to Contemporary Art
By: Noel Francisco Ruga MAEd
Art plays a significant part in the rich cultural identity
of the Philippines. It mirrors the Filipino people, it’s
history, traditions and the country as a whole. Diverse
art forms in the different parts of the archipelago,
when integrated, will give a clear picture of what kind
of country the Philippines is and what kind of people
the Filipinos are
This art forms developed from the early times
continue to evolve up to the present. From the ethnic
tradition, it continues to progress to contemporary art
tradition.
As Filipino, one should have the knowledge of the
different forms of art in the Philippines to fully grasp
its identity as a nation and to completely embrace
oneself as a citizen of the country.
The lessons and activities incorporated in this section
will helps you as students to have an understanding
and appreciation of the Philippine Art specifically the
contemporary Philippine Arts. This will provide the
students an overview of the history of Philippine Arts
from the Ethnic up to the Contemporary Period. Also,
the succeeding discussion will focus on the
contemporary art forms and practices in the country.
Historical Background
The development of Philippine Art comes from
three(3) major Traditions:
1. Ethnic Tradition (pre-colonial): high land people
mimic the animal movements as choreography.
Pottery, weaving, wood carving and metal crafting
were dominant during pre-colonial period as visual art
About architecture using local materials such as
anahaw, bamboo, cogon, cane, rattan, and other light
materials in constructing structures
Folk literatures came in the form folk speeches, songs
and narratives.