CONTEMPORARY ARTS

PHILIPPINES AND ITS REGIONS

The Introduction to Contemporary Arts

The Contemporary Arts Philippines and its Regions

Objectives
• Describe the characteristics of contemporary arts
• Identify the subject matter and different styles
• Explain how different materials are used in art – making
• Make a contemporary artwork

1. Contemporary Arts
• A STATEMENT THAT AN ARTIST MAKES ABOUT LIFE, THOUGHTS, IDEAS, BELIEFS AND MANY OTHER
THINGS THAT DEFINE HUMAN LIFE

2. History
• First, one needs to be clear about what the term contemporary art has come to mean. It is generally defined as
referring to "work created after World War II." As it's used by critics, curators, and teachers, however, it really refers
only to work that is considered avant-garde, or cutting-edge. In particular, it means abstract work and the various
postmodernist genres, from "Pop art" to "installation" and "performance art."

3. Malliarium
• A true work of art can often speak for itself and releases its true artistic meaning just by looking at it. The
Spoliarium, which is often misspelled as ‘Spolarium’ truly exceeds the given definition of art. The Spoliarium, which
was painted by Juan Luna, is considered one of the most internationally renowned pieces of modern Filipino art.
Luna submitted his painting to the Exposición Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 which received a gold medal. Later
on the year 1886, it was then sold to the Diputación Provincial de Barcelona for 20,000 pesetas. The Spoliarium,
which is one of the Philippines pride, now hangs in the main gallery of the National Museum of the Philippines and is
the first painting to greet museum visitors.

4. Spoliarium Painting by Juan Luna

•The Spoliarium (often misspelled Spolarium) is a painting by Filipino painter Juan Luna. Luna, working on canvas, spent
eight months completing the painting which depicts dying gladiators. The painting was submitted by Luna to the Exposición
Nacional de Bellas Artes in 1884 in Madrid, where it garnered the first gold medal (out of three). [1] The picture recreates a
despoiling scene in a Roman circus where dead gladiators are stripped of weapons and garments. Together with other
works of the Spanish Academy, the Spoliarium was on exhibit in Rome in April 1884. [2]
In 1886, the painting was sold to the Diputación Provincial de Barcelona for 20,000 pesetas. It currently hangs in the main
gallery at the first floor of the National Museum of Fine Arts in Manila, and is the first work of art that greets visitors upon
entry into the museum. The National Museum considers it the largest painting in the Philippines with dimensions of 4.22
meters x 7.675 meters.[3]
Filipino historian Ambeth Ocampo writes, "...the fact remains that when Luna and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo won the top
awards in the Madrid Exposition of 1884, they proved to the world that indios could, despite their supposed barbarian race,
paint better than the Spaniards who colonized them." [4]

5. Detail of the killed gladiator in the Spoliarium

•The oil painting, which was created a little over twenty-five years after Raden Saleh’s The Arrest of Prince
Diponegoro, in 1884, depicts two fallen gladiators being dragged into the Spoliarium, a holding area in the Roman
Colosseum where corpses of fallen gladiators were brought, to be stripped of their armour and weapons before their
corpses were disposed of.

6. Juan Luna
• Juan Novicio Luna (October 23, 1857 – December 7, 1899) was a Filipino painter, sculptor and a political activist of
the Philippine Revolution during the late 19th century. He became one of the first recognized Philippine artists.
• His winning the gold medal in the 1884 Madrid Exposition of Fine Arts, along with the silver win of fellow Filipino
painter Félix Resurrección Hidalgo, prompted a celebration which was a major highlight in the memoirs of members
of the Propaganda Movement, with the fellow Ilustrados toasting to the two painters' good health and to the
brotherhood between Spain and the Philippines.

• Dubbed Malliarium, the collaborative work will span more than 7 meters across the CCP’s Little Theater Lobby. As
of production time, the mural’s “digital plate” has taken over one gigabyte of hard disk space to process on a Mac G4
and Pentium 3, with 17 artists working together across varying platforms mostly through networks.
• eArt members plan out the Malliarium at the CCP Little Theater Lobby (L-R) Mario Parial, Rosscapili, Heber
Bartolome, (top) Nelson Viterbo, Ige Ramos, Fatima Lasay, Benjie Cabangis, (bottom) Ronnie Millevo, Jose Tence
Ruiz, George Cabig and Art Suarez.

7. Contemporary Arts in Dumaguete City

• The City of Dumaguete is the hub of culture for the island of Negros. As the capital of the Negros Oriental
it’s the central meeting place for all of the province’s people. The island inhabitants gather here to sell their
goods and wares in the City’s Market and in various parks during various fiesta’s. They also come down
from the neighboring provinces to sell their recently harvested crops as well as their farm raised livestock
and of course the freshest catch of the day from the surrounding waters. It’s only fitting that the City of
Gentle People would be the natural creative center of the province as it is also where all the island’s
brightest young minds converge for higher education and learning at one of the City’s many colleges and
universities.

Culture of a place is a reflection of its society. The culture of Dumaguete is fascinating and captivating. It
tells us about the people of the place, their lifestyle and their beliefs. Observing the culture of Dumaguete
gives you a fair idea about the traditions and practices that are still followed by the locals. The festivals, the
events, the attractions, all reflect the culture of Dumaguete in one way or the other. The locals have a fairly
high standard of living and are quite well-off in addition to being friendly towards tourists and polite.
Communication with the older people, though, might be a little difficult as they mostly speak their native
language. The younger crowd, educated in the English language, is more approachable. Come and be
mesmerized by the intoxicating culture of Dumaguete. Culture of Dumaguete – MakeMyTrip brings you
complete information on Dumaguete people, Dumaguete culture and Festival of Dumaguete also provides
information on Dumaguete Food and other informations. Culture of Dumaguete – MakeMyTrip provides
information about Dumaguete culture, peoples and Festivals. Read about Dumaguete food and culture of
Dumaguete.

In the gentle university town of Dumaguete City, apart from the hypnotic backdrop of the Visayan sea and
Siquijor Island, there is a long-brimming scene that keeps pulling back artists and art lovers alike. More
than a gateway to the Apo Island diving spot and dolphin-watching near Bais, it has become a vibrant arts
and culture center that has been nurturing creative minds for decades and a secret hideaway for those
looking to hone their craft.

For award-winning writer and Silliman University professor Ian Rosales Casocot, one of the reasons arts
and culture continue to thrive in Dumaguete is the young population that makes up majority of its dwellers.
Multidisciplinary artist and creative entrepreneur Razcel Jan Luiz Salvarita echoed this sentiment, saying
that “the strong presence of academic institutions has influenced the artistic vibe of Dumaguete as a
cultural and creative hub for local and international artists. The nurturing land and environment of the island
have attracted kindred souls to live and share their visions.”

The presence of Silliman University has organically turned Dumaguete into a hub for writers, musicians,
visual artists, and performers. It has become a melting-pot of artists which breathed life to the town, filling it
with quaint cafes and bohemian bars that are more than just places for good food and drinks but also as
rendezvous points for artists and performers. One of the well-known alcoves of creative types is El Amigo
along Silliman Avenue.

All throughout the year, the University hosts series of events that highlight music and literature, visual arts,
theater and dance. One of which is the Dumaguete National Writers Workshop held in May every year. This
serves as an annual get together of literary behemoths and their young counterparts, and has so far
produced a formidable list of alumni.

Dumaguete is also home to the Elements Singing Songwriting Camp, which brings together amateur
singer-songwriters who are coached by musical icons headed by Maestro Ryan Cayabyab.

Dumaguete is a small city, but it has all the luxuries and conceits of big city living. So we have a population
that is actually quite cosmopolitan, but tempered with a small town ease. While the city offers the
conveniences of semi-cosmopolitan living, it is Dumaguete’s small-town charm that continues to appeal to
artistic types. Local artists in Dumaguete offer “art walks” or multi-venue art exhibitions wherein
participants  are taken on a unique tour of art exhibitions and restaurant cafes such as The Bean
Connection, KRI, Pop’s Place, Hayahay, Captain Ribbers, and El Amigo, forming a strong community bond
between artists and their patrons. Musical, theater and other cultural performances are also often held at
the Silliman University’s Claire Isabel McGill Luce Auditorium, dubbed as the Cultural Center of Southern
Philippines. The university’s Cultural Affairs Committee has an exciting lineup of shows annually, featuring
its brightest and most talented stars.

Upcoming programs include Kisaw: The Evolution of Philippine Music and Dance, a showcase of traditional
music and dances in the Philippines that pays tribute to Silliman long dance tradition. To be held in
February, the show will be helmed by homegrown talents, the Silliman University Dance Troupe and
Orkestra Sin Arco (Orchestra Without Bows). In March, students will unite with members of the faculty, staff
and alumni for the Silliman Performs. A tribute to the best and most popular Broadway musicals, the annual
musical revue will feature iconic songs and dances from Chicago, Jesus Christ Superstar, Les Misérables,
West Side Story and other great plays.

PRESERVING DUMAGUETE’S CULTURE

Dumaguete City showcases many cultural attractions representative of the rich history Negros Oriental with
it’s many landmarks and museums that contain artifacts dating from as far back as the pre-Spanish
colonization era providing insight into the Philippines original inhabitants. There is also the a well preserved
collection of landmarks, theaters and art galleries that feature performances and visual artists throughout
the year. The universities founded here in Dumaguete City are the best curators and protectors of Negros
Oriental history and culture.  School and government programs have been established whereas these
students inherit the duty of preserving the culture and heritage that makes Negros so unique. Each
graduating class become the latest endoctorined guardians of Negros Oriental culture and it’s rich
traditions.

8. The Characteristics of Contemporary Art

• Many contemporary artists are self –taught and did not have formal education.
• Originality is not issue in contemporary art.An artist can get another artist’s work and add to it, redesign or interpret
it using other materials.
• For Example Negros /Siquijor Artist Daryl Cuaresma

9. Anthony FerminAnthony Fermin, who was born in Pasay and grew up in Cebu, is well known for his Hanover,
Berlin exhibits in 2000 and various exhibits in the Philippines and around the world. In 2009 he was commissioned by
a Lady German, an art enthusiast to do 25 paintings for Atmosphere Resort in Dumaguete City. 2000 Expo Ostrich
Egg Exhibit Project to help the poor African children-Hanover, Germany, 2009: Looking for Juan in California. The
Athenaeum San Diego, California USA and same work at the Cultural Center of the Philippines CANVAS PROJECT,
Manila. For Community Projects, he has done the 2010 Art Workshop for homeless kids, Bantayan, Dumaguete City,
2005 Parfund Christmas Card project to help the schooling of farmers children. 2005 Menoppose: Art for a cause to
help the women who are victims of prostitution and 1999 Children South Africa Art for a cause to help poor African
children.
10. Subject matter and style in Contemporary Art
• Subject matter in contemporary art is not confined to representations of human figures and landscapes. The
favourite subjects in contemporary art are children ,women or the environment, such as the late artist Muffet Villegas
Flora and Fauna.
• In some artworks, the subject matter is not easily recognized, If the artwork is an experiment on technique ,the
subject matter is the technique itself.

11. Muffet Villegas

• In others such as those in conceptual arts,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.

12. Abstract Expressionism

• Abstract expressionism is a post–World War II art movement in American painting, developed in New York in the
1940s. It was the first specifically American movement to achieve international influence and put New York City at the
center of the western art world, a role formerly filled by Paris.

13. Kinetic Arts

• Art from any medium that contains movement perceivable by the viewer or depends on motion for its effect. Canvas
paintings that extend the viewer's perspective of the artwork and incorporate multidimensional movement are the
earliest examples of kinetic art

14. Op Art
• a form of abstract art that gives the illusion of movement by the precise use of pattern and colour, or in which
conflicting patterns emerge and overlap. Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely are its most famous exponents.

15. Performing Arts

• form of art in which artists use their voices and/or their bodies, often in relation to other objects, to convey artistic
expression. It is different from visual arts, which is when artists use paint/canvas or various materials to create
physical or static art objects.

16. Environment Art

• a range of artistic practices encompassing both historical approaches to nature in art and more recent ecological
and politically motivated types of works.

17. Feminist Art

• The feminist art movement refers to the efforts and accomplishments of feminists internationally to produce art that
reflects women's lives and experiences, as well as to change the foundation for the production and reception of
contemporary art.

18. Minimalism
• Minimalism describes movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual art and music, where the
work is set out to expose the essence, essentials or identity of a subject through eliminating all non-essential forms,
features or concepts.

19. Video Arts

• Video art is an art form which relies on moving pictures in a visual and audio medium. Video art came into existence
during the late 1960s and early 1970s as new consumer video technology became available outside corporate
broadcasting. Video art can take many forms • Paul Pfeiffer, "Four Horseman of the Apocalypse (6)," 2001.

20. Graffiti Art

• One of the most radical contemporary art movements, "graffiti art" (also called "Street Art", "Spraycan Art", "Subway
Art" or "Aerosol Art") commonly refers to decorative imagery applied by paint or other means to buildings, public
transport or other property.

21. Post-modern Art

•Postmodernism can be seen as a reaction against the ideas and values of modernism, as well as a description of
the period that followed modernism's dominance in cultural theory and practice in the early and middle decades of
the twentieth century. The term is associated with scepticism, irony and philosophical critiques of the concepts of
universal truths and objective reality.

22. Body Art

• Body art is art made on, with, or consisting of, the human body. The most common forms of body art are tattoos
and body piercings. Other types include scarification, branding, subdermal implants, scalpelling, shaping (for
example tight-lacing of corsets), full body tattoo and body painting.

23. Digital Art

• Digital art is an artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as an essential part of the creative or
presentation process. Since the 1970s, various names have been used to describe the process including computer
art and multimedia art, and digital art is itself placed under the larger umbrella term new media art

24. One of my eeriest photoshoot shot in the big haunted Balete Tree in Siquijor that we need to have a shaman to
ask for permission from the spirits of the tree. Eric Estampador Cabales

25. Materials used in Contemporary Arts

• Contemporary Artists salvage materials that can be recycled and made into creative forms.

26. Cottage made of Bamboo

• It often serves as an icon of broader Filipino culture, or, more specifically, Filipino rural culture

27. Dumaguete Port Tourist Information Center

•Dumaguete is the capital city and main port of Negros Oriental, the province that occupies the south-eastern half of
Negros Island, in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines.
Popularly known as the "City of Gentle People". In Dumaguete City beauty in its gentlest form. The place shows serenity,
simplicity and most of all safety.

28. Skills,Techniques and Production in Contemporary Arts

• Many contemporary artist do not have formal studies in the fine arts but are self –taught. Concerned with the
development of their talent and skills in art making ,they study on their own ,interact with artists and read a lot about
lives of artists and their artworks.

29. Type of Techniques

• 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.

30. Decalcomania
• The process of applying gouache to paper or glass then transferring a reversal of that image onto canvas or other
flat materials

31. Decoupage
• Done by adhering cut-outs of paper and then coating these with one or more coats or transparent coating of
varnish. • the art or craft of decorating objects with paper cut-outs

32. Frottage
• a technique in the visual arts of obtaining textural effects or images by rubbing lead, chalk, charcoal, etc., over
paper laid on a granular or relief like surface. Compare rubbing (def 2). 2. a work of art containing shapes and
textures produced by frottage.

33. Montage
• the process or technique of selecting, editing, and piecing together separate sections of film to form a continuous
whole.

34. Trapunto
• Trapunto, from the Italian for "to quilt," is a method of quilting that is also called "stuffed technique." A puffy,
decorative feature, trapunto utilize s at least two layers, the underside of which is slit and padded, producing a raised
surface on the quilt.

35. Digital Applications

• In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the Diploma in Digital Applications (DiDA) is an optional information and
communication technology course, usually studied by Key Stage 4 or equivalent school students. DiDA was
introduced in 2005 as a creation of the Edexcel examination board. DiDA is notable in that it consists entirely of
coursework, completed on-computer; all work relating to the DiDA course is created, stored, assessed and
moderated digitally.

36. Appreciating Contemporary Arts

•1. READ BETWEEN THE LINES

It’s kind of cliche, but the question “what does it represent?” is not only valid, but also vital to understand
how contemporary art works and what it has to offer. Especially in contemporary art, which focuses heavily
on being a reflection of society, you should think of the world today and how it relates to the piece instead
of just taking it at face value. You might find that the piece reflects some of the issues that are important to
people today, which should increase your appreciation for what contemporary art has to offer.

2. COME HUMBLY

When you’re attending a contemporary art exhibition, it’s counterproductive to come at it with the attitude of
being hyper critical. Instead of coming into the exhibit with the attitude that these people are scam artists,
you should instead be trying to be as humble as possible, and experiencing the diverse perspectives that
the art has to offer rather than critiquing the art itself. This is the most important part, because if you come
into the exhibit with a prideful attitude, you’re not going to be able to change your attitude about
contemporary art. Want to appreciate contemporary art? Start from a place of humility.

3. FROM THE OTHER SIDE

The artist has a different perspective and worldview than you do, and the art that they create reflects that
difference. If you don’t know the background of the artist, and you’re trying to get to a place where you can
appreciate their work, you should learn a little bit about their history. It’s extremely common for there to be
brochures at exhibits that will give you all of the information that you need to know about the art and the
artist who created it. This brings a new dimension to experiencing contemporary art, and is a surefire way
to increase your appreciation of it.
37. Art Gallery visited
•1.National Museum
2.Ayala Museum
3.University of Santo Tomas Museum of Arts and Sciences
4.Rizal Shrine
5.Palawan Museum
6.Clark Museum
7. Museo Pambata
8.Mind Museum
9.BenCab Museum
10. Puzzle Mansion Tagaytay

38. Description Applied to Contemporary Arts

• Subject Matter-is what you see that is depicted in the artwork. It may be a human form where
the figures are engaged in an activity, or a combination of texture and color.
• Material is what the artwork is made of.It can also be a combination of objects used in the
artwork.
• Art element and principle refer to the physical qualities of the image.The artist uses color,
lines,space and other elements to create visual images.

39. "Nasa Bubong ang Balita“Anthony Fermin at Canvas Bistro Bar Gallery.”

Craft
The art of craft- making can be defined as an occupation or trade which involves manual dexterity and skilled artistry.
The significant advent for the crafts was “Arts and Craft Movement” which flourished in the late 19th and early 20th
century.

There are 5 types of different crafts in this lesson. The textile craft, paper craft, decorative craft, fasion craft and
functional craft.

TEXTILE CRAFT. These include any type of craft where you work with fabric, yarn or surface design.

PAPER CRAFT. As the name implies, paper crafts have to do with well- paper. Paper crafts include papier- mache,
calligraphy, and papermaking.

DECORATIVE CRAFTS. Furniture making, metalwork, stenciling, stained glass, gilding, sponge ware, surface design
of walls such as basketry and dried flowers. Includes toy making.

FASHION CRAFTS. This type of crafts encompasses all the elements of dressing the human body; jewelry, hats,
leatherwork (shoes, belts, hand-bags) and garments. This craft type will naturally intersect other craft types since
jewelry can be made through metal working and garments are fabricated by sewing- which can be classified as a
textile craft.

FUNCTIONAL CRAFTS. Many of the four other types of crafts can also be classified as functional. Many furniture
crafts are primarily functional but can also be quite decorative.