Lesson 3
Art: Meaning and Forms
Contemporary Philippine Arts to be viewed, to
be understood and to be appreciated in the
context as they were created. The arts come
in various categories and forms. It is essential
to know and understand the meaning of the
term contemporary when used in defining
Contemporary Philippine Arts.
Understanding it would pave the way
for better appreciation of the arts in
the Philippine context. Understanding
Philippine Arts would provide a better
perception of the details, context,
meaning and significance of the
artworks placed in a cultural, political
and historical context.
Integrative Art has become part of
Contemporary Art. Contemporary
Art is evident when we go to the
different regions and provinces of
our country. Each artwork exhibiting
its own uniqueness and meaning.
The term contemporary has been defined as
something “happening, existing, living, or
coming into being during the same period of
time” (Merriam-Webster).
Contemporary Art refers to art of any form
and genre that produced in our
contemporary time, simply put as “art
created today.”
Contemporary Art is influenced by the
economic, social, political and
environmental context where the artist is
immersed in. It can be said that
Contemporary Art is the artist’s expression
of his perception and comprehension of
these contexts. Contemporary Arts in the
Philippines is as diverse as our people.
Contemporary Philippine Art is not
confined to the usual genres of the four
main art forms, namely, visual, literary,
applied and performing arts. Genres are
categories of artistic creation and are
characterized by similarities in form,
style, or subject matter. Many other
genres came up which include pure are
forms as well as mixed art forms.
Elements of Contemporary Art
Contemporary Arts have
different elements that are put
together to come up with a
distinct artwork. These
elements include:
1. Appropriation,
this relates to the
modifications
made by the artist.
2. Hybridity, this refers in the
use of different art mediums
that are put together.
3. Technology its application
highlights the creativity of the
artist.
4. Performance, carried out for
viewers to experience.
5. Space,
intricate use
of space.
Integrative Art employs the use of different art
elements used together in distinct different
expressions. Thus, it becomes a combination of
different art forms for specific groups of viewers.
Integrative art is also a fusion of different art
disciplines using different styles and media in creating
art. It can be found in different places of the country,
usually in urban areas where artists have ready access
to different art forms and media. Examples of
Integrative Art include the use of computer
applications combined with other media, the use of
non-traditional art materials in creating artworks
The distinct features of Contemporary
Philippine Art include:
1. Communal nature, as it reflects the
relationships build around the bonds of
community and society.
2. Intuitive, as Filipinos are immersed in their
consciousness of themselves, their community
and their culture.
3. Holistic, as individuals, groups of people
and events are perceived in their entirety as
well as the unitive use of art materials and
4. Creative process, as the artist puts
more emphasis on now their artwork was
made than on the artwork itself.
5. Integrative, as it encompasses
religious, moral, spiritual, social, and
environmental concerns.
6. Multi-focal, as it considers everything
and everyone, the wide perspective of
the artwork as well as both artist and
Integrative Art comes in
different sizes and
shapes, forms and styles.
This art can be observed
in Junk Art. Junk Art is
a sculptural rendition
using discarded or used
materials usually scrap
plastic, cartons, paper,
metal or glass.
PERFORMANCE #. 2
MAKE YOUR OWN
JUNK ART
