Contemporary Philippine Arts

from the Regions

Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 First Trimester S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

INTRODUCTION TO ART
Welcome students! We will begin our journey to understanding Contemporary Philippine Arts through
Module 1, which will provide an overview and introductory concepts about art particularly its definition,
purpose, elements, and properties. This module will also include discussions about aesthetics and art
criticism.

Learning Objectives:
A. define art and its underlying concepts
B. identify the different purpose of art;
C. distinguish the different theories of aesthetics; and
D. apply the basic steps of art criticism on an artwork of a Filipino.

WHAT IS ART?

What comes into your mind when you think of the word “art”? On the diagram below, write down at
least five (5) words that you think can be related to art. You can fill the entire space if you want. Try to
avoid looking for any hints or clues in this module. This is just an exercise and it will not be graded.

Page 1 of 10
 Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 FIRST TRIMESTER S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

We all have different perceptions about art. For some, art is creation; an act of bringing an idea into
reality. Others consider art as a form of expressing yourself, communicating your emotion to the
audience. Art for some may be a way of provoking someone, to elicit one’s feelings through your own
artwork. There is no absolute answer. However, we have to develop a comprehensive definition that
encompasses our insights about art.

Art is an expression of an idea, feeling or experience

meant to arouse emotional response from the
audience. It is a language that artists use to express
something that everyday words cannot
communicate.

In order to experience art fully, you must do more than simply looking at it with your eyes or hearing it
with your ears; you must develop the ability to perceive. To perceive is to become deeply aware
through the senses of the special nature of an object; it is looking beyond the tangible qualities of an
art. On the succeeding lesson, you’ll learn more about perception.

PURPOSES OF ART
People created art to record and express ideas and feelings long before they had written words.
However, art is more than just expression, it has other purposes.

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 Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 FIRST TRIMESTER S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

Artists constantly invent new ways to create functional art , something

that makes life more convenient. Industrial designers , for example,
discover new materialsthat make cars lighter and stronger.

Artists produced artworks, such as symbols painted on signs, to impart

information. In the past, many people could not read and art was often
created to provide visual instruction.

Artists create artworks or deliver artistic performances to earn income.

Many artists are hired to work on somethingor commissioned to produce
works of art such as musicians or singers who perform on gigs.

WHY DO ARTISTS CREATE?

The urge to create is universal. Artists are driven by their

sense of wonder and curiosity. The creative impulse is
often suppressed if one becomes afraid of making
mistakes. Artists exhibit the courage to take risks. They
are able to see their surroundings in new and unusual
ways. They are willing to work intensely for long periods
of time to achieve their goals.

Artists who are self-taught and therefore have had little

or no formal schooling in artistic methods are called folk
artists. Most artists learn skills and techniques from other
artists. Eventually artists develop their own unique styles.
The impulses that drive artists to create vary.

WHERE DO ARTISTS GET IDEAS?

Artists are creative individuals who use imagination and skill to communicate in artistic form. They use
the materials of art to solve aesthetic problems. Artists look to many sources for inspiration. Some look
outward to their natural and cultural environment for ideas. Others look within themselves for creative
motivation.

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 Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 FIRST TRIMESTER S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

There are numerous sources by which artists draw inspiration. These are the following:

1. Nature and Environment – Nature is full of wonders. Animals, landscapes, terrains, or anything
an artist can see on the environment can become a subject of art. Sometimes artists just look at their
natural surroundings and apparently, they have an idea in mind.
2. People and Real-World Events – Artists take an inspiration to what is happening around them,
be it good or bad. This makes their artwork a bridge between periods and ages. One artwork may
present an important event in the past.
3. Myths and Legends - Some artists borrow ideas from famous works of literature; stories about
supernatural creatures or phenomena, origin about something, explanation of unexplainable events,
and other fictional stuff.
4. Spiritual and Religious Beliefs - Artists in every culture use their skills to create images, objects, or
music to be used to express spiritual beliefs. Many artworks from Asian cultures reflect rich religious
heritage such as songs, chants, murals, sculptures, architecture, and literature.
5. Creative Techniques - Many artists founded new art movements and developed new
techniques to create art. This technique can even be developed into more techniques.
6. Artists of the Past - Art is not made in a vacuum. Artists of a particular time period often inspire
influence each other. Artists also learn from and build on the work of artists who came before their
time.
7. Ideas Commissioned by Employers - Many artists are hired by individuals or companies to create
works of art. Graphic designers create corporate logos, brochures, and many other print materials.
They may also design menus for restaurants. Fine artists, like sculptors and painters, are often
commissioned to create artworks for display in public spaces and buildings.

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 Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 FIRST TRIMESTER S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

FORMS OF ART

Art comes in many forms and it can be expressed or perceived through different ways. Some art forms
can be visual in nature. Others can be performed, or perceived through listening. Artforms can be
classified into three categories; visual art, performing art, and literature.

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 Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 FIRST TRIMESTER S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

PROPERTIES OF ART

In art, it is important to understand the basic parts or features, of an artwork. Understanding art
properties will be helpful in perceiving and appreciating works of art.

1. The Subject - The subject is the image viewers can easily identify in a work of art. The subject
may be one person or many people. It may be a thing, such as a boat. It may be an event, such as a
dance.

2. The Composition - The second property of a work of art is the composition of the work. The
composition is the way the principles of art are used to organize the elements of art such as line, shape,
form, color, hue, and texture.

3. The Content - The third property of a work of art is the content. The content is the message the
work communicates. The message may be an idea or a theme, such as patriotism or family
togetherness. It may be an emotion, such as pride, love, or loneliness. Sometimes you know what the
intention of an artist might have been when he or she created the work, therefore the meaning of the
work may be clear. However, at other times, you may not be certain of what the work might mean,
and you have to consider all possibilities.

4. Medium – An artwork won’t be possible without any medium or means of creation. Medium can
be tools or equipment like brush for a painter or drum for a drummer. In addition, artists can create an
artwork through the use of their body such as dancers and singers.

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 Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 FIRST TRIMESTER S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

AESTHETICS: WHAT IS BEAUTY IN ARTS?

Aesthetics is a branch of philosophy concerned with the nature

and value of art. Physical beauty was once the only criterion for
judging the quality of art. Today, artwork is judged by a different
set of criteria and instead of being called “beautiful,” a good work
of art is called “successful.” Some successful works of art may not
look pretty, but they may be well-organized, and/or elicit
emotional responses from viewers. The aesthetic qualities that are
discussed most often by aestheticians (specialists in aesthetics)
are the literal qualities, the formal qualities, and the expressive
qualities which will be discussed on the theories of aesthetics.

THEORIES OF AESTHETICS

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 Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 FIRST TRIMESTER S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

ART CRITICISM

What do you think of when you hear the word criticism? Do you think it means saying something
negative? This is not true. A criticism can be a positive statement. For example, when you shop for
clothes, you try on many things. You act as a critic using personal criteria to determine which pieces
of clothing look good on you and which pieces do not suit you. You have developed your own criteria
for choosing clothing through personal experience.

Art criticism is not difficult. In fact, it can be a lot of fun. At the very least, it can make the study of art
less mysterious and more logical. Art criticism is a sequential approach for looking at and talking about
art.

Your own life experiences may also help you understand the meaning of each work of art. No one has
done or seen exactly the same things you have, so no one will see exactly what you see in a work of
art. No one can think exactly the way you think. You may see ideas in a work of art that were never
dreamed of by the artist. This does not mean that you are wrong; it simply means that the work of art
is so powerful that it has a special meaning for everybody.

Learning art criticism will help you interpret works of art. It will give you the confidence to discuss works
of art without worrying about what other people might think. It will help you to organize your thoughts.
You will develop the courage to speak your mind and make sound aesthetic judgments.

STEPS IN ART CRITICISM

When you become involved in the process of art criticism, you

learn from the work of art. Critiquing an artwork is like playing
detective. You must assume the artist has a secret message
hidden within the work. Your job is to find the message and
solve the mystery. In this chapter you will learn a special four-
step approach that will help you find the hidden meanings in
art. The four steps, which must be taken in order, are
description, analysis, interpretation, and judgment. By
following these steps, you will be able to answer the following
questions:

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 Contemporary Philippine Arts
from the Regions
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
Tel. Nos.: (+6374) 442-3316, 442-8220; 444-2786;
442-2564; 442-8219; 442-8256; Fax No.: 442-6268 Grade/Section: 12 FIRST TRIMESTER S.Y. 2020-2021
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.uc-bcf.edu.ph

Module 1 – Phil Arts Subject Teacher: MS. PATRICIA D. FLORESCA

1. Step One: Description (What do I see?) - In the first step of art criticism, description, you carefully
make a list of all the things you see in the work. During the description step, notice the size of the work
and the medium used. You will find these facts in the credit line. This information will help you visualize
the real size and look of the work. During the description step, you must be objective.

2. Step Two: Analysis (How is the work organized?) - During this step, you are still collecting facts
about the elements and principles of art that are used in the artwork. In analysis you discover how the
principles of art are used to organize the art elements of line, color, value, shape, form, space, and
texture. You will learn how the artist has used these formal qualities to create the content of the art,
which is known as the theme or the message.

3. Step Three: Interpretation (What message does this artwork communicate to you?) - During this
step, you will answer the question, “What message does this artwork communicate to me?” In
interpretation you will explain or tell the meaning or mood of the work. It is here that you can make
guesses about the artwork, as long as they appear to be supported by what you see in the work. Use
your intelligence, imagination, and courage. Don’t be afraid to make an interpretation that is different
from someone else’s. After all, you are different from other people. Your interpretation will be
influenced by what you have experienced and seen in your life. Your interpretation can be based on
your feelings, but your feelings must be backed up by the visual facts and clues you collected during
the first two steps.

4. Step Four: Judgment (Is this a successful work of art?) - In this step you will judge whether or not
the work is successful. In judgment you determine the degree of artistic merit. This is the time to make
your own decisions. There are two levels of judgment to be made. The first is personal. Do you like the
work? No one can ever tell you what to like or dislike. You must make up your own mind. To make a
fair judgment, you must be honest with yourself. Only you know why you feel the way you do.
Otherwise, you may close yourself off from experiencing different kinds of art. The second level of
judgment you must make is also subjective, but it is somewhat different. At this point, you use aesthetics
to help you decide whether the work is successful. A work can be very successful aesthetically, but
you might not want to live with it.

REFERENCES:
• Ragans, R. (2005). Art Talk Fourth Edition. Glencoe McGraw-Hill Companies
• Mendez, M. (2016). Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions: DIWA Learning Systems, Inc.

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