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Key Concepts

• Pre-Colonial Art (Ethnic Art): Ritualistic and functional art before Spanish colonization.
• Spanish Colonial Art: Art used to propagate Catholic faith, introducing religious imagery and Spanish aesthetics.
• American Colonial Art: Introduction of art illustration, advertising, commercial design, neoclassicism, and modernism through education and governance.
• Post-Colonial Art: Focus on national identity, expression of liberty, and modern art forms after independence.
• Contemporary Art: Art reflecting contemporary culture, challenging traditional boundaries, and lacking uniform principles.

Pre-Colonial Art (6185 BC - 1521)

• Definition: Art beyond mere craft, serving ritualistic and everyday purposes. Also known as Ethnic art.
• Characteristics: Used for ritual and everyday purposes. As local communities became established, art started to go beyond mere craft.
• Paleolithic Period:
  • Plake Tools: Discovered in Kalinga Province, .9 million years ago, found along the Kalo cave in Cagayan.
• Neolithic Period:
  • Shell Bracelets and Pendants: Made into tools and ornaments.
  • Angono Petroglyphs: Composed of 127 human and animal figures engraved on a wall in Rizal, Philippines. Known as the oldest work of art in the Philippines.
• Other Important Works:
  • Lingling-o (2000 BC - 1000 AD): Ear pendant, excellent ancient craftsmanship of Jade carvings.
  • Manunggul Jar (890 BC - 710 BC): Ancient burial jar discovered in Tabon Cave in Palawan.
• Art Forms: Pottery, weaving, tattoo, jewelry, carving, metal crafts, and the barter system.
• Content: Religious symbols, everyday life depictions, specific art patterns, and evidence of trade with other countries.

Spanish Colonial Art (1521 - 1898)

• Purpose: The Spanish used art as a tool to introduce the Catholic faith.
• Method: Used images like crosses and Saint figures to explain Catholicism due to communication barriers.
• Introduced Art Forms: Paintings, sculptures, and architecture based on Catholic religious themes.
• Spanish Aesthetics: Adopted Spanish style of furniture carving and design.
• Example: The church in Iloilo adopted the Spanish architecture from the church in Murcia, Spain.
• Filipino Artists:
  • Damian Domingo: Father of Filipino painting, first Filipino to paint his face (self-portrait), founder of the Academia de Dibujo y Pintura (first school of drawing in the Philippines in 1821).
  • Juan Luna: Known for his Spoliarium painting.
  • Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo: Distinguished as a great Filipino painter.
• Characteristics: Concentrated on faith and catechism.
• Filipino Styles Developed: Miniaturismo and Letras y Figuras.

American Colonial Art (1898 - 1946)

• Introduction: Art illustration, advertising, and commercial design.
• Approach: Brought education and value formation.
• Neoclassicism:
  • Fabian de la Rosa: First painter of note for the 20th century, known for realistic portraits, genre, and landscapes in subdued colors. Enrolled at the Escuela de Bellas Artes y Dibujo and took lessons from Lorenzo Guerrero.
  • Architecture: Manila Central Post Office architecture adapted from the White House.
• Modernism:
  • Miguel Zaragoza: Pointillist works.
  • Emilio Alvero: Impressionist landscapes.
  • Carlos "Botong" Francisco: Depicted Philippine history in his History of Manila mural at the Manila City Hall.
• Commercial Art: Introduced during this period.
• Filipino Artists:
  • Fabian de la Rosa
  • Fernando Amorsolo: First National Artist awardee.
  • Guillermo Tolentino: Father of Philippine arts, known for The Oblation statue at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
• Characteristics: Peculiar art form or commercial in advertising Arts content.

Post-Colonial Art (1946 - 1986)

• Introduction: Domination of pop art, installation art, and performance art.
• Theme: Social realism due to political issues and social landscapes.
• Modern Art: Began after World War II and Philippine independence.
• Focus: Expression of Liberty and national identity.
• Characteristics: Artists portray subjects according to their unique perspective, rejecting traditional styles and values.

Contemporary Art (1986 - Present)

• Definition: Art of today, works of 21st-century artists.
• Art Forms: Intermedia, installation art, conceptual art, and multimedia art.
• Characteristics: Mirrors contemporary culture and society, challenges traditional boundaries, lacks uniform organizing principles or ideology, diverse and eclectic.
• Philippine Contemporary Artists:
  • Manuel Rodriguez, Sr.: Father of Philippine printmaking.
  • Napoleon Abueva: Father of modern Philippine sculpture.
  • Roberto Chabet: Father of Philippine conceptual art.
• Characteristic of the period: Social realism.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Philippine art history is a rich tapestry woven from pre-colonial traditions, colonial influences, and post-independence expressions. From the ritualistic art of pre-colonial times to the faith-based art of the Spanish era, the commercial art of the American period, the national identity exploration of the post-colonial era, and the boundary-pushing contemporary art, each period reflects the socio-political and cultural landscape of the Philippines. The evolution of art forms, techniques, and themes showcases the adaptability and creativity of Filipino artists in expressing their identity and experiences.