HISTORY OF

ARTS IN THE

PHILIPPINES

1521 Before 1521, the indigenous communities

of the Philippines were involved in diverse
art forms like pottery, weaving, and
PRE COLONIAL elaborate tattooing. Cultural narratives
PERIOD were preserved through oral literature
and epic poetry during this pre-colonial
period.

During the Spanish Colonial Era from 1521

to 1898, European art forms, especially
1898
religious art, were introduced by Spanish SPANISH COLONIAL
influence. Notably, churches adorned with
frescoes and sculptures gained ERA
prominence, and Filipinos incorporated
these influences into their artwork by
blending them with local elements.

1900 In the 19th century, Filipino artists such

as Juan Luna and Felix Resurreccion
19TH CENTURY Hidalgo achieve acclaim in Europe. A
significant milestone in Philippine art
occurs when Luna's painting "Spoliarium"
secures a gold medal at the Madrid
Exposition in 1884.

1898-1946
During the American Colonial Period
from 1898 to 1946, Filipino art is shaped
by Western influences, fostering the
emergence of nationalism. Artists are AMERICAN
inspired to portray local scenes and
cultural themes as a response to this
COLONIAL PERIOD
influence.

1942-1945 In the period of Japanese Occupation

from 1942 to 1945, artistic
expression faces constraints, yet
JAPANESE resistance movements employ visual
OCCUPATION arts as a means of protest.

Filipino modern art experiences a

significant growth. In 1948, the 1946-1965
establishment of the Art Association
of the Philippines provides a platform
POST WORLD WAR II
for artists to exhibit their works,
contributing to this flourishing
period.

1972-1986 Artistic expression faces challenges

under martial law. Some artists produce
MARTIAL LAW ERA works with hidden political messages,
while others openly resist through their
creations. paraphrase

Filipino art undergoes diversification,

incorporating a range of styles and 1986-PRESENT
mediums. Contemporary artists address
social issues, cultural identity, and
CONTEMPORARY
globalization in their creations, establishing PERIOD
the Philippines as a dynamic hub for
contemporary art in Southeast Asia.