LESSON 1 – CONTEMPORARY ART FORMS AND

PRACTICES FROM THE REGIONS

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. identify various contemporary art forms found in Mindanao;

2. describe various contemporary art forms through using subject and elements of art through making
an art analysis chart/map; and

3. show appreciation and awareness to contemporary art forms from the regions through creating
visual design with own craftsmanship and creativity

What I Know?

As you go on with this module you will be able to describe various contemporary art forms and their
practices from the various regions. But before that, let us assess your previous knowledge by
answering this test. By doing so, follow the direction below. Direction: Write the correct answer on the
blank provided before each statement. Choose your answer from the given choices inside the box.

________________ 1. It is the newest form of art, amusing people from the middle to the late 20th century
up to this very minute.

________________ 2.This form of art emerged in the late 1800s and continued to grow for more or less a
century.

________________ 3. A form of art of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a solid surface
(called the "matrix" or "support").

________________ 4. It is a traditional Tausug dance, from Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, characterized by elaborate
body postures and gestures and the graceful arm and hand movement of the dancer, amplified by the
use of janggay or metal claws.

________________ 5. Refers to a racked gong chime instrument played in the southern islands of the
Philippines, along with its varied accompanying ensembles.

________________ 6. A performing art that involves rhythmic body movement within a given space,
choreographed based on musical beat. Performed either in front of an audience or by everyone on a
dance floor.
________________ 7. This ethnic dance is originated from the Maranao people who inhabit the shores of
Lake Lanao. It is derived from a story in the Darangen, the Maranao interpretation of the ancient
Indian epic, the Ramayana.

________________ 8. It is an element of art in which it refers to the extension of a point, a short or long
mark drawn or carved on a surface.

________________ 9. An element of art that refers to a sensation created by visible wave lengths of light
caught in a prism.

________________ 10. It is the surface of an artwork. A texture can be actual or tactile. What element of art
is it?

________________ 11. In visual arts, it is the degree of lightness and darkness of a color

________________ 12. It is the era that give birth to what we know now as contemporary art.

________________ 13. It is describe as a figure separate from its surrounding area or background.
________________ 14. Famous contemporary prolific artist from Mindanao.

________________ 15. In visual arts can be defined as a void, an emptiness which can either be positive or
negative.

LESSON 1 CONTEMPORARY ART FORMS AND PRACTICES FROM THE REGIONS

Contemporary art is essential to you not only because it belongs to your time, but it also serves
as a form of expression of the people’s present feelings and longings. Contemporary works of
art are the means through which the artists of today communicate their sentiments.

What’s it is?
Imagine that you are riding a time machine that brings you back to the past-ten years ago.

You look at yourself, and you notice that have also turned ten years younger!

Now you look around and study your surroundings.

You find yourself in the center of your hometown.

What do you see aside from the people?

Walk around and examine the scenery.

Is there a commercial center? a plaza? Are there houses, schools or churches?

What type of buildings do you see? Are there any monuments or statues around? Drawings and
posters?

You move on, and soon enough, you stop at a store where people are watching a dance routine in a
television program. What kind of music do you hear from the program? What type of dance
movements do you see? What are the dancers wearing?

Try to recall in detail the sights and sounds in your hometown existing ten years ago. If you do not
have a vivid memory of your hometown, you can interview your parents, guardians, or other residents
of your town about how it was ten years ago. Then, provide answers to the following:

1. Describe the scenery in your hometown ten years ago. Did it have any works of art (architecture,
visual arts, etc.) What did they look like?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________ ____________________________

2. Describe the present scenery in your hometown.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________ ____________________________

3. From what you have envisioned in numbers 1 and 2, make a conclusion on what has changed and
what has remained in the arts in your hometown?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________ ___________________________
What’s New?

Are you now ready to learn our lesson? So, we are going to discuss about the work of arts of our local
artists. With this, we are going to have an activity called picture analysis. Let’s start! Activity 1: Picture
Analysis Direction: Identify the three pictures below and answer the guide question by filling the table
provided.

Guide question: 1. Can you identify the three artworks above? Fill in the table provided
What it is?

In order to understand more about the topic, you are going to read and comprehend the discussions
presented in this portion.

What is contemporary art for you? How do you compare and contrast contemporary art and that of
the modern art? What are the subject and elements of art? What are some forms of art in various
regions in the Philippines? Let’s find out!

Contemporary Art Defined

Contemporary art is the art that springs out of the present-day events and 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.

Authorities in the arts place the emergence of contemporary art sometime during the start of
postmodernism in the west, around the late 1970s. This was the time when artists reacted to the
previous art called modernism, whose idea of using a pure, simplified, and a streamlined form and
style was fundamental in creating something new at that time. This gave birth to the idea that “less is
more.

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 artist and the other by-products of the late 1800s up to the mid-20th century.

Perhaps the main distinction between modern art and contemporary art is the time period in which
they have existed. Modern art emerged in the late 1800s and continued to grow for more or less a
century. It slowly waned in the middle to late 20th century when postmodernism came to light.
Postmodernism then give birth to what we know now as contemporary art. This art exists up to this
day, and no one knows when a new period will arrive to veil contemporary art in its shadow.

The Subject and Elements of Art

The Subject of Art

To create your own contemporary piece, you must fully understand what makes an artwork a true
work of art. You must first explore the subject of art. In visual design, there are different ways or styles
of depicting a subject. Get to know these styles through the works of art of various Filipino
contemporary artist
1. Realism The first style is realism in which the subject is done the way it actually looks. An example
of this is the painting of Araceli Dans, the Bridal White.

2. Distortion The artist uses his or her imagination and alters the subject according to his or her
desire. A stylized work is a form of distortion like Norma Belleza’s painting, the Fiesta.

3. Abstraction The artist breaks a part a subject and rearranges it in a different manner. The paintings
of the National Artist Vicente Manansala belong to this category.

4. Non Objectivism In here, there is no subject at all-just an interplay of pure elements, like line, shape
or color, and so on. A good example of this is the painting of Roberto Chabet which is on Acrylic paper.

Elements of Art

Art forms in the different regions vary in subject, theme, style, medium, and technique. However as
you have learned in Grade 7, there are certain characteristics that are common to all. The following are
the elements of art:

1. Space  Space in visual arts can be defined as a void, an emptiness which can either be positive or
negative.

 Space refers to the area that is occupied by an object or a subject, as well as the area
surrounding that object or subject. An illusion of space can still be created in a two-dimensional
surface using perspective. There are two types of perspective: atmospheric perspective, which
utilizes the properties of light and air in depicting the illusion of distance; and linear
perspective, which involves the use of vanishing points and receding hidden lines.

2. Line  Line is the extension of a point, a short or long mark drawn or carved on a surface.  This
refers to a prolongation of a point or a mark on a surface. Solid lines can be used in order to define
form while broken lines are typically used to suggest hidden forms.

3. Shape and Form  When the ends of a line meet, they form a shape. It can also be described as a
figure separate from its surrounding area or background.  This element refers to an area with
boundaries identified or drawing lines. A shape may be natural or living forms called an organic shape
and can be irregular or rounded. It may also be measured forms called geometric shape.

4. Color  Probably the most striking art element that catches the eye is color. It is a sensation created
by visible wavelengths of light caught in a prism.  This refers to visual perception that allows a
person to differentiate objects due to the way various wavelengths of light are reflected. Color is a very
important element because it can communicate information and emotion to the viewer. These are the
three properties of color:

 Hue, which refers to the basic or pure color, and is represented in the color wheel.
  Value, which refers to the lightness and darkness of color. A light color or tint is the result of
adding white to a hue, while a dark color or shade results from adding black to a hue.
 Saturation, which refers to brightness and dullness of color. It is also referred to as purity of
the color. A bright color can be produced by adding more pigment to the same hue, while a dull
color can be produced by adding gray or the color’s complement to the pigment
 The color wheel is an arrangement of primary, secondary and tertiary colors. It is important
tool to identify which colors can work well if used in a certain artwork which is the color
schemes or color relationships. These are some of the color schemes:

5. Value  In visual arts, value is the degree of lightness and darkness of a color.

6. Texture  Texture is the surface of an artwork. A texture can be actual or tactile, meaning, it can
really be felt by touch, or it can be simulated or illusory, which mean it can only be seen, not felt. 
This element refers to the feel or appearance of a surface. Person may describe as actual or implied.
Actual texture can be felt tangibly based on the material that is used for the artwork while implied
texture can be exhibited, for instance, in a painting of fur of an animal.

7. Time and Motion  Movement in the visual arts can either be an illusion or an actual motion. An
illusion of movement is more common in two-dimensional artworks. On the other hand, actual motion
is easily seen in kinetic sculpture that moves with the wind or are vibrating with the surrounding air.

Philippine Art Forms in Modern and Contemporary Era in Various Regions

Artistic works produced in the period beginning in the 1860s and ended in the 1970s. On this module
let us describe the two forms of arts in the Philippines, the dance and the painting. Philippine Arts in
Modern Era

 It has evolved into a wide variety of expressions and medium turning the country into a situation of
creative upheavals

 Modern Filipino Artists have more freedom to explore on his own.

 Their style is from cross-cultural exposures in the Eastern and Western world yet they have not
forgotten their Filipino roots.

 Many of them use color for their emotional rather than intellectual values.

Contemporary Era

 It follows modern art, beginning from 1970s to now and ongoing.  Contemporary artworks use a
variety of materials and techniques, including new technologies such as computers, three-
dimensional, live elements and performances, etc.
Example of Contemporary Art in Some Regions in the Philippine

I. Dance
 A performing art that involves rhythmic body movement within a given space,
choreographed based on musical beat. Performed either in front of an audience or by everyone
on a dance floor.

Elements of Dance

1. Theme – most basic element of a dance. It conveys the message of a dance.

2. Design – pattern of movement in time and space.

3. Movement – the bodily actions of the dancer that include his steps

4. Technique – the skill of movement executed by the dancer

5. Music – the auditory background to which a dancer moves

6. Costume & body paraphernalia – properties worn by the dancer that help reflect the message,
customs and beliefs

7. Choreography – the figures and steps in dancing that enable the dancers to perform in an organized
manner 8. Scenery – the background or setting where the dance is performed to make it more realistic
and enriching

Some Examples of Contemporary (Folk/Ethnic) Dance in Mindanao

A. Pangalay:
A Tausug Dance Pangalay is a traditional Tausug dance, from Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, characterized
by elaborate body postures and gestures and the graceful arm and hand movement of the
dancer, amplified by the use of janggay or metal claws. The dance is performed to the music of
the kulintangan, gandang, agong and gabang. Commonly referred to as the fingernail dance,
Pangalay is usually performed during weddings and other festive celebrations

Kulintang/Kulintangan Refers to a racked gong chime instrument played in the southern

islands of the Philippines, along with its varied accompanying ensembles.

Pangalay is a living link to the traditional dance cultures of Asia with closest affinity to the Indian,
Javanese, Thai, Burmese and Cambodian styles of classical dancing.

Pangalay is basically pure dancing. A sense of anti-linear time pervades the slow, refined, meditative,
elegant and almost hypnotic movements. The dancer’s serious face with downcast eyes creates a
mask-like expression, matched by a countenance generally refined, dignified but without stiffness.
Postures and gestures suggest emotional metaphors and symbols that offer a broad range of
expression. For instance: outstretched palms and arms can stand for salutation, welcome or joy; or, as
a symbol of things in nature such as a palm leaf, flowers, sea waves, the wind, sea weeds, a bird and a
flutter of wings.

The Pangalay Courtship is one of the versions of the dance wherein a pair of dancers imitate the
graceful courtship dance of birds. During wedding performances, it is a tradition that guests would
tuck money between the fingers of the female dancer.

Pangalay has a number of versions including the Pangalay Linggisan, which is performed by a solo
female dancer imitating the movement of a bird in flight. According to Mr. Rapih Jairi, Director of the
Ingat Kapandayan Performing Arts of the Notre Dame of Jolo College, the Pangalay performed in Sulu
is characterized by the graceful movement of the dancer's arms and hands flowing in synchrony the
gentle blowing of the wind. While in other parts of the Sulu Archipelago, including Tawi-Tawi and
Sabah, the movements of the arms and hands are more pronounced as they are imitating the waves of
the Sulu Sea.

The Pangalay ha Patung is characterized by two men carrying two bamboo poles on their shoulders
with a solo female dancer keeping her balance on top of the two bamboo poles. This version of
Pangalay paints a picture of a woman dancing on a sail boat.

B. Singkil:
A Maranao Dance The Singkíl originated from the Maranao people who inhabit the shores of
Lake Lanao. It is derived from a story in the Darangen, the Maranao interpretation of the
ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. The name of the dance itself means "to entangle the feet
with disturbing objects such as vines or anything in your path". It is a popular dance performed
during celebrations and other festive entertainment. Originally only women, particularly
royalty, danced the Singkíl, which serves as either a conscious or unconscious advertisement to
potential suitors. A kulintang and agung ensemble always accompanies the dance. While often
erroneously referred to by non-Maranaos as a "Muslim dance", the Singkíl is in fact secular in
nature, performed by the Ummah communities of the Maranao and Maguindanao. Initially, the
dance was performed with just one pair of bamboo poles, eventually adopting the use of two
criss-crossing pairs.

Costume Used in Singkil

A Maranao costume is mainly worn in this form of dancing. In addition, the female lead dancer
wears an elaborate dress of a princess and holds “decorated fans” in both hands, while the male
lead dancer holds either handkerchiefs in both hands and in some cases a sword and a shield.
II. Painting

 Painting is the practice of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a solid surface
(called the "matrix" or "support").The medium is commonly applied to the base with a brush,
but other implements, such as knives, sponges, and airbrushes, can be used.  In art, the term
painting describes both the act and the result of the action (the final work is called "a
painting"). The support for paintings includes such surfaces as walls, paper, canvas, wood,
glass, lacquer, pottery, leaf, copper and concrete, and the painting may incorporate multiple
other materials, including sand, clay, paper, plaster, gold leaf, and even whole objects. 
Among the famous artist in the field of painting is Fernando Amorsolo. Below is one of his
paintings.

Fernando Amorsolo (1892-1972) was a dominant figure in the visual arts of the Philippines
during the decades before the Second World War and into the post-war period. The ‘Planting
Rice with Mayon Volcano, Exhibits the happiness across from the difficulties in planting rice.
The Filipino Villagers in their bright clothes and straw hats plant together with a fresh and
green landscape of plenty. Behind the Filipino villagers is the peaceful flume of steam.

What’s More

Having read the discussion on the preceding page, let us have an activity to enrich your
learning.

Activity 2:

All about Dances Direction: The pictures below are common contemporary dances in
Mindanao, the Pangalay and the Singkil of the Tausug and Maranao people of Mindanao.
Analyze the pictures and explain how elements of dance is applied and write it on the right
column of the table.
What I Have Learned?

After you have learned the subject and elements of art, you are going to know more about the other
contemporary art in other region.

Activity 3:

The Elements of Art Direction: Below is the painting of Fernando Amorsolo (Luzon). By recalling the
elements of art, describe how elements of art is used in this painting. Put your answer on the
respective shapes below:
What I Can Do?

How was your previous activities? Have you enjoyed it? How about another activity in order to deepen
your understanding this topic? Can you do it? Let’s begin!

Activity 4: Read My Palm

Direction: Read the instructions carefully and do what is being asked for. A rubrics below is to be used
as basis in rating your output.

CRITERIA ( 1- POOR QUALITY, 3- GOOD QUALITY, 5- EXCELLENT QUALITY

Craftmanship 50%

(1)No evidence of skill development in the media; little technical competency

(3)Demonstrates some skills with the media; technically proficient

(5)Demonstrates strong skills with the media, technically accomplished

Creativity 30%

(1)Does not exhibit innovative thinking - very little experimentation to enhance concepts

(3)Exhibits innovative thinking - sufficient experimentation to enhance concepts

(5)Exhibits distinct experimentation and innovation to enhance creative concepts

Interpretation of Topic 20%

(1)Poor interpretation and communication of thematic concepts due to inappropriate or inadequate

images or thoughts

(3)Adequate interpretation and communication of thematic concepts

(5)Excellent interpretation and communication of thematic concepts

 Create an abstract work using your own hand as the subject. On the space (box) provided, place
your palm. Make sure that your fingers are spread on the surface of the paper.
 Carefully, trace the outline of your hand and wrist. Then, slightly move your hand. Trace the
outline of your hand and wrist again. Repeat the process three more times, letting the
succeeding outlines overlap the first ones. (Tip: Before tracing your hand outline, plan the
movement of your hand first)
 By this time, you will notice that the overlapping lines have created shapes. Fill these shapes
with color of your choice. Apply these colors creatively. Check and see if all the shapes are filled
with color. Notice how the colors affect each other.
Now, study your artwork and answer the following questions:

1. How will you describe your artwork?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________
________ ___________________________________________________________________ ________

2. Explain the mood of your artwork based on the:

a. Line that you have drawn.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________

b. Shapes that you have created.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
______________ ________________________

c. Colors that you have used.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________ ____________________________
Assessment

Congratulations, you made it! You will further be tested on the concepts that you have learned on this
module. Are you ready?

Direction: Select the best answer from the given choices. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. It is a traditional Tausug dance, from Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, characterized by elaborate body postures
and gestures and the graceful arm and hand movement of the dancer, amplified by the use of janggay
or metal claws.

a. singkil b. pangalay c. carińosa d. tinikling

2. This form of art emerged in the late 1800s and continued to grow for more or less a century.

a. traditional art b. modern art c. contemporary art d. old art

3. A form of art of applying paint, pigment, color or other medium to a solid surface (called the
"matrix" or "support").

a. sculpture b. painting c. drawing d. writing

4. Refers to a racked gong chime instrument played in the southern islands of the Philippines, along
with its varied accompanying ensembles.

a. kulintang b. tambol c. agong d. piano

5. A performing art that involves rhythmic body movement within a given space, choreographed based
on musical beat. Performed either in front of an audience or by everyone on a dance floor.

a. martial art b. yoga c. gymnastic d. dance

6. It is an element of art in which it refers to the extension of a point, a short or long mark drawn or
carved on a surface.

a. color b. texture c. line d. value

7. It is the newest form of art, amusing people from the middle to the late 20th century up to this very
minute.

a. traditional art b. modern art c. contemporary art d. old art

8. An element of art that refers to a sensation created by visible wave lengths of light caught in a
prism.

a. color b. texture c. line d. value

9. It is the surface of an artwork. It can be actual or tactile. What element of art is it?

a. color b. texture c. line d. value

10. In visual arts, it is the degree of lightness and darkness of a color.

a. color b. texture c. line d. value

11. It is the era that give birth to what we know now as contemporary art.

a. modernism b. renaissance c. post-modernism d. pre-historic

12. It is describe as a figure separate from its surrounding area or background.

a. color b. shape and form c. line d. space

13. Famous contemporary prolific artist from Mindanao who built some famous sculptures in Region
XI and Region XII.

a. Lang Dulay b. Poly Manalo Herrera c. Kublai Millan d. Leonor Goquingco

14. In visual arts can be defined as a void, an emptiness which can either be positive or negative.

a. color b. shape and form c. line d. space

15. This ethnic dance is originated from the Maranao people who inhabit the shores of Lake Lanao. It
is derived from a story in the Darangen, the Maranao interpretation of the ancient Indian epic, the
Ramayana.

a. singkil b. pangalay c. carińosa d. tinikling