Senior High School

Contemporary Philippine
Arts from the Regions
Characteristics of Contemporary
Arts
Quarter 2 - Module 4

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 2 - Module 4: Characteristics of Contemporary Arts
First Edition, 2020
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Published by the Department of Education – Division of Cagayan de Oro Schools

Division Superintendent: Cherry Mae L. Limbaco, PhD, CESO V

Development Team of the Module

Authors : Arlene P. Daug

Criselle N. Macas
Reviewer : Romulo M. Sarmiento, Jr.
Illustrator and Layout Artist : Criselle N. Macas
Editor : Romulo M. Sarmiento, Jr.
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Chairperson : Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III
Regional Director

Co-Chairpersons : Dr. Victor G. De Gracia Jr. CESO V

Asst. Regional Director
Cherry Mae L. Limbaco, PhD, CESO V
Schools Division Superintendent
Alicia E. Anghay, PhD, CESE
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Mala Epra B. Magnaong, Chief ES, CLMD
Members : Neil A. Improgo, EPS-LRMS
Bienvenido U. Tagolimot, Jr., EPS-ADM
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 Senior High School

Contemporary
Philippine Arts from
the Regions
Characteristics of Contemporary
Arts
Quarter 2 - Module 4

This instructional material was collaboratively developed and

reviewed by educators from public schools. We encourage teachers and
other education stakeholders to email their feedback, comments, and
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Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

 Table of Contents

What This Module is About

What I Need to Know
How to Learn from this Module
Icons of this Module
What I Know: (Pre-Test)

Lesson 1: Characteristics of Contemporary Arts

What’s In........................................................................................................ 1
What I Need to Know .................................................................................... 1
What’s New (Activity 1: Word Puzzle) ......................................................... 1
What Is It ....................................................................................................... 2-6
What’s More (Activity 2: Differentiate) .......................................................... 7
What I Have Learned (Activity 3: Summarize) ............................................. 7
What I Can Do (Activity 4: Contemporary Art Making) ................................. 8
Summary ...................................................................................................... 8

Assessment: (Post-Test)
Key to Answers
References
What This Module is About
An inspiring day my dear students! Our module is an exploration of various
contemporary art techniques and performance practices. The term "contemporary art" refers
to any work created by a living artist. Contemporary art has changed dramatically through the
20th century and into the 21st, largely because of the increasing globalization of society.
Where scholars and aficionados once defined art by the movement it represented, such as
modernism or expressionism, today's contemporary artists create pluralist work that blurs
boundaries and incorporates multiple styles and genres.
Contemporary art of the 21st century may combine elements of performance, painting,
sculpture, dance, and many other media. It draws on the movements of modern art, including
painting or visual art, to create dynamic pieces that aim to challenge the viewer and spark
thought. Many contemporary artists use their work to comment on cultural and political issues,
including race, human rights, economic inequality, and global conflict. As the world continues
to change and impact human life on a large scale, art continues to experiment with new ways
of reaching its audience.
Accumulating various wonderful art forms will give you the chance to appreciate the artworks
of the local artists and showcase their products. The most prominent feature of contemporary
art is the fact that it has no distinct feature or a single characteristic. It is defined by the
artist's ability to innovate and bring out a modern masterpiece.

What I Need to Know

At the end of this module, you should be able to:

1. Incorporate contemporary characteristics to one’s creation with attention to detail

(CAR11/12AP-0f-h-16)

How to Learn from this Module

To achieve the objectives cited above, you are to do the following:
• Take your time reading the lessons carefully.
• Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises diligently.
• Answer all the given tests and exercises.
Icons of this Module
What I Need to This part contains learning objectives that
Know are set for you to learn as you go along the
module.

What I know This is an assessment as to your level of

knowledge to the subject matter at hand,
meant specifically to gauge prior related
knowledge
What’s In This part connects previous lesson with that
of the current one.

What’s New An introduction of the new lesson through

various activities, before it will be presented
to you

What is It These are discussions of the activities as a

way to deepen your discovery and under-
standing of the concept.

What’s More These are follow-up activities that are in-

tended for you to practice further in order to
master the competencies.

What I Have Activities designed to process what you

Learned have learned from the lesson

What I can do These are tasks that are designed to show-

case your skills and knowledge gained, and
applied into real-life concerns and situations.
 What I Know: (Pre-Test)
MULTIPLE CHOICE. Encircle the letter of the best answer from the choices.
1. Contemporary art is art that is living in _________________.
A. future times C. past times
B. present times D. mind
2. Neoplasticism uses _______________________.
A. straight lines and primary colors.
B. tapping into the unconscious mind to release creativity.
C. emphasizing the expressions of the self and emotions.
D. showing all the possible viewpoints of a person or an object all at once
3. Surrealism art is focused on ____________________.
A. straight lines and primary colors.
B. tapping into the unconscious mind to release creativity.
C. emphasizing the expressions of the self and emotions.
D. showing all the possible viewpoints of a person or an object all at once
4. This is a style of art that emphasizes the expressions of the self and emotions.
A. Fauvism C. Neoplasticism
B. Abstract expressionism D. Cubism
5. ___________ is often one of the most exciting components of a painting.
A. Technique C. Color
B. Design D. Medium
6. Sculptors used pieces of junk to produce what is now known as _______________.
A. poetry C. novel
B. painting D. junk art
7. Which of the following is not considered as a warm color?
A. Blue C. Orange
B. Red D. Yellow
8. A technique is called __________ because the items represented in the artworks look
like they are made from cubes and other geometrical shapes.
A. Fauvism C. Neoplasticism
B. Abstract expressionism D. Cubism
9. These colors bring a calming effect to the mind.
A. Cool colors C. Warm colors
B. Bright color D. Dark colors
10. Warm colors convey the following emotions expect ___________.
A. happiness C. excitement
B. violence D. dependability
 Lesson
Characteristics of Contemporary
1 Arts

What’s In
In previous module, we have learned the meaning of artistic skills and techniques.
Many contemporary artists do not have formal studies in the fine arts. They develop their
artistic skills and techniques by themselves. It is necessary study the medium and techniques
used by contemporary artist to understand their work.

What I Need to Know

First, one needs to be clear about what the term contemporary art has come to
mean. Contemporary art, to be put simply, is art of today. From a painting to a
sculpture and from photography to a performance, it can be anything as long as it is produced
in today’s era. With no specific medium or apparatus, Contemporary Art has been interpreted
differently in different times and different regions. This genre of art is believed to have started
in the late 1960s by the end of modernism art era.
This lesson will teach us everything about the concept of contemporary arts and its
characteristics. You will also see some contemporary art works that illustrates these
characteristics.

What’s New
ACTIVITY 1: WORD PUZZLE
Mark with red ink instead of crushing out word/words that corresponds the
characteristics of contemporary arts.

I N N O V A T I O N I N A R T
N U N T E C H N I Q U E S E O
T T E L E M E N T S Q U I D O
E C U M B E R E D R E D D R N
R R C S O N T E M P O R Y O E
V A C C E N A T I O N I G S T
E C C E N O T R I X II M U E W
N K I N K Y F R I E D B Y S O
N E W E R T E C H N I Q U E S
T R A N S I S O N A I P O Z K
I S B N V D X V L S P R S A E
O A R M D A N D L O P A T A D
N N A E A N I M A T R W R X I
U S E N E W M A T E R I A L S
C H A R A C T E R I S T I C E

1
From the Word Puzzle presented, what should be our topic?
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________

What Is It
CHARACTERISTICS OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS
The most prominent feature of contemporary art is the fact that it has no distinct feature
or a single characteristic. It is defined by the artist’s ability to innovate and bring out a modern
masterpiece. Here are a few of the technical characteristics:
Innovation in Art
From the meaning of contemporary, contemporary art is an art that is living in present
times. It reflects current issues or current events. So, from time to time it changes along with
the society. It could sometimes break the rules of traditional art, created by modern humans.
Contemporary artists have been the pioneers in introducing new forms of art to the
world. Different art forms have been combined or newer ideas employed to bring out newer
types of art. It could be a public mood, and it could be an effect of being resourceful of any
artist. Contemporary art guides us to have reflection on our society and its issues on politics,
economy, culture and the likes. Contemporary artists use their masterpieces to comment on
cultural, political, and global issues, including race, feminism, human rights, civil, rights,
gender equality, wars, economic inequality, and global conflicts.
Change is a very significant aspect of humanity, still, art remain as part of living.
Collage art is an example of innovation that
proved to be a great example of modern contemporary
art. Likewise, mixed forms of assemblage, different
variants of kinetic art as well as different categories of
photography, animations and land art are a result of
bringing together newer ideas.
Here are some contemporary art works that reflects the
society.

Emmanuel Garibay. Hangarin

(Aspiration/Goal), 2008. Oil on canvas. 79 x 75
inches. Courtesy of the artist.
Hangarin (Aspiration/Goal) is a depiction of the
passionate Filipino interest in sports, especially
basketball. The game is part of daily life for young
men in particular, who enjoy its physicality and
community appeal. In a dynamic, well observed work,
Garibay illustrates a group of youths jostling on a
court set in a closed if not confined urban
environment.

2
 Emmanuel Garibay. Corpus Christi, 2008. Oil
on canvas. 48 x 72 inches. Courtesy of the
artist.
Humorous and chaotic image comes a more
complex work entitled Corpus Christi, a
meditation on the meaning of Christ in culture.
The painting offers multiple perspectives and
invites the viewer to circumnavigate it like a
mapmaker or explorer.

Emmanuel Garibay. Pagpasok ni Kristo sa

Maynila (Christ Entering Manila), 2008. Oil on
canvas. 58 x 76 inches. Courtesy of the artist.
In the crowded complexity of a street festival, so
much a part of the rhythm of Filipino community
life, we see the signs and symbols of faith and
begin to look for the figure of Christ.

Using New Materials

Another characteristic that was employed to bring about modern art was the
employment of different objects, materials that looked useless to the common man but were
brought to great use by modern artists. The means or instruments to make the works of
contemporary art are changing and new technologies are used day by day.
For instance, painters used pieces of newspapers as a backdrop to their canvases and
created masterpieces of modern art from it. It was unprecedented to use something like a
newspaper in a painting. Similarly, sculptors used pieces of junk to produce what is now known
as junk art. Also, common items like cars, chairs, boxes have been used masterfully to create
assemblages. Some sculptors and other artists who work in three-dimensional media,
painters, photographers, video, and installation artists. They make use of materials and media
such as wood, paper, paint, milk, rice, pollen, wax, plaster, stone, glass, metal, plastics,
photos, slides, videos, and computers.
Here are some contemporary art works that used new materials.

Newspaper in a painting Junk art assembled using plastics

3
 Art using rice Art using stone Art using pollen

Use of Color
Traditionally, color was used as means to bring reality to paintings and art pieces. However,
modern artists experimented with colors and used it unconventionally to make new textures
and themes and used them in their pieces of art. The colors used are strong and the content
is symbolic.
Color is often one of the most exciting components of a painting. In both figurative and abstract
painting, color can be used for its decorative beauty, to create mood and to express or arouse
an emotion. In nature and in art, color has a profound effect on the viewer.
Cool colors, which is based on blue undertones, bring a calming effect to the mind. These
colors range from cold icy blues to warm and nurturing Mediterranean turquoises. Blue
represents dependability. Warm colors, which is based on yellow undertones, tend to convey
emotions ranging from happiness to violence. Red, orange, and yellow colors trigger hunger.
Red instantly attracts, makes people excited and increases the heart rate.

Two watercolor paintings showing warm and cool colors. The warm painting on the
right is predominately shades of orange and yellow. The cool painting on the left is
predominately blue and green. These two paintings serve as demonstrations of how different
the feelings are between the color temperatures.
As an example, expressionism was mostly based on the vibrant and expressive use of
colors as a tool to innovate their paintings. Expressionist art tried to convey emotion and
meaning rather than reality. Each artist had their own unique way of "expressing" their
emotions in their art. In order to express emotion, the subjects are often distorted or
exaggerated.

4
Newer Techniques
Modern art is not only about playing and experimenting with colors and objects, rather
it has also given birth to newer techniques that form the basis for contemporary art today.
Abstract expressionism is a style of art that has meant one of the main
manifestations of the spirit of the 20th century. It emphasizes the expressions of the self and
emotions. The colors are more violent, and the content has a symbolic tint.

Example of abstract expressionism

Chromolithography is a prime example of a technique that was developed by Jules
Cheret. Chromolithography is a unique method for making multi-color prints. A
chromolithograph is made using anywhere from eight to forty stones, one for each color. The
chromist, who specialized in breaking down the colors needed to re-create the painting in ink,
would document this process in a progressive proof book, so that the image could be recreated
easily again if needed.

Example of chromolithography

Another characteristic of contemporary art is that it is avant-garde and surrealistic.

Surreal artists introduced automatic drawing to the world of art. Surrealism was focused on
tapping into the unconscious mind to release creativity. Surrealistic art is characterized by
dream-like visuals, the use of symbolism, and collage images.

Example of surrealism

5
 Fauvism comprises the first of the expressions of contemporary art. Its name refers to
a group of French painters who in 1905 filled the Paris autumn salon with works. The specific
characteristics of Fauvism are aggression in the use of colors (basically primary,
complementary along with garish tones) and their autonomy in relation to shapes.

Example of fauvism
Cubism is a style of art which aims to show all the possible viewpoints of a person or
an object all at once. It is called Cubism because the items represented in the artworks look
like they are made out of cubes and other geometrical shapes.

Example of cubism
Neoplasticism is based on two-dimensionality, use of straight lines and primary
colors. Its objective is to divest itself of the particular to manifest the purity of art.

Example of neoplasticism

6
 What’s More
ACTIVITY 2: DIFFERENTIATE
You have already learned the different Expressionism Arts. This time let’s try how far
your learning is. What you are going to do is to identify what are the difference between the
two Expressionism art. Fill in the table below: Teacher will use rubrics for scoring.

Painting A Painting B
1. 1.
2. 2.
3. 3.
4. 4.

What I Have Learned

ACTIVITY 3: SUMMARIZE
Write a brief essay that answers the question, “What do you understand about the
characteristics of contemporary?”. Teacher will use rubrics for scoring.

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
__

7
 What I Can Do

ACTIVITY 4: CONTEMPORARY ART MAKING

Create a contemporary art using one of the techniques (abstract expressionism,
surrealism, fauvism, or neoplasticism). You can make it using bond paper, illustration board,
Oslo paper or any medium you want. Write a brief explanation of your art. You can use the
guide question below to write you explanation. Teacher will use rubrics for scoring.
Guide questions:
1. What is the title of your contemporary art?
2. What technique did you use?
3. What medium/s did you use?
4. What is the theme of your art?
5. What ideas you to convey to the audience of your art?

Summary
Contemporary art, to be put simply, is art of today. With no specific medium or
apparatus, Contemporary Art has been interpreted differently in different times and different
regions.

• Contemporary art is defined by the artist’s ability to innovate and bring out a modern
masterpiece.
• Contemporary art guides us to have reflection on our society and its issues on politics,
economy, culture and the likes.
• The means or instruments to make the works of contemporary art are changing and
new technologies are used day by day.
• Color is often one of the most exciting components of a painting.
• Cool colors bring a calming effect to the mind while Warm colors tend to convey
emotions ranging from happiness to violence.
• Modern art is not only about playing and experimenting with colors and objects, rather
it has also given birth to newer techniques that form the basis for contemporary art
today. Some of these new techniques are abstract expressionism, chromolithography,
surrealism, fauvism, cubism and neoplasticism.

8
 Assessment: (Post-Test)

MULTIPLE CHOICE. Encircle the letter of the best answer from the choices.
1. Contemporary art is art that is living in _________________.
A. future times C. past times
B. present times D. mind
2. Neoplasticism uses _______________________.
A. straight lines and primary colors.
B. tapping into the unconscious mind to release creativity.
C. emphasizing the expressions of the self and emotions.
D. showing all of the possible viewpoints of a person or an object all at once
3. Surrealism art is focused on ____________________.
A. straight lines and primary colors.
B. tapping into the unconscious mind to release creativity.
C. emphasizing the expressions of the self and emotions.
D. showing all the possible viewpoints of a person or an object all at once
4. This is a style of art that emphasizes the expressions of the self and emotions.
A. Fauvism C. Neoplasticism
B. Abstract expressionism D. Cubism
5. ___________ is often one of the most exciting components of a painting.
A. Technique C. Color
B. Design D. Medium
6. Sculptors used pieces of junk to produce what is now known as _______________.
A. poetry C. novel
B. painting D. junk art
7. Which of the following is not considered as a warm color?
A. Blue C. Orange
B. Red D. Yellow
8. A technique is called __________ because the items represented in the artworks look
like they are made from cubes and other geometrical shapes.
A. Fauvism C. Neoplasticism
B. Abstract expressionism D. Cubism
9. These colors bring a calming effect to the mind.
A. Cool colors C. Warm colors
B. Bright color D. Dark colors
10. Warm colors convey the following emotions expect ___________.
A. happiness C. excitement
B. violence D. dependability
 Key to Answers
Post Test
1. B
2. A
3. B
4. B
5. C
6. D
7. A
8. D
9. A
10. D

What’s New (Activity 1: Word Puzzle)

• PERSPECTIVE
• EXTENSION
• GEOMETRIC
• VIRTUAL
• PRIMARY COLORS
• COLOR
• HARMONIES
• TERTIARY
• ANALOGOUS
• SURFACE
• VALUE SCALE
• GRAY
• PATH
• GRAY
• SPACE
• SITE
• VALUE
• SHAPE
• SHAPE
• COMPLIMENTARY

What’s More (Activity 2: Differentiate)

Painting A Painting B
Orange-like color base Reddish background
The person making the expression is more It has less complex
complex
There are two people from the background The other person from the background is blurred
Clearer picture
What I Have Learned (Activity 3: Summarize)

*Teacher will make own rubric.

What I Can Do (Activity 4: Contemporary Art Making)

*Teacher will make own rubric.

 References
“Indigenous Artists Who Have Kept Filipino Creativity Alive.” CNN. Accessed July 30, 2020.
https://cnnphilippines.com/life/culture/2017/10/10/indigenous-artists-national-living-
treasures.html.

“Order of National Artists.” National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Accessed July 30,
2020. https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/culture-profile/national-artists-of-the-
philippines/.

“Mindanao Art (1 of 10). MEANDER by Art Portal Gallery for Contemporary Art.”
MindaNews, October 6, 2019. https://www.mindanews.com/arts-
culture/2019/10/mindanaoart-1-of-10-meander-by-art-portal-gallery-for-contemporary-
art/.

“Recognizing the Stranger: The Art of Emmanuel Garibay.” Image Journal, August 25, 2016.
https://imagejournal.org/article/recognizing-the-stranger/.

“Chromolithography.” Omeka RSS. Accessed July 30, 2020.

https://americanantiquarian.org/prang/whatisachromo.

Doroteja August, November 16, kanak November 19, chris August 17, Maleko August 17,
Judy Fischer Walton August 18, Thomas Ahlswede August 18, et al. “Use The Hidden
Meaning of Color In Your Art.” Fine Art Tips & The 2020 Club with Lori McNee, April
17, 2020. https://www.finearttips.com/2009/08/use-the-hidden-meaning-of-color-in-
your-art/.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

ARLENE P. DAUG
Secondary School Teacher - III
Grade 7 Teacher

East Gusa National High School

Division of Cagayan de Oro City

Designated as MAPEH Coordinator

Teaching MAPEH 7 and Edukasyon sa Pagpapakatao 7

CRISELLE N. MACAS
Special Science Teacher – I
Senior High School Teacher

East Gusa National High School

Division of Cagayan de Oro City

Designated as SHS ICT Laboratory Coordinator

Teaching Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions,

Mathematics, Physical Education 11, Empowerment
Technologies, Introduction to World Religions, and Trends,
Networks and Critical Thinking,
Para sa mga katanungan o puna, sumulat o tumawag sa:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: [email protected] * [email protected]