
- He is considered as a bantugan, a person
who has attained distinction and he
strives to dispense justice in the
community through his work as a
manughusay
8. Uwang Ahadas (2000)- Musician,
Lamitan Basilan
- a talented musician from the Yakan tribe
of Basilan
- He is a hands-on teacher to interested
individuals who wants to learn
kwintangan, kayu, and tuntungan
9. Darhata Sawabi (2004)- Textile Weaver,
Parang, Sulu
- is a Tausug weaver of pis syabit – the
traditional cloth tapestry worn as a head
cover
10. Eduardo Mutuc (2004)- Metalsmith,
Apalit, Pampanga
- an artist who has dedicated his life to
creating religious and secular art in
silver, bronze, and wood. His intricately
detailed retablos, mirrors, altars, and
carosas are in churches and private
collections
- According to him, craftsmanship begins
with respect for one’s tools and the
medium
11. Haja Amina Appi (2004)- Mat Weaver,
Tandubas, Tawi-Tawi
- recognized as a master mat weaver
among the Sama indigenous community
for her unique designs, straightness of
her edging or tabig, and fineness of her
sasa, and kima-kima
12. Teofilo Gracia (2012)- Casque Maker,
San Quintin, Abra
- A master artisan of gourd casques or
kattukong - an all-weather traditional
headgear made of tabungaw or gourd
- . Teofilo takes pride on his works by
wearing it always. He is a complete
 craftsman who executes all the phases of
his craft production from the planting of
his raw materials to the finishing of the
manufactured form
- His kattukong exhibits the finest
workmanship
13. Magdalena Gamayo (2012)- Textile
Weaver, Pinili Ilocos Norte
- A weaver of inabel, an Ilocano woven
cloth, she exhibits her mastery and
exceptional skill by producing abel
which is finer than the others. Her
blankets have a very high thread count
and her designs are the most intricate
and can sometimes take up to five (5)
colors.