It is good to study contemporary arts because you are surrounded by art in our

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE everyday life, in mass media, and even in social media. However, it is not enough
REGIONS to see or hear them. You have to understand what they mean and how they
affect your life.
WEEK 1
WHAT IS CONTEMPORARY ART AND WHAT MAKES IT LOOK THE WAY IT DOES?
We live in exciting times. There has never been a time in the history like this when
the arts are enjoying a popular following in the various regions of the country. Contemporary art is the art that springs out of the present-day events and
The arts are within the reach of everyone. passions of the society. It is the newest form of art, amusing people from the
middle to the late 20th century up to this very minute.
Every day, your senses are being treated to an array of new and fascinating
delights. You encounter art forms that were unknown decades ago. Before you Authorities in the arts place the emergence of contemporary art sometime during
know it, exciting times have brought forth a new breed of art that is just as the start of postmodernism in the West, around the late 1970s. This was the time
thrilling - the contemporary arts. when artists reacted to the previous art period called modernism, whose idea of
using a pure, simplified, and a streamlined form and style was fundamental in
What do you know about contemporary arts? Does an artwork have to be creating something new at that time. This gave birth to the idea that "less is
aesthetically beautiful to be called an art? more."

To understand better the contemporary art, let us first look at it in macro view. Contemporary art is produced by the 21st century artists living in the
postmodern age. It functions in a global society that is culturally diverse and
The art is a fraction of a bigger branch of discipline: the humanities. What do you technology-oriented. For one thing, it provides instances for people to reflect and
know about humanities? respond to contemporary social concerns and issues pertinent to themselves and
to the world. For another thing, it is a combination of mixed styles, materials,
The term Humanities refers to the study of the human experience - how people techniques, and concepts that challenges tradition. It has gone into the
process and record their thoughts, beliefs, and longings. Humanities include mainstream and into the communities. It has become a collaborative process and
philosophy, history, literature, art, music, and language as their modes of the audience plays an active role in reacting and constructing meaning about the
expression. Through these, we get to know how others have lived and thought work of art.
about the challenges of life. From them, we get to decide what is important in our
lives and what we can do to make our lives better. Contemporary works of art are the means through which the artists of today
display their sentiments.
Humanities coexist with another branch of discipline. If you will notice, the
subjects in school are classified into two general types: the sciences and the WHAT IS ART? IS NATURE ART?
humanities. The sciences deal with the object study of the external world - what According to Webster – “Art is human ingenuity in adapting natural things to
we see in it and all processes that happen within it. man’s use?

On the other hand, humanities deal with the expression of the internal world of a Therefore, an artist uses their creativity in transforming God-made things
person, a world where everything is subjective. This internal world includes a into man-made things that satisfy his needs the conscious use of skill and
person's emotions, dreams, and aspirations. creative imagination especially in the production of aesthetic objects”
(Merriam-Webster).
 An Artist uses creativity and innovation in transforming God-made things immortalize other people. Does an artwork have to be aesthetically beautiful to
into man-made things that satisfy his need. be called an art? The truth is that art is more than just a practice – it is a way of
· WOOD – religious image, house, piece of furniture life. Art is more than just a skill – it is a passion. Art is more than just an image –
· PLANTS – cloth or paper each one tells a story.
· CLAY – pots and idols FUNCTIONS OF ART

From the word “ars” = Skill, Cunning, Artifice, Craft 1) PERSONAL OR INDIVIDUAL FUNCTION – Artists have their personal reasons
for indulging in art.
ART SKILL CUNNING ARTIFICE CRAFT
Personal & Technical Ingenuity and Mechanical Expertness in Example: The poet, Edwin Markham, wrote the poem “The Man with the Hoe”
unanalyzable knowledge subtlety in skill in workmanship, because he was inspired by the painting of a farmer that he had seen earlier.
creative and efficiency devising, imitating cleverness in
power inventing, or things in attaining
executing nature one’s ends

Art can take the form of film, music, theatre, and pop culture, all of which aim to
entertain and make people happy. But when films, songs, or plays are made for a
specific audience or purpose, the art begins to diversify.
The Man with the Hoe
Films, for example, can be made to spread awareness or cultural appreciation.
Songs can also be composed in a way that they bring out certain emotions, give 2) SOCIAL FUNCTION – Man is a social being and as such he/she associates with
inspiration, or boost the morale of people. his/her fellow beings.

According to Marcos (2006), the word art supplies various meanings, including
ability – human capacity to create things of beauty and things that stir us;
process- art encompasses acts such as drawing, painting, sculpture, designing
building and using the camera to create, and product completed work or the final
product.
U.S. Church Membership Falls Below Majority for the First Time
HOW DOES ART IMPACT THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES?
3) ECONOMIC FUNCTION – Many people believe that it does not pay to be an
Some artists do arts to express their emotions and thoughts, real or imaginary. artist. However, this belief is negated by these facts.
Other artists do it to produce things of beauty. Like architectural wonders (great
pyramid and Eifel tower) and masterpieces like Iliad and odyssey to entertain
people, that is, viewers enjoy the sight of beautiful paintings, sculptures and
buildings as Ralph Emerson said a thing of beauty is a joy forever.
A big number of artists do it to self-actualization. For example, a poet writes
poems to satisfy his passion for poetry or a sculptor creates icons to satisfy his
craving for images. A small number of artists do it to immortalize them or to
 Integrative art (function of arts and affecting styles) Cultural Heritage – an overview

4) POLITICAL FUNCTION – When Imelda Romualdez-Marcos, a patroness of the 7) RELIGIOUS FUNCTION – Almost all, if not all, art forms evolved from religion.
arts became the Governor of Metro Manila, she promoted her political People in olden times worshipped their Gods in the form of songs and dances.
programs by means of arts. The earliest dramatic forms were religious in nature.
MAUSOLEUM OF ROME PYRAMID OF GIZA
Cultural Center of the Philippine International
Philippines (CCP) Convention Center

Cultural Heritage – an overview

Politicians
8) PHYSICAL FUNCTION – Physical function of art can be found in artworks that
5) HISTORICAL FUNCTION – Paintings, sculptures, architectural works, and other are crafted in order to serve some physical purpose. Architecture, jewelry-
art forms serve to record historical figures and events. making, interior design all serves physical functions. Houses and other
buildings are constructed to protect their occupants and all others inside
them.

Introduction to art historical analysis (article)

6) CULTURAL FUNCTION – Buildings, furniture (chairs, table, etc.), clothes, and What are some examples of functional art?
the like form part of the country’s material culture.
9) AESTHETIC FUNCTION – Artworks serve to beautify.
 The Serious Relationship of Art and Technology
Aesthetics and Visual Composition
4) HARMONY – the principle which produces an impression of unity through the
selection and arrangement of consistent objects or ideas. “Every part of a
PRINCIPLES OF CONTEMPORARY ART work of art is necessary to the composition to the extent that all the parts
exhibit a sense of belonging together and a pleasing relationship with one
1) SPACE – arts transforming space. For example, flash mobs, art installations in another”.
malls and parks. It is an art form that is performed and positioned in a specific
space such as public places.

What is Harmony in Art and How Do You Make It Happen?

The Ultimate List of Space in Art Examples 5) RHYTHYM –the continuous use of a motif or repetitive pattern of succession
of similar/identical items. It is characterized as repetitive, continuous, or
2) HYBRIDITY – usage of unconventional materials, mixing of unlikely materials
flowing.
to produce an artwork.

Gonkar Gyatso: The Hybrid Artist

3) TECHNOLOGY – usage of technology in the creation and dissemination of art

Definition of Rhythm in the Visual Arts
works. A famous technology art in the Philippines is located just in the Ilocos
region it can be found at Vigan City. This dancing fountain was created using
6) BALANCE – known as physical equilibrium. It is the stability produced by even
the technology.
distribution of weight on each side of the thing that is classified into formal or
informal.
 Why do people make art?

Thera are many reasons why people around the world make art. Many people
make art to:

1. Seek personal enjoyment and satisfaction.

2. Express personal thoughts and feelings.
Balance – A Principle of Art 3. Communicate with others.
4. Create a more favorable environment.
NOTE: Formal balance exists if the weights at equal distance from the center 5. Make others see things more clearly.
are equal. 6. Provide us with new visual experiences.
INFORMAL or ASYMMETRICAL (occult balance) – balance of unequal weights, 7. Commemorate important people or events.
the heavier one being nearer the axis and the lighter one farther. Informal 8. Reinforce cultural ties and traditions.
balance is present when the left and the right sides of the thing, although not 9. Seek to affect social change.
identical in appearance, still display an even distribution of weight. 10. Tell stories.

Today, we can say that the Filipino Artists have come of age and are no longer
bound by foreign influence. After years of searching for a national identity, our
artists learned to look inward to rediscover our roots, absorbing the rich
tradition and vast resources that lay before them.

7) PROPORTION – the comparative relationship of the different parts in relation

to the whole. It shows pleasing relationship between a whole and its parts
and between the parts themselves. It is like showing a picture of a nuclear
family where the father is shown as the biggest and tallest and the child as WEEK 2
the smallest and shortest.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT CONTEMPORARY ART?
CONTEMPORARY ART – it encompasses many different art forms, from
traditional media such as paintings and drawings to more recently developed
approaches that use digital and time-based media to create works that
incorporate both sound and image. Contemporary art is a product of refined
traditional art which from generation to generation evolves. You can further
explore in this module how different fields of art is being develop in which will
lead you to an authentic task that you need to do. But before going further to our
GENERALIZATION: next lesson, I want you to do the exercise given below.

Contemporary Art vs. Modern Art

 In Grade 10, you have come across the different art forms of the Modern Era.
You have learned about the movements, the artists, and the other by- 1) VISUAL ARTS – This is the art that appeals to the
products of the late 1800s up to the mid-20th century. You have discovered visual sense and may be constructed using varied
that breaking away from the traditional art styles started in this period. mediums. It takes a permanent form and allows
appreciation by viewing the physical form of the
This divergence of the modern art from the norms of its former periods is
artist's imagination and expression.
similar to the unorthodox movement of contemporary art. In fact, the two
periods are similar in so many ways that people oftentimes have mistakenly
2) DRAWING – It is the creation of an image, diagram or a
interchanged them. This is understandable; after all, the definition of the
form using drawing tools such as pen, ink, brush, pencil,
words "contemporary" and "modern” is even the same. In this regard, what
markers, charcoals, crayons. It uses hatching, scribbling,
makes modern art and contemporary art different from each other?
stippling and blending. It represents a creative idea
Modern art developed as styles and techniques, whereas contemporary through a sketch on a paper or a surface. Drawing can be
means “with the times” (con tempo). Thus, contemporary art refers to the of great use in creating comics strips, animation and visual illustrations.
art of the present time. What also makes contemporary art different from
modern art and other art periods is its never-ending originality. It is the form 3) PAINTING – A creative expression using pigment
of art which one cannot easily classify. Modern art, although freer than the or color on a surface for aesthetic value. Tools or
older periods, paved the way to now popular movements. implements are used to apply the coating
through brush, sponge and the like. It can be
INTEGRATIVE ART – In contemporary art, not only movements can be integrated naturalistic, photographic, representational,
into an artwork. Even seemingly different art categories can be melded together abstract, narrative and political.
to produce an integrated or combined art. This "crossbreeding" in the
contemporary scene has resulted in a hybrid art called integrative art. These art 4) CERAMIC – Ceramic may take the form of pottery,
forms are interactive and multi-disciplinary in nature, that is, consisting of ideas sculpture and figurines. Some may be created for
and practices from different branches of learning the outcome, being the unity of decorative functions industrial or for art. It is basically
separate areas of learning. Earlier, we have mentioned the integration of science the creation of objects from inorganic, non-metallic
and humanities - two different disciplines in a building's architecture. This is an materials through the use of heat. The term 'ceramic'
example of integrative art. There are many manifestations of integrative art in our came from the word 'keramikos' which is a Greek word meaning 'pottery'.
society nowadays. You just have to have a keen eye to recognize what in our
world are samples of integrative art and what are not. 5) PHOTOGRAPHY – This is art through photos taken by
a photographer. This may be inspired by people,
CLASSIFICATION OF ART FORMS objects, events or the environment itself. Photography
Art in its Different Forms. Art is classified into several forms depending on how it is an art where one produces images of varied Objects
is expressed. It may be visual that appeals to the eyes and even to the ears as in through light and other forms of radiant energy.
the case of the performing arts. Its forms may vary from painting to theatre, Several effects can now be used to Produce images that projects illusions
photography, dance, literature, architecture and films. All of those forms however through the use of more advanced camera features such as Retro photo
communicate the emotions and inner thoughts of the artists which may be effect, Lomo effect, Vintage photo effect, Comic book photo effect etc.
subjected to interpretations. Arts in whichever form conveys a story that is
uniquely that of the artist's environment, culture and profound sentiments.
6) ARCHITECTURE – A creation of science with art playing of an accompanying instrument. Music has varied genres such as
purposive of designing structures. 'Architecture' is a reggae, blues, country, jazz, rock, pop etc.
Greek word which means ‘arkhitekton' which means
'master builder’ or 'carpenter.’ It is the art and 11) THEATRE – Theatre or theater originated from the
discipline of creating, or inferring an implied or ancient Greek 'Theatron' which is a place where
apparent plan of, a complex object or system. This may include urban spectators gather to watch a performance or a
planning and design, landscape architecture. In architecture function and show. It is a collaborative art where performers
aesthetic design matters specifically for the benefit of the user. act a real life or imagined story with their speech,
dance, music and movements. It may take the
7) SCULPTURE – Sculpture uses carving, modeling form of an opera, mime, ballet which oftentimes are representation of
from metals, ceramics, wood or stone. A work of specific cultures such as the kabuki, Indian dance and the like.
art which represents either a two- or three-
dimensional form using metal, wood or plaster. 12) DANCE – This is an expression represented by
It may also be expressed in abstract but solid sequenced body movements. From the French term
form. Weaving is a method of fabric or textile “Dancier” which is a non-verbal form of expression
production where two distinct sets of yarns, performed in varied settings. It involves motion and
fibrous materials or threads are interlaced to form fabric or cloth. the accompaniment of certain musical genres Some
dance disciplines include gymnastics, figure skating and synchronized
8) LITERARY ARTS – This art form denotes Letters or literature which came from swimming in sports while some represent culture such
the Latin word “littera” meaning "an individual written character." Literature as Folk dance.
is imaginative writing with recognized artistic value. it is an art that represents
a collection of writings that represents not only emotions but history, culture DIVISION OF ART STUDY
that surpasses time and space. It is prose, poetry and drama which may
1) Aesthetics/Art Appreciation – the science of beauty. It
include varied genre such as fiction and non-fiction.
is the division of art study in which the student learns
9) PERFORMING ARTS – The Art that involves creative
to admire the artist, value highly different works of art,
activity that is performed and delivered in front of
and appreciate the role of art in society. Humanities or the study of the arts
spectators. This form of art which may be purposive
was limited only to aesthetics or art appreciation during the second half of
of entertaining its audience may include dance,
the 20th century. But due to the onset of the new millennium and the recent
theatre, music, mime and opera. Several individuals
developments in various disciplines, humanities have extended to other
who use their voices and bodies are required to
divisions of art.
Participate in these arts with definite roles and
functions to carry out. Most of the characters are the performers who use 2) Art History – the division of art study in which the student acquires
materials such as costumes and facial makeup to perform their specific roles. knowledge of the artists, their backgrounds, their masterpieces, and their
significant contributions in various fields of art.
10) MUSIC – An art form that involves the creative use of 3) Art Production – the division of art study in which the student learns to use
sound to express insights and emotions. Its elements his creativity and apply his artistic knowledge and skills in producing his/her
include rhythm, pitch, harmony which creates a pattern own works of art.
or a composition together with a song and even the
4) Art Criticism – the division of art study in which the student learns to use his Understanding the elements of music and the different musical traditions in the
judgment in evaluating different artworks based on the criteria set. Philippines will help in appreciating that contemporary Philippine music is varied
from one region to another
GENERALIZATION:
KEEP IN MIND!
There is a difference between modern and contemporary art, and it is based on Philippine pop music can easily be heard in areas that can be reached by radio,
rough date ranges established by art historians, art critics, curators and the television, and the internet. But traditional music and music with influences from
like. They recognized a distinct shift that took place, marking the end of other countries are still evident in some regions of the country.
Modernism and the beginning of the contemporary age. Modern art is that
which was created sometime between the 1860s (some say the 1880s) and the DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEARING AND LISTENING
late 1960s (some say only through the 1950s). Art made thereafter (e.g., Passive listening (hearing) – being mildly aware of sound
conceptual, minimalist, postmodern, feminist) is considered contemporary.
Active listening – concentrating on sounds.
A key distinction between modern and contemporary art was a shift in focus
away from aesthetic beauty to the underlying concept of the work (conceptual ELEMENTS OF MUSIC
art and performance art are good examples). The end result of a work of 1) PITCH – relative highness and lowness of tone.
contemporary art became less important than the process by which the artist
arrived there. A process that now sometimes required participation on the part 2) VOLUME OR INTENSITY – loudness and softness of sound.
of the audience.  Fortissimo (very loud)
 Forte (Loud)
It is interesting to note that the arts in the country are active and available to  Piano (soft)
everyone. Individual artists, cultural groups, and art communities thrive in the
 Pianissimo (very soft)
regions. At the same time, traditional arts continue to keep Philippine culture
alive. Among these are intricate weaving, the elaborate brassware, and the It ranges from very soft and soft to loud and very loud. The volume is louder
functional pottery in the different parts of the country. They have been kept, when a singer belts out compared to the volume when he simply whispers.
cherished, and handed down to modern Filipinos as part of heritage.
3) TEMPO or RATE – speed of composition and it is also known as speed of the
beat.

WEEK 3 
THE AUDIO-VISUAL ARTS
MUSIC is considered to be the least tangible of the arts. It is defined as an
arrangement of sounds to create a continuous and unified composition. The art of
combining sounds of varying pitch to produce a coherent composition that is –
Melodious, Harmonious, Intelligible, and Expressive of ideas and emotions. It is
defined as an arrangement of sounds to create a continuous and unified
composition. Similar to any art form, music has its own elements.