Hum 13 Lesson 3: Philippine Art History

Summary

This lesson explores the evolution of Philippine art through various eras, from ethnic and pre-colonial beginnings to contemporary expressions. It discusses the role of art in survival, religion, and identity, highlighting significant periods such as the Spanish colonization emphasizing Catholicism, American influence focusing on education, and Japanese era's suppression of artistic freedom. The modern era's search for national identity and the contemporary period's diverse artistic expressions showcase the Philippines' artistic journey towards freedom and self-expression.

Takeaways

• 🕒 Contemporary art is defined by its creation in the present time, rather than a specific style or definition of art.
• 🗺️ Philippine art history is divided into several eras, each with unique characteristics and contributions to the country's artistic development.
• 🏞️ The Ethnic or Pre-Colonial era was marked by art integral to life, with artwork serving practical purposes for survival and later evolving to include decorative elements.
• 🌐 Islamic art in the Philippines is characterized by geometric designs, which are particularly evident in Muslim attire and architecture.
• ⚔️ The Spanish colonial period used art as a tool for propagating the Catholic faith, with a focus on religious iconography and ecclesiastical art.
• 🎨 The American era shifted the emphasis from religion to education and governance, with art becoming more secular and reflecting American influences in various forms.
• 🇯🇵 During the Japanese occupation, art was suppressed, and the era was characterized by an attempt to orientalize the Filipino culture with a preference for traditional Japanese styles.
• 🎭 The Modern era, post-World War II, was focused on national identity, with artists exploring their unique perspectives and rejecting traditional styles.
• 🌟 The Contemporary era, starting from the 1970s, is marked by a diverse range of artistic expressions, including multimedia and mixed media art, and a focus on national identity and freedom of expression.
• 🏛️ Architecture in the Ethnic era was functional, with the earliest forms providing basic shelter, while later developments included more complex structures like mosques and dwellings.
• 🛡️ The Japanese era imposed strict controls on speech and expression, limiting the development of art and leading to a period where artworks were banned or heavily censored.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of contemporary art according to the script?

Contemporary art primarily refers to a timeline, indicating the period in which the art is made, rather than focusing on the definition of art itself. It refers to artworks made in the present time.

What is the significance of the ethnic or pre-colonial era in Philippine art history?

The ethnic or pre-colonial era is significant because it represents the time before colonization, where art was integral to life and necessary for survival, often used for everyday purposes and decorated with symbolic meanings.

Can you describe the nature of artwork during the Islamic era in the Philippine art history?

Islamic art in the Philippines is characterized by geometric designs and patterns that elicit a focus from believers, often seen in their attire and architecture.

How did the Spanish era influence Philippine art?

The Spanish era influenced Philippine art through the propagation of the Catholic faith using art as a tool. This era saw the creation of religious paintings, sculptures, and architecture, with a focus on faith and catechism.

Who is considered the first Filipino to paint a self-portrait and why is he significant?

Juan de Dios Damián Górriz is considered the first Filipino to paint a self-portrait and is significant as he is known as the father of Filipino painting and the first great Filipino painter.

What was the primary focus of the American era in Philippine art?

The American era focused on secular art, emphasizing education and governance rather than religion, with artworks often depicting non-religious subjects such as landscapes, portraits, and still life.

How did the Japanese era affect the development of art in the Philippines?

The Japanese era affected the development of art by imposing strict control over the Filipino way of life, limiting freedom of speech and expression, and orientalizing the art, which led to a decrease in artistic production and a focus on wartime scenes and nationalism.

What characterizes the modern era of Philippine art?

The modern era of Philippine art is characterized by the portrayal of national identity, a unique perspective on subjects, and a rejection of traditional styles and values, with artists having the freedom to express themselves in various forms of art.

What are some examples of art forms that emerged in the contemporary era of Philippine art?

In the contemporary era, Philippine art includes multimedia and mixed media art, figurative and non-figurative sculptures, and various architectural styles such as real estate, safe housing, malls, subdivisions, and commercial buildings.

How does the script describe the evolution of Philippine art through different eras?

The script describes the evolution of Philippine art through different eras by highlighting the unique characteristics and influences of each period, from the necessity of art for survival in the ethnic era to the freedom of expression in the contemporary era.