Cpar Lesson 2 Handouts

CONTEMPORARY ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
The artworks and styles of the past have evolved and have adapted to a dynamic changing world, a world immersed in
the latest technology and emerging ideologies. These artworks and styles are created, witnessed and experienced in our
lifetime by artists and style experts catering to Millennial and Gen Z viewers, and techy clientele. These artworks are
collectively known as Contemporary Art.
The term contemporary has been defined as something “happening, existing, living, or coming into being during the same
period of time” (Merriam-Webster).
Assuming this definition, Contemporary Art refers to art of any form and genre that produced in our contemporary time,
simply put as “art created today.” It should not be confused with Modern Art which ranges from the end of the 19th Century
until the 1970’s or 1980’s or the late 20th Century. It will put Contemporary Art from the late 20th Century to the present.
Modern Art differs from Contemporary Art historically and contextually.
Contemporary Art is influenced by the economic, social, political and environmental context where the artist is immersed
in. Contemporary Art is expressions of the artist’s thoughts and feelings based on their experience of the here and now which
current events, issues and social concerns affecting the society where the artist lives in.
Contemporary Arts in the Philippines is as diverse as our people. Contemporary Philippine Art is not confined to the usual
genres of the four main art forms, namely, visual, literary, applied and performing arts. Many other genres came up which
include pure are forms as well as mixed art forms. The following are examples from each art form:
Examples of Contemporary Art Forms
1. Visual Arts 2. Performance Arts 3. Applied Arts 4. Literary Arts

a. Pop art a. Music: blues, electronic, a. Video Art a. Illustrated Novel
b. Word art experimental, funk, hip-hop, b. Photography b. Digi-Fiction
c. Conceptual art jazz, metal, pop, rock, roots c. Computer Art c. Graphic novels
d. Installation art b. Theater Art: stage, film, d. Film and d. Manga
e. Photorealism street play Broadcasting e. Doodle Fiction
f. Contemporary c. Dance: flash mob, Street e. Architecture, f. Text-Talk Novels
realism Dances comprising hip-hop, design and g. Chick Literature
g. Graffiti art funk, house and rave Allied Arts h. Flash Fiction
i. Hyper Poetry
j. Blog
ELEMENTS OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Contemporary Arts have different elements that are put together to come up with a distinct artwork. These elements
include:
1. Appropriation - this relates to the modifications made by the artist.
Example: An artist might take old photographs and add new elements to them to create a fresh piece of art.
2. Hybridity - this refers in the use of different art mediums that are put together.
Example: Combining traditional Filipino weaving techniques with modern painting methods to create a unique
artwork.
3. Technology - its application highlights the creativity of the artist.
Example: Creating digital art on a computer or using video projections in an art installation.
4. Performance - carried out for viewers to experience.
Example: A performance artist might do a live show where they interact with the audience to create an experience.
5. Space - intricate use of space.
Example: Creating an art piece that takes up an entire room or using the architecture of a building as part of the
artwork.
With modern technology and easy access to far-flung areas of the country, many artworks have become known and
many more are being created by present day artists from the different regions. All forms of art can be found throughout the
country.
Artworks coming from the seventeen regions of the three main island groups of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, have
been exhibited in different exhibition halls and museums. Viewers have come to know and, more importantly, to understand
the present-day art expressions of artists who want their culture, situation and issues be known through their artworks.
THE DISTINCT FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ART
1. Communal Nature - This means that Contemporary Philippine Art often reflects the connections and relationships
within communities and society. Artists draw inspiration from the bonds that tie people together.
• Imagine an artwork that depicts a close-knit Filipino fishing community living by the sea. The artist might
showcase the strong bonds among the fishermen and their families, highlighting their shared struggles and
triumphs.
2. Intuitive - Filipino artists create their art based on their deep understanding of themselves, their community, and
their culture. It comes from their feelings and insights about who they are and where they come from.
• An artist from the Philippines might create a painting inspired by their personal experiences growing up in a
small town. They use their feelings and memories to convey the essence of life in that community.
3. Holistic - In this context, "holistic" means that artists see the big picture. They look at individuals, groups, and events
as part of a whole. They also use various art materials and forms in a unified way.
• Picture a sculpture made from various recycled materials found in a bustling Filipino market. The artist
combines these materials to create a piece that represents the vibrancy and interconnectedness of the
market and the people who frequent it.
4. Creative Process - Instead of just focusing on the final artwork, Filipino artists pay a lot of attention to how they
create it. The process of making art is just as important as the finished piece.
• An artist might choose to create an installation artwork that involves a live performance where they interact
with the audience. The focus here is on the process of creating the performance art, involving the viewers in
the act of creation.
5. Integrative - Contemporary Philippine Art is like a big umbrella that covers many aspects of life. It includes ideas
about religion, morals, spirituality, society, and the environment. Artists explore these themes in their work.
• Consider an artwork that portrays a traditional Filipino fiesta. The artist might incorporate religious symbols,
traditional dance forms, and local cuisine to highlight the religious, social, and cultural aspects of the
celebration.
6. Multi-focal - This means that when you look at Contemporary Philippine Art, you see a lot of different things. It's like
a painting with many layers. Artists consider everything and everyone, and the artwork can have different meanings
for both the artist and the viewer.
• Imagine a mural that covers an entire wall in a public space. It features intricate details, multiple scenes, and
a range of characters. Different viewers can find various stories and meanings within the mural, making it a
multi-focal artwork.

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CONTEMPORARY ARTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Examples of Contemporary Art Forms

1. Visual Arts 2. Performance Arts 3. Applied Arts 4. Literary Arts

ELEMENTS OF CONTEMPORARY ART

THE DISTINCT FEATURES OF CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ART

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