MODULE 5

Contemporary
Philippine Arts from
the Region
A.Y. 2021-2022

Fine Arts - The mastery of material/medium, technique and craftsmanship

• Material: designates the physical elements of art, suchas paint, stone, clay, or metal.
• Medium: Characteristic way of using materials for an artistic purpose. (Also called art
genres in architecture and sculpture)
• Technique: The manner of executing
• Craftsmanship: skill of doing what can be done in a medium and the ability to do it

Art Production
A viewer takes the role of an art critic who examines the artwork from historical, social, biographical,
critical, or other points of view. This requires more knowledge, experience and articulation. This is known
as objective accuracy and it looks at the following criteria:

1. Correct Drawing - distinguish between imitation of surfaces and informed representation.

For example, in Marvin Natural’s Remembering Past Mistakes, the artist shows the human
figure in correct proportion. As seen, it the complexion, the tensed muscles that expose the
shape of the bone structure and slightly bent shoulders of the main figure

2. Control –focuses on control and handling of illumination that helps in creating realistic
images. The amount of light an objective receives, the shapes of its shadows, the transition
from light to shadow, the source of light –all these the artist learned to observe and control in
the medium that he/she uses. For example, Jericho Vamenta’s Katuparan ng Hiling ni Elena–
shows Sgraffito technique (applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors to a moistened
surface). In this case, oil pastel and oil, are applied on board. Mastery of techniques and control
handling of light are manifested in the complex folds of the draperies that make the human
figures appear bigger.

3. Focus –this is achieved through sharpness or softness, distinctive or vagueness of form and
counter. Santiago Bose’s Carnivores of Session Road: Several elements present: a collage of
buildings, human beings, McDonald's mascot, cars, and trees in the background. The most
prominent are the human figures painted in brown, which renders the background dull. This
was intentionally done by the artists to lead the viewer’s focus on the mountain province
whose faces are distorted as if to play the role of jesters while carrying colonel sanders of KFC.
The artwork is a form of statement, a critique of the foreigner’s presence in Baguio City where
session road is located.

4. Color - color is a powerful instrument. It is mainly connected with the description of

objects. Imelda Cajipe Endaya’s Panimula shows the dominance of blue, which represents
water, is disturbed by the red color, which represent anger between forces. Colors are also
used to form brown and white lights that cover the entire frame.

5. Perspective –this is the artist’s ability to create the illusion of deep space within the
painting. For example, Elmer Borlongan’s Tampuhan shows the technical features of Linear and
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aerial perspectives –the perspective of shadows and reflections, or recording measured forms,
of advancing foreshortened forms, of single-and two—point systems, of interaction of
perspectives with color and illumination –are exceedingly complicated

Art Production
A viewer takes the role of an art critic who examines the artwork from historical, social, biographical,
critical, or other points of view. This requires more knowledge, experience and articulation. This is known
as objective accuracy and it looks at the following criteria:

1. Correct Drawing - distinguish between imitation of surfaces and informed representation.

For example, in Marvin Natural’s Remembering Past Mistakes, the artist shows the human
figure in correct proportion. As seen, it the complexion, the tensed muscles that expose the
shape of the bone structure and slightly bent shoulders of the main figure

2. Control –focuses on control and handling of illumination that helps in creating realistic
images. The amount of light an objective receives, the shapes of its shadows, the transition
from light to shadow, the source of light –all these the artist learned to observe and control in
the medium that he/she uses. For example, Jericho Vamenta’s Katuparan ng Hiling ni Elena–
shows Sgraffito technique (applying layers of plaster tinted in contrasting colors to a moistened
surface). In this case, oil pastel and oil, are applied on board. Mastery of techniques and control
handling of light are manifested in the complex folds of the draperies that make the human
figures appear bigger.

3. Focus –this is achieved through sharpness or softness, distinctive or vagueness of form and
counter. Santiago Bose’s Carnivores of Session Road: Several elements present: a collage of
buildings, human beings, McDonald's mascot, cars, and trees in the background. The most
prominent are the human figures painted in brown, which renders the background dull. This
was intentionally done by the artists to lead the viewer’s focus on the mountain province
whose faces are distorted as if to play the role of jesters while carrying colonel sanders of KFC.
The artwork is a form of statement, a critique of the foreigner’s presence in Baguio City where
session road is located.

4. Color - color is a powerful instrument. It is mainly connected with the description of

objects. Imelda Cajipe Endaya’s Panimula shows the dominance of blue, which represents
water, is disturbed by the red color, which represent anger between forces. Colors are also
used to form brown and white lights that cover the entire frame.

5. Perspective –this is the artist’s ability to create the illusion of deep space within the
painting. For example, Elmer Borlongan’s Tampuhan shows the technical features of Linear and
aerial perspectives –the perspective of shadows and reflections, or recording measured forms,
of advancing foreshortened forms, of single-and two—point systems, of interaction of
perspectives with color and illumination –are exceedingly complicated
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Contemporary
Philippine Arts from
the Region
A.Y. 2021-2022

ART ANALYSIS starts with a description of an artwork. Analysis requires an understanding

of the content by separating the parts of the subject matter. ("What can you see?")

ART INTERPRETATIONS is employed by the viewer after describing and analyzing an

artwork.

PART II

Painting - the making images on a surface using color. The surface may be flat canvas or wood, or even the
wall, as in the case of mural paintings. Painting is two-dimensional. It has height as well as width.

The Composition of Painting –the process of painting depends upon the medium selected by the artist. The
following mediums are commonly used:
• Oil Paint -In oil painting, the pigments are mixed with linseed oil and applied on the surface
of canvas cloth that is framed in wood. As the oil is slow drying, artists can retouch or re-do
their painting. These are accessible today in tubes and is convenient to use indoors or carry
outdoors when one wishes to paint landscapes
• Watercolor-The pigment is dissolved in water and applied on the watercolor paper. The
layers of paint dry quickly and become transparent. It does not allow correction unlike oil that
comes with white paint.
• Tempera–Mixes color pigments with egg yolk with or without the egg white and applied to
a panel of wood covered with plaster of Paris following the design intended by the artists.
Tempera, in time, loses its luminous, rich and clear colors
• Fresco–Uses method of applying paint on wet plaster of Paris. The artist prepares a coating
of plaster on the wall and then draws design on it when it is dry. Because plaster dries up
quickly, the artist works on a series of panels of plasters until the entire wall is completed of
fresco painting. Famous Fresco Painting: The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo
• Acrylic –Modern synthetic product. It can dissolve in water and has a wide range of
possibilities in both color and technique.

Ways of Presenting the Art Subject:

1. Realism -the manner of presenting the subject as it is. When objects are portrayed in the
way they would normally appear in nature. Photographic precision. Example: Foreclosure by
Max Ginsburg
2. Abstraction -this kind of art expression requires the spectators an in-depth view or a critical
analysis about the subject, he wants to express in his work. The subject is not clearly illustrated
with just simply looking at it. But with a keener observation at the picture, the spectators can
analyze and comprehend the idea or feelings being conveyed.
• Distortion –the artist has drawn the figure different from the natural appearance
and measurement. Objects in twisted stretched or deformed from its original shape
but give an emotional effect. Usually, it is employed in caricatures so that the subject
of ridicule would appear.
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• Elongation–the artist presents the subject elongated or in a lengthened manner.

• Mangling–subjects are either cut, lacerated, mutilated, or hacked. Mangling is
rarely used by artists today. Example: Woman with Flower Hat by Roy Lichtenstein.
Priced at $56.1 million
• Cubism–the cubist expresses his ideas in the form of a cube, cone, cylinder, and
sphere consisting of simple geometric figures. Example: The Bird Seller,1976–Vicente
Manansala, Ang Kiukok’s Fishermen at the Sea
• Abstract expressionism –this is an expression of idea or presentation of object
which deviates from its subject matter

3. Symbolism–this method uses an object to represent something abstract. Symbol in a

conventional sign that stands for quality, process, relation, etc. Example: A statue of a carabao
in front of the school gate is an indication that such an institution is an Agricultural School.

4. Fauvism –the fauver focus on themes that give consolation, enjoyment, or effects of
cheerfulness, their concern is to delight and entertain the spectators. Anything that expresses
depression is out of their theme. This was the first important movement in painting of the
1900s typified by the work of Henry Matisse, the leader of the movement. This Molded of
presenting the art subject is characterized by vivid colors, resulting vibrant and decorative
effect. The fauver focus on themes that give consolation, enjoyment, or effects of cheerfulness,
their concern is to delight and entertain the spectators. Anything that expresses depression is
out of their theme. They do not conform with the actual appearance of the object pertaining
to its color. They present and paint the subject matter with a purpose of giving the viewers a
delightful experience and feeling of pleasure. Let’s say, a leaf need not to be painted with green
color. It could be violet or purple with its branch-colored yellow. Children are fond with their
method employed in expressing the subject.

5. Dadaism–art movement that doesn’t follow the traditions and principles in art. Their
concern is to show in public the wickedness of the society. Example: “Itak sa Puso ni Mang
Juan” by Antipas Delotavo.

6. Futurism–concerned with the modern view of the world. Their works appear more worthy
and splendid with touch of advanced technology in mechanical and modern life.

7. Surrealism–itis similar to Dadaism because both have a purpose to awaken the people of
the evils that transpire in the society. Their idea expressed in their work is beyond reality with
violent and cruel sense.

8. Expressionism–Expressionists believe that man needs spiritual rebirth for man to correct
any defects that serve as disease that ruin the society. Expressionist arttries to convey
emotion and meaning rather than reality. Subjects include: pathos, morbidity, violence,
chaos, tragedy, and defeat.
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Sculpture:

• It is an art form that requires of the artist creative use of balance, skill in the use of
materials, and physical strength.
• For many centuries, the common subject matter was the human figure, with materials
limited to marble, metal and wood.
• It is the art of making figures, such as human forms, animals or geometrics that can either
be standing freely or attached to a background frame, either single or in group.

Kinds of Sculpture:
• Three-dimensional or Free-standing sculpture–the viewer can go around the figure and
gaze at it from different angles. It can be in the front, back and the side views are exposed to
the viewer.
• High-relief–the form is embossed or raised above the surface of the background. The figure
is mounted to the background which may either be a frame, a wall or a flat surface.
• Low-relief–The figure is raised only a little from the background. The artist cuts into the
surface or carves deep into the material until the form is incised but not separated from the
background. This is also called “bas-relief intaglio”.

Composition of Sculpture:
• Subtraction–Using a large block of wood or stone, the sculptor carves out the figure or
“frees” the figure from the imprisonment in its original block form to give an artistic look.
• Construction –The sculptor chooses a base material such as metal plastics, aluminum, steel
or found in objects and then adds other elements to construct the idea or image that he/she
wants to express. These materials require welding or adhesive to be attached together.
• Substitution–Any material transformable from a plastic, molten, or fluid state can be
molded or cast into a work of sculpture. The sculptors the molten or fluid material into the
negative ad allows it to solidify. When he/she removes the mold, the work of sculpture
emerges. Surface polishing, if desired, brings the work to its final form.

Art Production –medium used

• Stone –can only be carved, drilled, abraded, and polished.
• Wood–appealing for its grain, color and its origin in a living tree. The disadvantages of woof
lie in its dimensional instability-its tendency to warp or crack, especially when wet.
• Metals –can be cast, cut, drilled, filled, extruded, bent, forges and stamped.
• Terracotta or Clay –more responsive than wood or stone. It possesses little strength in
tension or compression and requires an armature for support. Clay is not in itself a permanent
material.
• Resin –used by many installation artists and sculptors.

Four Basic Sculpture Techniques:

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• Modelling-modeled sculptures are created when a soft or malleable material such as clay,
is built using an armature and then shaped to create a form.
• Carving–It involves cutting or chipping away a shape from a mass of stone, wood, or other
hard material. Carving is a subtractive process where the material is systematically eliminated
from the outside.
• Casting–When a sculpture is formed using terracotta clay, it is made permanent through
plaster of Paris. It is durable and can be transported without breaking and can also be
duplicated.
• Assembling–Sculptures gather and put together different material, including found objects
to create an assembled sculpture. Assembling uses adhesive, welding, and other chemicals for
adhesion.

Styles and Movements in Sculpture –technology, modern tools and material generate new artistic ideas
and sculptural effects that have developed into different styles and movements.
• Monolithic Sculpture–carved from a slab of stone and is limited by the material’s shape
and size. This style can only make a form that is allowed by the material’s shape and cannot
exceed its size. The form is taken as one whole closed form or shape. Lucell Larawan’s Prostate
is an example of this type of sculpture. He embedded thousands of nails on wood and painted
the form with acrylic.

• Constructivism–It makes use of new materials such as plastics, plexiglass, metal wire and
allows a break from the figurative representation of sculpture. The main traits of
constructivism applied to sculpture are abstraction, transparency, interpretation of sculptural
form, overlapping of planes and the employment of lines in tension to describe direction and
movement. Example: Wilson Baldemor’s Vice Tandem

• Sculptural Assemblage–Several forms of found objects, including “metal” are put together
through a single method of attachment: welding, and a single color and surface texture. The
sculptor is free to deal with problems of volume and contour, movement and balance, illusions
and reality. Michelle Lua created a variety of texture by putting together pieces of aluminum,
brass, stones and diamonds collected from hundreds of broken shoes, belts and bags, covering
the inner layer of a fiber glass casting her work “Broke Bag”.

• Kinetic Sculpture–When they are suspended in the air, they can produce musical sound as
the elements move in the wind and touch each other. Impy Pilapil’s interactive body of art
“Rainbow Rings” is made of bamboo, plastics and other light materials. They are constructed
vertically to interact with the wind and are designed to accommodate the movement of the
viewers who interact with the kinetic sculptures.

• Niches–A recessed place in a wall where a sculptural figure or bust can be located. The
niche encloses forms physically and governs the angle of vision from which the sculpture can
be seen. Example: Renato Habulan’s Takatak Series #s 1,2,3,4
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• Boxes–These are closed and can become packages, a portable container for something
worth keeping. They are distinguished by their careful craftsmanship and connection to
something. An example of this would be Alfredo and Isabel Aquilizan’s Balikbayan Boxes. The
many art balikbayan boxes are bundled together to symbolize the way Overseas Filipino
Workers accumulate things to send to their family left behind in the Philippines.

• Grotto–The shaping of interior space resembles a hybrid form of sculpture and

architecture. The body of work of Richmond (RichmondCampil’s Revelation) presents a neat
arrangement of staircases and cubes in one of the spaces that once served as stud farm of herd
of horses.
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The Art of Film: A Window to Different Worlds

“Cinema” and “film” are used interchangeably in daily conversation. It also refers both so-called
“mainstream” and “independent” scenes. Although there may be some ideological issues that separate
two groups, they both share a common art form and work with same elements.

Cinema
• refers to the art form, and hence includes all the artworks that deal with beautiful
moving pictures
• has two categories – film and video
• categories are classified according to the type of recording and projecting medium use
Film
• Uses celluloid strips divided into several frames to record images.
• To create movement, films project still images in a rate fast enough (24 – 48
frames per second) for the human eye to miss the gaps.
Video
• It uses either tape or digital recording devices (VCD, DVD, Mini DV).
• Video creates movement by changing pixels regularly.

The Elements of Film

1. Script or Narrative – the script is the basis of the story. It provides the story that a movie
presents to the spectator. This story composed of several elements, namely: characters,
dialogue, setting, and plot.
▪ Dialogue – composed of words that a character utters. In sound movies, dialogues are
delivered orally by the actors but in silent movies, dialogue is shown as text inserted between
shots.
▪ Characters – these are the agents of an act that constitute an event. They are usually
persons-human beings but there are occasions where animals, machines, ordinary things,
and fantastic creatures play the role of characters as in animated film.
a. Protagonist – are the main characters in movie.
▪ Superwant– term used to describe principle that drives the protagonist
to do what he does; a deep inner longing of a character which impels him to
act
b. Antagonist – characters that oppose the protagonist.
▪ Setting – the spatial and temporal locus of events in the plot. It ensures that
events enacted by the characters happen in a particular place and time.
▪ Plot – the arrangement or sequence of events and the things that are shown on screen.

2. Acting – the element that allows the spectator to understand the characters in a movie. It
is what brings life the characters sketched out in the script. Through it, the character traits,
emotions and reactions are displayed.
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3. Production Design – is the process of developing and creating the “look” of a film or
video environment. This includes creating the initial concepts, building sets, fabricating
costumes, and developing makeup effects.
a. Sub elements of Product Design:
i.Set Design
ii.Costumes
iii.Props

4. Staging of Directing – makes the event in the plot reality. Staging or Directing is important
because it is through this art that the spectator gains primary access to the meaning and
effects a movie is making.

5. Cinematography
• The word cinematography comes from the Greek roots -- kinesis
meaning “movement”; photo meaning “light”; and graphia meaning “wiring”
-- “writing with motion”.
• It is the process of taking ideas, words, actions, emotional subtext, tone,
and all other forms of nonverbal communication and rendering them in
visual terms.
• Cinematic Technique – is the tools and techniques use by Director and
DP to communicate and to evoke emotional responses in viewers. It involves
Framing, Light and color, the lens, Camera Techniques, Establishing shot, and
POV.
FRAMING – is the presentation of visual elements in an image, especially the
placement of the subject in relation to other objects.
THE LENS – It is a powerful tool for visual story telling – the ability of optics to later
our perception of the physical world. It involves contrast and sharpness.
LIGHT AND COLOR – are visual tools to create meaning, and to create a sense of
depth and three-dimensionality. It helps to establish mood and atmosphere and can
highlight and define certain objects and characters to code a story.

Types of Lighting Key light: this is the main source of light that will ensure the
Different light sources and positioning create subject of the shot is lit, usually from the front.
different effects. Back light: a light source positioned behind the subject. Used
without a key light, this creates a silhouette, shrouding the
subject in darkness for dramatic effect.
Fill light: to fill in other parts of the shot with light as appropriate,
usually from a side angle.
Source light: lighting that is visible in the shot, like a window or
lamp.
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Contrast range High key: full use of key, back and fill light to create a flat, even
The range of lighting in a shot can be altered range of light with little use of shadows or depth. For example, a
for effect. Hollywood musical utilises this type of lighting.
Low key: noticeable contrast between light and dark, shadows
and light. Creates depth in a shot. Commonly this will be
achieved by using key light and little use of back and fill light. Film
Noir is a classic example of this lighting.

Colour temperature Warm colours such as red and amber often provide an image or
shot with a sense of warmth, with blues and greys used to create
Combined with the quality of light in the a sense of coldness. The colour temperature will not always be
scene, colour temperature can establish a consciously noticed by viewers making it an effective tool for
tone of either warmth or coldness. This is creating mood, atmosphere and to code a story so that it has
done by using light filters, diffusers and greater dramatic clarity.
different coloured gels fixed over the camera
lens.

Colour palette Colours are often used for their associations. Darker colours like
red and black suggest passion, danger and evil; lighter colours
The predominant colour scheme. Used for like white suggest purity and innocence, while historical films
dramatic and emotional effect as well as story might use a brown, yellow or sepia colour palette. The colour
and character definition. palette will be emphasised through costume, set design, location,
lighting and temperature.

CAMERA TECHNIQUES
ESTABLISHING SHOT
is a shot in filmmaking or television that sets up the context for the scene ahead,
designed to inform the audience where the action will be taking place. It shows the
relationship between people and objects and establishes the scene's geography.
Point-of-View (POV)
Point of view shot, also known as POV shot, is an angle that shows what a character is
looking at. Typically, POV shots are placed in between a shot of a character looking at
something and a shot showing the character's reaction

6. Editing – is the process by which a movie is put together.

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MODULE 7

Theater
• an art of impersonating, or embodying people by the performers
• interpret and relay the story to an audience by means of words and actions
• a combined art for it has an immediate appeal to the human soul performed live

The Elements of Theater

• The Playwright and his Play
o Work on his plot in terms of actual actions and dialogue to be performed and
spoken by actors within the limited facilities of the stage.
o The product of his creativity is called a play
• The Performer
o Impersonates a character within a play that includes responses and reactions to
the situation in which he gets involved.
o According to Espina et al., as an actor, one must have the following natural
assets:
▪ a resounding voice that can project well and register emotional manner;
▪ the flexible body that can we easily on stage and sensitive enough to
convey unspoken language;
▪ a good memory not only for remembering lines but for the recalling of
impressions and retention of events;
▪ mimetic skills that can initiate characters from reality; and
▪ sufficient amount of intelligence and imagination that will make him give
justice to his role.
• The Director
o to present a play which he has interpreted and translated into dramatic action,
with complete devices as setting, sound and others, in terms of the emotional and
intellectual concept of the playwright
o stands as the leader of the theater ensemble which should work harmoniously to
put up the production
• Production Design
o Also called as mise-en-scene
o It includes all the scenery and props, make-up and costume, lights, music, sound,
and other possible effects used in a theater production
• Theater Space
o Commonly known as the stage
o The acting area with the purpose of putting life into action where the audience
can see it
o Traditionally, the stage is found within a theater, or sometimes been called
auditorium or hall.
o Types of Theater Space
▪ Proscenium or Picture-Frame Stage
• It was introduced during the Italian Renaissance.
• It is usually formal in auditoriums and halls.
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• It is the most commonly used.

• The stage is actually designed to assure better visibility.
▪ Thrust or Trestle Stage
• It was developed by the Ancient. Greeks and used for their play
festivals.
• The stage serves as the acting area and the building behind it as
part of the set.
▪ Booth Stage
• It is said to be as improvising acting area with open air and is
commonly used by traveling troupes who have no access to a theater
or other venues.
▪ Arena Stage
• A central stage surrounded by audience on all sides.
▪ Found Stage
• Often used in "found space" theatres, i.e. theatres made by
converted from other spaces.

Drama - utilizes plot and character, develops a theme, arouses emotion or appeals to humor, and
interpretative in dealing with life

Elements of Drama:
• Plot - It is concerned with what happens in the story. It introduces the characters and
presents the situations and provides information about the events that will happen.
• Character - It is shaped to fit the needs of the plot. To make them believable, they should
act like the way the playwright wants to create.
• Thoughts - It involves the ideas and emotions implied by the overall meaning of the play.
o According to Sanchez et al., not all plays explore significant ideas but every play
makes some comment or lesson experience either through direct statement of by
implication.
• Language - It is the means of expressing the character and thoughts. In the play, it refers
to the dialogue used by the characters.
• Theme - It is what a story means.
o It is a conviction about the real world we live in.
o This may be directly or indirectly stated.
o It serves as the heart of the play.
• Climax/Denouement - It is the scene or incident that is the fruition of the accumulated
suspense. It stirs the most intense feelings or emotions and serves as the turning point of the
story.
o Denouement is the final part of a play, or narrative in which the strands of the
plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.
• Music and Background - Music serves as the background and spectacle intensifies
emotions whatever it may be.
• Costume - costume must be comfortable and securely put together for the performer
not to have worry about it once it is on.
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• Make-up - the make-up crew should do their work once the actor is dressed up. All things
in the make-up box must be in order.
• Scenery and Lighting - The scenery used not to be complicated; it must just be simple for
it only suggest the scene. It's the audience's imagination that will complete the picture.
Proper lighting can add a great deal to the realism of the play.

Styles in Philippine Theater Arts:

• Theater, as the performing art that consists of acting in front of an audience, uses a
combination of gesture, music, dance, sound, speech, or a narrative.
• Theater takes many forms, such as plays, musical, opera, ballet, or a combination of
contemporary forms.
• There are styles that dominate Philippine theater: realism, social realism, the
combination of realistic and non-realistic styles and the Brechtian style.

Types:
• Realism - in the contemporary modern theater follows two tendencies: the psychological,
which focuses on the problems of individuals; and the social, which situates and roots
individual problems within the larger framework of a class society.
• The Brechtian Style - The Brechtian style, with touches of absurdism is evident in Paul
Dumol’s Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio, one of the most performed modern plays in the last
two decades. A similar style is used in Al Santos’ Ang Sistema ni Propesor Tuko, which pokes
fun at the authoritarian rule of a fascistic professor to comment on Philippine society under
the Marcos regime.
• Musical Performances - Brechtian techniques have also been used for full-blown
musicals, which may be rock or pop musicals on contemporary themes. Some examples are
Nukleyar, Bien Aligtad, and Magsimula Ka; ethnic musicals, like Maranatha, Halik sa Kampilan,
Ranaw: A Legend, and Sinalimba; or ethnic dance dramas like Diablos and Hinilawod.