CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ARTS FROM THE REGIONS

ENCAPSULATED

QUARTER 1

Learning Competencies:

researches on techniques and performance practices applied to contemporary arts

discusses local materials used in creating art

critiques available materials and appropriate techniques

Conceptualizes contemporary art based on techniques and performance practices in their locality.

applies artistic skills and techniques in the process of creation

incorporates contemporary characteristics to one’s creation with attention to detail

creates the intended final product using appropriate materials for the best possible

Lesson 1:

Techniques and Performance Practices Applied to Contemporary Arts

The Philippines is known to be rich in natural resources. Thus, it is no surprise that Filipinos use their
creativity to use these resources to meet the needs of the community as well as to express their ideas,
knowledge, feelings, and ways of life. Artists of today use different available materials such as plastic
straw, bottles, old newspaper, and other recyclable materials which seem not to be valued unless
transformed into meaningful arts. These locally available materials are evident in the creation of traditional
arts.

An art is always created with a technique. A technique is the way the artist uses and manipulates the
materials to express an idea or feeling through an art. This lesson will discuss the traditional art
techniques, their descriptions, and applications to contemporary arts. This lesson will guide you to easily
identify the evident techniques used in the contemporary artwork.

Traditional Art Description Application to Contemporary Arts

Puni (Bulacan) A popular Bulakenyo’s way of Straw Folding: Straws are folded by rolling
decorating using leaf frond elongated sheets of wax-coated paper into
folding, which has Malayan cylindrical, hollow tubes. Origami, the art of
origins. paper folding from Japan, is also related to this
technique.

Singkaban Decorated bamboo arch used Bamboo Art: Bamboo is cleaned, cut, peeled,
(Malolos, Bulacan) to welcome signage of a town, split, stripped, or woven. For more detailed
city, or village. designs, incising, burning, carving, and dyeing
are used.

Saniculas Saniculas cookies made with Polvoron Molder: This kitchen tool helps mold
(Pampanga) imprints of San Nicolas de polvoron into perfectly oval or round shapes.
Tolentino, a miracle healer
according to local legend.

Pabalat (San The art of making pastillas Packaging: Packaging design can range from
Miguel, Bulacan) wrappers, which has simple and straightforward to colorful and
transformed from a local folk complex (decorated packaging).
tradition into a popular art.

Taka (Paete, Paper maché using carved Paper Maché: Paper pieces or pulp are
 Laguna) wooden sculptures as molds. assembled using glue or other adhesives.

Pagbuburda (Taal, Taal embroideries Stitching: Basic elements of sewing, knitting,

Batangas & characterized by fine, or embroidery, whether by hand or machine.
Lumban, Laguna) embossed, durable, and
colorful patterns. Loom Bands: Also called rainbow looms, these
plastic tools are used to weave colorful rubber
and plastic bands into decorative items like
bracelets and charms.

Nylon Bracelets: Lightweight elastic synthetic

polymer ornament bands or hoops worn on the
wrist.

A. Application of Traditional Techniques to Contemporary Arts

The table below illustrates how traditional art techniques from various regions in the Philippines are
adapted and transformed in contemporary arts. These modifications result in new and innovative artworks
while retaining cultural significance.

B. Common Techniques in Contemporary Arts

Three major techniques are prevalent in contemporary arts today:

1. Minimalism: An artistic movement that seeks to eliminate the unnecessary, leaving only the
essential elements. Artworks using this technique select materials that are indispensable to art
production.

2. Found Objects: This technique involves taking objects that people consider useless and using
them creatively to produce artwork. These objects are often used to tell a story or create a new
perspective.

3. Large-Scale Art: Art that is created on a large scale, typically for public viewing. This technique
allows artists to express diverse perspectives through grand and impactful visuals.

II. Mediums Used in Contemporary Art Forms

Artists often use materials that are readily available in their local environment, which reflects the culture
and resources of the area. The term "local" can refer to materials easily sourced from the community or
wherever the artist resides. Understanding mediums is essential as they are the materials or substances
used to create artwork, allowing artists to express their emotions or ideas.

A. Classification of Art Forms According to Medium

Classification Description Art Form Medium

Musical Use of rhythms, Music, poetry, Musical instruments, traditional

sounds, instruments, song, dance, instruments made from local materials,
and human voice. theatre. body and movements, stage
integration.

Practical Art with immediate Designs, Cement, paper, bamboo, wood, bricks,
use in daily life. architecture, stone, concrete, metal, clay, glass.
sculpture.

Environmental Art that occupies Installation, public Wires, junk, recycled materials.
space. art.

Pictorial Uses shapes, pictures, Painting, drawing, Camera, celluloid/negatives, processing

Works and graphics. design, chemicals, prints.
photography.

Narrative Based on a story. Drama, novel, Language.

music, dance.

B. Contemporary Techniques and Materials in Contemporary Arts

Examples of contemporary artworks that utilize different techniques and materials include:

 Mark Salvatus' "Secret Garden 2": Created for a small room at the Vargas Museum, this site-
specific work is interactive and made with materials such as plastic spoons and forks. Techniques:
Minimalism, Found Objects.

 Interactive Games by Ikoy Ricio: A set of trump cards with images of Philippine car wrecks,
installed for interactive play. Technique: Found Objects.
  Untitled (Mirrors) by Maria Taniguchi: Uses traditional medium (acrylic on canvas) with a
modern abstract style, encouraging meditation through its detailed brushwork. Techniques: Large-
Scale Art, Minimalism.

 Felix Bacolor's "Waiting" (2012): A simulation of a waiting room in the Museum of

Contemporary Art and Design, using real clocks and metallic chairs. Techniques: Large-Scale Art,
Minimalism.

 Anonymous Animals in Mariyah Gallery (Dumaguete 2013): Excavated animals presented

with fabricated scientific details, creating a believable narrative. Techniques: Large-Scale Art,
Found Objects.

ASSESTMENT #1

Identify the term or concept being described in each statement. Write your answer on the
blank provided.
_______1.Is the way of artist uses and manipulates the materials to express an idea or feeling through an
art.

_______2. A popular Bulakenyo’s way of decorating using leaf frond folding, which has Malayan origins.
_______3. Lightweight elastic synthetic polymer ornament bands or hoops worn on the wrist.
_______4. Decorated bamboo arch used to welcome signage of a town, city, or village.
_______5. Classification of Art Forms that use of rhythms, sounds, instruments, and human voice.
_______6. Classification of art with immediate use in daily life.

_______7. Basic elements of sewing, knitting, or embroidery, whether by hand or machine

_______8. This technique allows artists to express diverse perspectives through grand and impactful
visuals.

_______9. An artistic movement that seeks to eliminate the unnecessary, leaving only the essential
elements.

_______10. The art of making pastillas wrappers, which has transformed from a local folk tradition into a
popular art.

_______11. This technique involves taking objects that people consider useless and using them creatively to
produce artwork.

_______12. Traditional instruments made from local materials, body and movements, stage integration.

_______13. Artworks using this technique select materials that are indispensable to art production.

_______14. Embroideries characterized by fine, embossed, durable, and colorful patterns.

_______15. These plastic tools are used to weave colorful rubber and plastic bands into decorative items
like bracelets and charms.

LESSON 2
Local Materials Used in Creating Art
The Importance of Choosing Art Materials

The appropriateness of an art material has a telling effect in the process of creating art. When the chosen art materials
are suited for the artwork, it will adequately serve its purpose of creating art. Having the right and appropriate art
materials can bring out the best of the artist’s creativity. In the eyes of a discerning artist, every object and thing can be
used for art.

In creating a unique and original contemporary artwork, many artists rely on the appropriate and adequate supply of art
materials. Local art materials are locally available materials from the region, province, city or town. The availability and
accessibility of local art materials make them convenient and easy to use in creating art. Local art materials in
combination with the tools and equipment used to create art are referred to collectively as art media. For example,
paint and brush, paint is the material, and brush is the tool, together they make art media.
Distinguishing Local and Indigenous Art Materials

It is important to distinguish between indigenous art materials and local art materials:
  Indigenous Art Materials: These are materials that naturally originate from a place or locality.
They have always been part of the area and are not introduced or imported from elsewhere. All
indigenous art materials are local, but not all local art materials are indigenous.

 Local Art Materials: These materials come from a place or locality but may not be originally part
of that area. They could have been introduced by colonists or settlers from other regions. Local art
materials could be a mix of indigenous materials and those that have been introduced.

Kinds of Local Art Materials

Filipino creativity and resourcefulness are showcased through the use of various local art materials in
different regions and provinces. Some examples include:

1. Abaca (Manila Hemp): Extracted from the abaca plant, which is related to the banana plant,
abaca is used in arts, particularly in the Bicol Region and Mindanao.

2. Coconut Shells (Bao): Used for wood carving and making cooking utensils, these shells, a
byproduct of coconut processing, are abundant in areas where coconut palms grow.

3. Bamboo (Kawayan): A type of grass found throughout the Philippines, bamboo is widely used in
art for its versatility.

4. Capiz (Kapis) Shells: Sourced from windowpane oysters found along the coast, these shells are
used in various artistic applications like lanterns and windows.

5. Rattan: A renewable palm grown in Western Visayas and Mindanao, rattan is used in furniture,
handicrafts, and as a building material.

6. Small Cowrie Shells (Sigay): Popular for their vibrant color, these shells are used in jewelry and
shell craft, found on sandy seafloors around the islands.

7. Junk: Discarded materials like plastic, wood, and metal are repurposed by artists to create junk art,
turning what might be considered useless into artistic expression.

8. Dried Leaves: Plentiful throughout the year, dried leaves from various plants are used in crafts
such as mat-making (banig).

9. Plant Seeds: Found in farms and rural areas or commercially available, seeds are used in seed art,
which is distinct for its creative and colorful designs.

10. Rocks and Sand: Available in various sizes and colors, these natural materials allow for diverse art
forms.

Classification of Local Art Materials

Local art materials can be classified into traditional and non-traditional categories:

 Traditional Art Materials: These include commonly used items such as crayons, oil pastels,
watercolors, and colored pencils, typically bought from department stores and bookstores.

 Non-Traditional Art Materials: These are materials not typically used in art, such as coffee,
plastic bottles, and other recyclable materials, which are often used in junk art.

IMPORTANT DETAILS:

 The appropriateness of an art material has a telling effect in the process of creating art. The artist
bears in mind that the conceived artwork will be created from choice materials deemed
appropriate for the art form.
 An artist must be keen in selecting the right kind of art material and should have a discriminating
eye in choosing what should be used and what should not.
 It is up to the resourcefulness and creativity of the artist to come up with an artwork from
seemingly unusable and ineffectual objects and things. In the eyes of a discerning artist, every
object and thing can be used for art.
 Local art materials are locally available materials from the region, province, city or town. The
availability and accessibility of local art materials make them convenient and easy to use in
creating art.
 Indigenous art materials are materials that are natural or inherent from the place or locality.
 Local art materials could be a mix of indigenous art materials and introduced art materials.
 The following are kinds of local materials that can be found in the different regions and provinces of
the country:

 Abaca
 Coconut shells
 Bamboo
  Capiz shells
 Rattan
 Cowrie shells
 Junk
 Dried leaves
 Plant Seeds
 Rock and sand
 Local art materials can be classified as traditional and non-traditional. Traditional art materials
available locally are those that are usually bought from department stores and bookstores. Non-
traditional art materials are materials that are not usually used in creating art.

PERFORMANCE TASK
Creating Mini Art Using Local Art Materials
Searching and finding potential local art materials at home will be all for naught if they are left where they
are and stay unused. Finding time to create a mini art using the materials you have found and listed will
give you a sense of fulfillment as you put the artist inside you at work. Try doing the following steps:

A. Gather the local art materials that you have listed.

B. Conceptualize a mini art work that you can create using these local art materials.

C. Get extra materials like scissors, tape and glue to realize the art work you have in mind.

D. Start working on it. Make it simple. E. After finishing it, give it a title and take a picture of it that you can
send to your teacher.