History of Philippine Arts

Summary

This video explores the rich history of Philippine art, beginning with ancient rituals and early artistic expressions before colonization. It covers the evolution of art through various periods, including Islamic influences, the Spanish colonial period, the American colonial era, and modern Filipino art. The discussion highlights key art forms such as religious iconography, performance art, social realism, and conceptual art. It also addresses how modern Filipino artists blend indigenous and foreign influences, reflecting both personal and societal concerns. The video provides a comprehensive overview of how Philippine art has evolved, from traditional to contemporary styles.

Takeaways

• 😀 Art existed before colonization in the Philippines, but it was primarily integrated into rituals and community life rather than individual expression.
• 😀 During the ancient hunter-gatherer societies, art took the form of oral storytelling, theater, and mimicking animal movements, marking the beginnings of theater arts.
• 😀 The Kanyao ritual dance in the Luzon Highlands is an example of ancient Filipino artwork that holds cultural and spiritual significance.
• 😀 Islamic art in the Philippines emphasized abstract patterns and shapes to focus attention away from human figures, reflecting beliefs in the impermanence of nature and divine greatness.
• 😀 The Spanish colonial period (1521-1898) saw the use of art to propagate Catholicism, with churches featuring intricate religious images to tell stories of Christ's life and teachings.
• 😀 Baroque-style churches and optical illusions in religious art were common during the Spanish colonial period, designed to inspire awe and contemplation of divine themes.
• 😀 Filipino performance arts like the 'Passion' and 'Comedia' were used to narrate religious stories, often blending singing, dancing, and dialogue to convey biblical events.
• 😀 The American colonial period (1898-1946) brought new influences, including neoclassical architecture, and modern art forms like still life, portraiture, and genre paintings.
• 😀 In the modern era, Filipino artists gained more freedom to explore various artistic styles, blending traditional Filipino themes with Western influences.
• 😀 Contemporary Filipino art includes movements like social realism, which used art to protest political issues, and conceptual art, which focuses on the ideas and concepts behind the artwork rather than its visual form.

Q & A

What was the nature of art before colonization in the Philippines?

Before colonization, art in the Philippines was integrated within rituals and marked significant moments in a community's life. It was not an individual expression but a communal and ritualistic form of art.

How did the ancient Filipinos express their literature?

Ancient Filipinos expressed literature primarily through oral storytelling. These stories were passed down verbally, marking the beginning of literature in the Philippines.

What marked the beginning of theater in ancient Filipino society?

The beginning of theater in ancient Filipino society was marked by the imitation of animal movements during hunting. This mimicking behavior, including dancing and acting, was a form of storytelling and theatrical expression.

What was the significance of the Kanyao ritual dance in ancient Filipino society?

The Kanyao was a highly significant ritual dance performed during native feasts or celebrations in the highlands of the Philippines. It was a key expression of cultural identity and spiritual reverence.

How did Islamic beliefs influence art in the Philippines during the 13th century and onwards?

Islamic art in the Philippines, influenced by Tawid (the belief in the impermanence of nature and the greatness of divine beings), emphasized intricate, abstract patterns to honor divine beings and encourage mental contemplation.

What was the role of art during the Spanish colonial period in the Philippines?

During the Spanish colonial period, art was used as a tool to propagate Catholic faith, explain religious concepts, and depict stories from Christ's life. Art became heavily focused on religious themes and imagery, especially in churches.

What is the significance of Baroque architecture in Filipino churches?

Baroque architecture in Filipino churches is characterized by its grand scale and elaborate decoration. It served to evoke awe and reverence, integrating European styles with local materials and designs.

What distinguishes Filipino performance arts during the Spanish colonial period?

Filipino performance arts during the Spanish colonial period included various religious and theatrical performances such as the Passion, Zarzuela, and Comedia. These performances often combined singing, dancing, and dialogue to narrate biblical stories or societal conflicts.

How did American colonization influence the arts in the Philippines?

American colonization brought modernization to Filipino arts, introducing new artistic movements and mediums. This period saw a rise in genres like social realism, abstraction, and neo-realism, blending Western influences with Filipino cultural themes.

What is the concept of social realism in Philippine art, and how does it differ from neo-realism?

Social realism in Philippine art emerged during the political ferment of the 70s and 80s, focusing on social and political issues such as corruption and inequality. Unlike neo-realism, which simply reflects daily life, social realism often conveyed revolutionary themes and was rooted in political protest.