Chapter V.

Arts Development, and its Different Movements in Society

Reading the Image
How should we look at art?
● Guillermo (2001) recommends a way of understanding art
-Semiotic approach which shows how the material and ideational aspects are closely
interlinked.
-Semiotics- the study of signs
-Going beyond the semiotic approach and situating the artwork in its social and historical
milieu.

Four Planes of Analysis (Guillermo, 2001)

1. Basic Semiotic Plane- elements and physical aspect
● Visual elements
● Choice of medium and technique
● Format of the work
● Other physical properties and marks
2. Iconic Plane- qualities of the image
● Choice of the subject
● Positioning of the figures and the signification that arises from its presentation
● Relationship of the figures to one another, whether massed, isolated, or
juxtaposed in terms of affinity or contrast

3. Contextual Plane- socio-political context

● Situates the work in personal and social circumstances of its production
● Themes and subthemes may be derived from personal life experiences
significant to the artist, and particular biographical data may be important in
understanding the work and its totality.
4. Evaluative Plane- analyzing values of the work
● Analyzing how the form and content of the artwork combine to create meaning

Lesson 1: Asian Art History

A. Japanese Art History (Kleiner, 2016)
1. Jomon and Yayoi Periods, ca. 10,500 BCE-300 CE
● Jomon is Japan's earliest distinct culture.
● takes its name from the clay pots found with coil decorations made by
imprinting ropes to create the designs.
● Yayoi pottery is simpler and more refined than Jomon, often unglazed
with smooth surfaces. This period saw the introduction of bronze and iron
tools, and new forms of art, such as bronze mirrors, bells (dōtaku), and
weapons.
● Archeologists discovered the first evidence of the Yayoi culture in the
Yayoi district of Tokyo, but both cultures emerged in Kyusu and spread
northward
● Increasing contact with the East Asian mainland is evident from the Yayoi
dotaku, modeled on Han Chinese bells.
2. Kofun Period, ca. 300-552
● Kofun means “old tomb” and great earthen burial mounds are the primary
 characteristic of the last pre-Bhuddist period of Japanese art.
● The largest tumulus in Japan, attributed to Emperor Nintoku, who died in
399, is at Sakai.
● (kofun) is built for the elite, including keyhole-shaped burial mounds.
● The period is notable for the clay figurines known as haniwa, which were
placed around burial sites and depict humans, animals, houses, and
objects, representing early Japanese spiritual beliefs in life after death.
● About 20,000 clay cylindrical figures “haniwa” stood around and on top of
the Sakai tumulus.
● Haniwa sculptures represent inanimate objects and animals as well as
human figures, including warriors.
● They formed a protective spiritual barrier between the living and the dead.

3. Asuka and Nara Periods, 552-784

● Buddhism was introduced in Japan in 552, profoundly impacting
Japanese art.
● A centralized government was established whose capital was at Nara.
● Nara architecture like Horyuhi kondo was made following the Chinese
models in the use of ceramic roof tiles and the adoption of curved
rooflines.
● The Daibutsuden is the largest wooden building in the world constructed
at Tojaidi in 743.

4. Heian Period, 794-1185

● The imperial house moved its capital to Heiankyo (Kyoto) and Esoteric
Buddhism was introduced to Japan.
● Painted mandalas like the Womb World and the Diamond World facilitated
meditation.
● A masterpiece of Heian Buddhist architecture was the Phoenix Hall at Uji
which evokes images of the celestial architecture of the Buddha's Pure
Land of the West.
● Narrative scroll painting was a major art form including the Tales of Genji.

5. Kamakura Period, 1185-1332

● In 1185, power shifted from the Japanese emperor to the first shogun
(commander in chief) of Kamakura.
● The shoguns became great patrons of art and architecture.
● Kamakura painting is diverse in both subject and style and includes
historical narratives, such as Events of the Heiji Period and Buddhist
hanging scrolls.

6. Muromachi Period, 1336-1573

● The period takes its name from Kyoto district which the Ashikaga shoguns
maintained as headquarters.
● Paintings display great variety in both subject matter and style like haboku
(splash-ink) style rooted in Chinese.
● Zen Buddhism rose to prominence in Japan.
● Zen temples were made featuring gardens of the karesansui (dry
landscape) type, which promoted meditation.
 7. Momoyama Period, 1573-1615
● Often regarded as a renaissance period of Japanese art history.
● Takes its name from one of their castles Momoyama, peach Blossom Hill
outside of Kyoto.
● Many of the finest works of this period were commissions from warlords,
including Chinese Lions by Kano Eitoku, a six-part folding screen
featuring animals that symbolize power and bravery.
● Japanese tea ceremony became an important social ritual.
● Tea master Sen no Rikyu designed the first teahouse built as an
independent structure.
● The favored tea utensils were rustic shino wares.

8. Edo Period, 1615-1868

● Began when the Momoyama shogun, Tokugawa leyasu moved his
headquarters from Kyoto to Edo (Modern Tokyo).
● Growing urbanization in the major Japanese cities fostered a lively
popular culture focused on sensual pleasure and theatrical entertainment.
● The Rinpa school was a major alternative school of painting to the Kano
school, which became a virtual national art academy.
● Rinpa works like paintings and crafts featured vivid colors and extensive
use of gold like the Boat Bridge writing box by Honami Koetsu.
● The best-known products of this period are the ukiyo-e woodblock prints
like the “Floating world” by Suzuki Harunobu and others that featured
scenes from brothels and the theater as well as beautiful women in
domestic settings.
● The Katsura Imperial Villa was made which was set to be the standard for
all Japanese domestic architecture having subtleties of proportion, color,
and texture.

9. Modern Japan, 1868-Present

● The Tokugawa shogunate (military government) fell, opening the modern
era of Japanese history.
● Art is being influenced by Western styles and techniques and many
Japanese artists incorporated shading and perspective in their works and
even produced oil paintings.
● In the post-WWII period, Japanese architects achieved worldwide
reputations.
● Tange Kenzo was a master of creating dramatic shapes using cable
suspension systems for his concrete-and-steel buildings.
● Traditional and modern art flourish side by side.

B. Chinese Art History

Highlights
● The arts of China are shaped by different succeeding dynasties and influenced by
different philosophies such as Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism
● Chinese brush painting
● Started around 4000 BC, executed by using a Chinese brush and Chinese ink. The
same ink is used in calligraphy and is applied to either paper or silk.
● Unusual subjects are landscapes (4th century) and birds and flowers (9th century).
● One essential rule in painting: “See the great in small” and “See the small in the small
 perspective of the great”.
● Qualities of Chinese brush painting (Lu Ch’ang
-To display brsuhstroke power control
-To possess sturdy simplicity with refinement of tru talent
-To possess delicacy of skill with vigor of execution.
-To exhibit originality, even to the oint of eccentricity, without violating the li (the principles
or essence) of things
-In rendering space by leaving the silk or paper untouched to be able nevertheless to
convey nuances of tone.
-On the flatness of the picture plane, to achieve depth and space.

● In sculpture, the accidental discovery of the burried terracotta army (221 BCE) was one
of the most stunning moments in archeology.
● It is a collection of terracotta sculptures representing the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the
first Emperor of China.

1. Neolithic Period

● Early Chinese art is known for its pottery with distinctive geometric designs.
● Painted pottery and jade carvings with animal figures and ritualistic forms

2. Shang Dynasty

● development of advanced bronze casting techniques

● produced intricate ritual vessels used in religious ceremonies
● The famous ding (three-legged cauldrons) and gu (drinking vessels) were decorated with
animal motifs, such as the taotie mask, symbolizing power and mysticism.

3. Zhou Dynasty

● bronze work continued to flourish

● designs became more intricate, and motifs like dragons, phoenixes, and geometric
patterns became prominent
● concept of the "Mandate of Heaven" emerged, influencing art and philosophy
● Confucianism and Daoism, two major philosophical schools, laid the foundation for
artistic expression focused on harmony, nature, and human relationships.

4. Qin and Han Dynasties

● Qin Dynasty- Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor, commissioned the famous Terracotta
Army, a massive funerary complex with life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots,
each uniquely detailed. This reflects the early Chinese emphasis on immortality and
afterlife.
● Han Dynasty- art included glazed ceramics, bronze mirrors, and jade burial suits. Han
tomb art often depicted scenes of daily life, animals, and immortal beings, embodying
Daoist themes of longevity and cosmology. Silk painting and calligraphy began gaining
prominence as valued art forms.

5. Six Dynasties and Northern & Southern Dynasties

● flourishing of Buddhist art in China, following Buddhism’s spread from India.

 ● Artists created Buddhist sculptures, murals, and cave temples like the Yungang Grottoes
and the Mogao Caves.
● Chinese landscape painting began to take shape, with early representations of natural
landscapes serving as meditative backdrops, influenced by Daoist and Buddhist ideals
of harmony with nature.

6. Sui and Tang Dynasties

● fostered a cosmopolitan society open to foreign influences from Central Asia, Persia,
and beyond, evident in art and fashion.
● Tang art is known for its dynamic and colorful pottery, particularly the sancai (three-color
glaze) pottery used in tomb figures of horses, camels, and other figures.
● Buddhist art grew with large, serene statues of the Buddha in places like Longmen
Grottoes.
● Painting and calligraphy became professionalized.
● Subjects in figures include ladies of the court, horses, and natural scenes
● Yan Liben created highly detailed portraits and narrative paintings.

7. Song Dynasty

● pinnacle in Chinese landscape painting, characterized by majestic and meticulously

detailed depictions of nature, reflecting Daoist and Confucian reverence for the harmony
between humanity and the environment.
● Notable artists include Fan Kuan and Guo Xi, known for their towering mountain scenes.
● Calligraphy and poetry were often integrated with painting, creating a unified artistic form
known as "literati" painting, which emphasized personal expression and scholarly values.
● Ceramics became popular with Song celadon and white porcelain, valued for their subtle
elegance and understated glaze, with popular styles like the Ru and Ding ware.

8. Yuan Dynasty

● Under Mongol rule, a new style of painting focused on self-expression and abstraction.
● Literati artists like Zhao Mengfu and Huang Gongwang rejected courtly art styles and
embraced an expressive, individualistic approach, often featuring sparse, expressive
brushstrokes and large areas of empty space.
● Calligraphy became even more personal and fluid, blending various styles and reflecting
the individual’s inner character.
● Blue-and-white porcelain also emerged, influenced by Middle Eastern cobalt pigments.

9. Ming Dynasty

● famous for its high-quality ceramics, especially blue-and-white porcelain, which became
highly sought-after internationally.
● Jingdezhen became the epicenter of porcelain production, with fine detail and complex
designs.
● Court-sponsored painters, like those in the Zhe and Wu Schools, depicted grand scenes
of court life and elaborate landscapes.
● Ming artists also revived themes from the Song and Yuan dynasties, emphasizing
elegance, meticulousness, and moral integrity.
● Furniture, lacquerware, and cloisonné enamelware also became popular, with fine
craftsmanship reflecting the refinement of the Ming court.
10. Qing Dynasty

● The Qing Dynasty saw the development of a highly decorative and opulent style,
especially in porcelain and imperial arts. The Qing emperors, particularly Qianlong, were
great patrons of the arts, commissioning large-scale projects and collecting art.
● Artists continued the literati tradition, but new movements emerged, such as the
Yangzhou School, which introduced fresh, playful, and bold interpretations of traditional
themes.
● Western influence became more pronounced, especially in the Jesuit court painters like
Giuseppe Castiglione, who combined European realism with Chinese artistic
sensibilities, leading to a unique hybrid style.

11. Republican and Communist Periods

● With the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China,
traditional Chinese art faced pressure from Western influences and modernist ideas.
● Artists experimented with Western techniques, including realism and impressionism,
while seeking to preserve Chinese cultural identity.
● After 1949, under Mao Zedong’s leadership, Socialist Realism became the dominant art
form, used as propaganda to promote Communist ideals. Traditional and literati art forms
were discouraged, and artists like Qi Baishi had to adapt to the new political climate.
● In the 1980s, with the opening of China to the world, artists began to experiment more
freely, incorporating global influences into their work while exploring themes of identity,
modernization, and political critique.
● Contemporary Chinese artists like Ai Weiwei and Zhang Xiaogang are internationally
recognized for addressing complex issues through a blend of traditional Chinese
aesthetics and modern techniques.

C. Indian Art History

Highlights
● Indian art is deeply rooted in religious beliefs, primarily in Buddhism and Hinduism.
● Multitudes of Buddhist and Hindu paintings, scultures, and architecture are found in the
Indian subcontinent and its influences scattered all across Asia.
● An example is the Great Stupa in Scahi, India built around the 3rd century BCE.
● Numerous temples of the Buddha were made. One of these structures is the Kandariya
Mahadeva temple.
● Hindu and Buddhist images are usually depicted showing a specific mudra, a symbolic
gesture. Most mudras are performed with the hands and fingers, and some involve the
entire body.
● A new culture developed in India with the arrival of the Mughals, an Islamic people from
Central Asia. Persian froms mixed with Indian elements to create a uniquely Indian form
of Islamic art.
● The most celebrated Mughal architecture in India is the Tj Mahal.

1. Indus Valley Civilization

● One of the earliest urban cultures, the Indus Valley Civilization (present-day Pakistan
and northwestern India)
 ● known for its sophisticated city planning, terracotta figurines, and small bronze
sculptures like the famous "Dancing Girl."
● Seal carvings, pottery, and jewelry with geometric patterns, reflecting a high level of
craftsmanship.

2. Vedic and Maurya Periods

● introduced early forms of religious art and rituals, with significant developments in the
creation of sacred texts rather than visual art.
● Maurya Empire- Indian art flourished with Emperor Ashoka’s patronage of Buddhism. e
● Lion Capital at Sarnath (now India’s national emblem), are remarkable examples of
Mauryan art.
● The pillars and stupas (Buddhist burial mounds) were often inscribed with edicts and
intricate carvings, serving both religious and political functions.

3. Classical Period: Shunga, Kushan, and Gupta Dynasties

● Shunga Dynasty- rise of Buddhist stupas and relief carvings, like Bharhut and Sanchi,
depicting scenes from the Buddha’s life and Jataka tales (stories of Buddha’s past lives).
● Kushan Empire- Gandhara art developed in present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan,
blending Greek and Indian styles.
● The depiction of Buddha in human form emerged with Hellenistic features, often in
contrapposto.
● Gupta- produced exquisite sculptures and architecture, such as the Buddha statues of
Sarnath and Ajanta Caves’ murals.
● Gupta art is noted for its refined, idealized forms and its spiritual expressiveness.

4. Medieval Period

● development of distinct regional styles, influenced by Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.

● Temples became central to art and architecture, with carvings depicting deities, mythical
beings, and scenes from Hindu epics.
● Dravidian and Nagara Styles- Dravidian temple architecture flourished like the
Brihadeeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu, featuring massive gopurams (towering gateways).
In northern India, Nagara-style temples like Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh are known for
their ornate sculptures and erotic imagery.
● Jain Art- Known for highly detailed manuscripts with themes of non-violence and purity.
Temples at Mount Abu and Palitana are prime examples of intricate Jain architectural
and sculptural art.

5. Islamic Influence and Sultanate Art

● The arrival of Islamic rulers, introduced calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesques,
due to Islam's aniconic (non-figurative) traditions.
● Mosques and tombs, like the Qutub Minar and Alai Darwaza in Delhi, featured elements
like arches, domes, and minarets, combining Indian craftsmanship with Persian and
Central Asian architectural styles.

6. Mughal Empire
 ● marked a high point in Indian art, blending Persian, Islamic, and Indian styles.
● Miniature painting flourished
● Artists used fine brushwork and vivid colors to depict court scenes, nature, and royal
portraits.
● architecture is notable for its grand scale and use of marble inlay, like the famous Taj
Mahal and buildings like the Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri.
● Rajput Art developed their own style of miniature painting with vibrant colors, romantic
themes, and depictions of Hindu deities, palace life, and festivals.

7. Colonial Period

● Under British colonial rule, Indian art underwent a significant transformation as Western
styles were introduced.
● Artists were exposed to realism, academic art, and the oil painting medium.
● The British also established art schools, such as the Government School of Art in
Calcutta, which promoted Western styles and techniques led to the Bengal School of Art,
which sought to revive traditional Indian aesthetics and resist Western influence.
● Raja Ravi Varma was an influential artist of this time, combining European techniques
with Indian themes. His works often depicted mythological subjects with realistic shading
and perspective.

8. Indian Modernism

● 20th century- artists began experimenting with new styles that reflected India’s social
and political aspirations.
● The Bengal School, led by artists like Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose, create
modern art styles inspired by folk and miniature traditions.
● After independence in 1947, the Progressive Artists’ Group, including M.F. Husain, F.N.
Souza, and S.H. Raza, embraced abstraction, expressionism, and surrealism,
challenging traditional norms. Their work reflected post-colonial themes, social issues,
and India’s shifting identity.

9. Contemporary Indian Art (Late 20th Century–Present)

● Contemporary Indian art is diverse, reflecting global influences and topics like identity,
environment, gender, and politics.
● Artists like Anish Kapoor, Nalini Malani, and Subodh Gupta are internationally
recognized for their conceptual and installation art.
● Photography, new media, and performance art have emerged, while folk and tribal art,
such as Warli, Madhubani, and Pattachitra, have received renewed interest and global
attention.
Lesson 2: Western Art History and Movements
1. Cave Art
● Cave paintings from the Paleolithic and Neolithic age
● Archeologists discovered many cave paintings in Lascaux Cave (France) and in
Altamira Cave (Spain) to be as old as 40,000 years and more.
● The first works of sculpture were fertility statues, so called because of their
exaggerated treatment of female sexual attributes.
● Some of these are Venus of Willendorf and the Venus of Dolni Vestonice.

2. Egyptian Art
● The art of ancient Egypt was closely knit with religion.
● Known for its highly stylized and symbolic art, often seen in tombs and temples.
● Sculptures and paintings followed strict conventions, such as hierarchical
proportions, to convey the eternal power of the pharaohs.
3. Mesopotamian Art
● Sumerians, Akkadians, and Babylonians created art that depicted rulers, deities,
and mythological scenes.
● Ziggurats, bas-reliefs, and objects like the Standard of Ur reveal complex
narratives and early forms of storytelling.
4. Greek Art
● Greek art is divided into three periods: Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic.
● Greek art evolved from Archaic (stiff, idealized forms) to Classical (balance, realism,
harmony) to Hellenistic (emotional, dynamic, and individualistic) periods.
● Sculpture, architecture (the Parthenon), and pottery were essential, celebrating human
beauty, mythology, and proportion.
5. Roman Art
● Since the establishment of the Republic, Rome conquered Italy and Greece bringing
exposure to Greek art and architecture.
● Roman art introduced a practical approach, with architecture and sculpture
commemorating historical events and achievements (e.g., the Colosseum and Trajan’s
Column). Innovations like the arch, concrete, and realism in portraiture were
foundational.
6. Medieval Art
● The Middle Ages, often referred to as the “Dark Ages,” marked a period of economic and
cultural deterioration following the fall of the Roman Empire in 476 A.D. Much of the
artwork produced in the early years of the period reflects that darkness, characterized by
grotesque imagery and brutal scenery.
● Composed of four prevalent artistic styles.
● 1. Early Christian Art
 - followed the teachings of Christianity: an emphasis on the spiritual and eternal life on
earth being a preparation for life after death.
● 2. Byzantine Art
- merged a two-dimensional style emphasizing clarity of line and sharpness of outline.
Known for its religious themes, flat stylization, and use of gold backgrounds,
emphasizing divine rather than human beauty.
● 3. Romanesque Art
- paintings and sculptures showcased figures in unrealistic anatomy and rotating intricate
patterns. Architectures were characterized by thick walls, rounded arches, horizontality
and frescoes. Sculptures on church facades depicted biblical stories, often in highly
stylized forms.
● 4. Gothic Art
-emerged with new technologies in architecture. Aside from the use of stone in buildings,
there were translucent stained glass; and ornaments of gold, silver, and precious stones,
and exquisite tapestries in the interior.
7. Renaissance
● Originating in Italy, the Renaissance marked a “rebirth” of classical learnings on the
study of Greek and Roman texts.
● Known artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael emphasized
humanism, proportion, and perspective.
● Key developments included linear perspective (Brunelleschi), chiaroscuro (light and
shadow contrast), and naturalism.
8. Mannerism
● Originating in Florence and Rome, Mannerism spread across Europe and influenced
artists in countries like France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
● The term "Mannerism" derives from the Italian word maniera, meaning "style" or
"manner," and refers to a sophisticated, artificial, and highly stylized approach to art that
often sought to go beyond the naturalism of the Renaissance.
● Mannerism is known for its asymmetrical and crowded composition, use of unusual
colors and contrasts, and distorted figures.
● Some of the most celebrated Mannerist artists include Giorgio Vasari, Francesco
Salviati, Domenico Beccafumi, and Bronzino.
9. Baroque
● Baroque art emerged as a response to the Renaissance’s calm balance, often funded by
the Catholic Church during the Counter-Reformation to evoke emotional response and
religious fervor. Baroque artists, like Caravaggio and Bernini, emphasized drama,
movement, and contrast.
● This period produced elaborate churches, sculptures, and palaces with dramatic lighting,
intense colors, and highly expressive compositions.
● In Northern Europe, the Baroque also included secular subjects, as seen in the works of
 Dutch masters like Rembrandt and Vermeer, who explored daily life, landscapes, and
still lifes.
10. Rococo
● Originating in France, Rococo art is characterized by light, pastel colors, ornate detail,
and playful, romantic themes. Artists like François Boucher and Jean-Honoré Fragonard
depicted intimate scenes of aristocratic life, with a focus on grace, beauty, and nature.
● Architecture and interior design also reflected this style, with decorative elements,
mirrors, and gold accents, creating an impression of elegance and lighthearted luxury.
11. Neoclassicism
● Neoclassicism marked a return to classical ideals and simplicity in response to Rococo’s
extravagance, influenced by Enlightenment values and archaeological discoveries (like
Pompeii).
● Artists like Jacques-Louis David and Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres emphasized
themes of heroism, civic duty, and moral virtue.
● Neoclassical art often depicted historical or mythological subjects with sharp clarity,
idealized figures, and a restrained color palette, and the style had a significant influence
on architecture and sculpture.
12. Romanticism
● In reaction to Neoclassicism and the Industrial Revolution, Romanticism embraced
emotion, nature, and individualism. Artists like J.M.W. Turner, Francisco Goya, and
Eugène Delacroix emphasized drama, mystery, and the sublime in their work, focusing
on the powerful forces of nature and human imagination.
● Romanticism valued the expressive and the supernatural, often exploring themes of
freedom, rebellion, and the exotic.
13. Realism
● Realism, began in France in the 1840s.
● Realism was a result of multiple events: the anti-Romantic movement in Germany, the
rise of journalism, and the advent of photography. Each inspired new interest in
accurately capturing everyday life.
● This attention to accuracy is evident in art produced during the movement, which
featured detailed, life-like depictions of subject matter like everyday people and scenes,
focusing on the struggles of the working class and social issues.
● One of the most influential leaders of the Realist movement is Gustave Courbet, a
French artist committed to painting only what he could physically see.
14. Art Nouveau
● Characterized by the use of long, organic, flowing or sinuous lines and curves (plant
motifs)
● It is a reaction to the industrialization, machination of labor, and mass production.
● Leading artists are Alphonse Mucha (The Seasons), Gustav Klim (The Kiss and Portrait
of Adele Bloch-Bauer I), and Antoni Gaudi (buildings in Barcelona, such as Casa Batlló
and Park Güell)
15. Impressionism
● Impressionism broke from traditional studio work, with artists like Claude Monet, Edgar
Degas, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir painting scenes outdoors to capture fleeting effects of
light and color.
● Impressionist painters sought to capture the immediate impression of a particular
moment. This was characterized by short, quick brushstrokes and an unfinished,
sketch-like feel.
● Impressionist artists used modern life as their subject matter, painting situations like
dance halls and sailboat regattas rather than historical and mythological events.
16. Post-Impressionism
● Atrwoks are concentrated on subjective visions and symbolic, personal meanings rather
than observations of the outside world. This was often achieved through abstract forms.
● Artists like Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, and Georges Seurat developed individual
styles that explored personal expression, color, and form, laying the groundwork for
modern art.
17. Modern Art
Modern art marked a radical break from tradition, influenced by industrialization, world wars, and
new philosophies. Art movements include:
● Fauvism
-Led by Henri Matisse, this style was characterized by expressive use of intense color,
line, and brushwork, a bold sense of surface design, and flat composition (bold colors
and brushwork)
● Expressionism
-Expressionism emerged as a response to increasingly conflicted world views and the
loss of spirituality. Expressionist art sought to draw from within the artist, using a
distortion of form and strong colors to display anxieties and raw emotions.
-The roots of Expressionism can be traced to Vincent van Gogh, Edvard Munch, and
James Ensor.
● Cubism
-Cubism was established by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, who rejected the
concept that art should copy nature.
-They moved away from traditional techniques and perspectives; instead, they created
radically fragmented objects through abstraction. Many Cubist painters’ works are
marked by flat, two-dimensional surfaces, geometric forms or “cubes” of objects, and
multiple vantage points. Often, their subjects weren’t even perceptible.
● Dada or Dadaism
-an aggressive reaction against conventional art.
-Dadaists produced anti-art objects using conventional methods.
 ● Surrealism
-Exploration of the unconscious mind
-Surrealists were influenced by Karl Marx and theories developed by Sigmund Freud,
who explored psychoanalysis and the power of imagination.
-Influential Surrealist artists like Salvador Dalí tapped into the unconscious mind to
depict revelations found on the street and in everyday life.

● Pop Art
-an art movement which is centered on or inspired from familiar images of popular
culture, such as advertisements, comics, and commercial products.
● Abstract Expressionism
-use of unconventional methods, such as dripping, splattering, or staining paint.
- Abstract Expressionism emerged in New York after WWII. It’s often referred to as the
New York School or action painting. These painters and abstract sculptors broke away
from what was considered conventional, and instead used spontaneity and improvisation
to create abstract works of art. This included colossally scaled works whose size could
no longer be accommodated by an easel. Instead, canvases would be placed directly
upon the floor.
-Celebrated Abstract Expressionist painters include Jackson Pollock, known for his
unique style of drip painting, and Mark Rothko, whose paintings employed large blocks
of color to convey a sense of spirituality.
● Optical art
-use of colors, patterns, shapes, and contrast that appeared to be moving or blurring
-Known works include Bridget Riley’s Blaze in 1984

● Arte Povera
-Translating literally to “poor art”
-Artists used soil, rocks, paper, rope, and other earthen elements to evoke a
pre-industrial sentiment. As a result, many of the notable works during this movement
are sculptural.

18. Contemporary Art

The 1970s marked the beginning of contemporary art, which extends through the present day.
This period was dominated by various schools and smaller movements that emerged.
● Postmodernism: In reaction against modernism, artists created works that reflected
skepticism, irony, and philosophical critiques.
● Feminist art: This movement arose in an attempt to transform stereotypes and break the
model of a male-dominated art history.
● Neo-Expressionism: Artists sought to revive original aspects of Expressionism and
create highly textural, expressive, large works.
● Street art: Artists such as Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Barry McGee, Banksy,
and more created graffiti-like art on surfaces in public places like sidewalks, buildings,
 and overpasses.
● The Pictures Generation: Artists Cindy Sherman, Louise Lawler, Gary Simmons, and
others who were influenced by Conceptual and Pop art experimented with recognizable
imagery to explore how images shaped our perceptions of the world.
● Appropriation art: This movement focused on the use of images in art with little
transformation from their original form.
● Young British Artists (YBA): This group of London artists was notorious for their
willingness to shock audiences through their imagery, and a willingness to push beyond
the limits of decency. They’re also known for their zestful, entrepreneurial spirit.
● Digital art: The advent of the camera lent way to this artistic practice that allowed artists
to use the infusion of art and technology to create with mediums like computers, audio
and visual software, sound, and pixels.

Lesson 3: Philippine Art History (Traditional Philippine art development)

1. Pre-Colonial Period (Before 1521)

● Before Spanish colonization, indigenous communities created art rooted in animist
beliefs and community life.
● Early Filipinos produced carved wooden idols (anito or bulul) (ukkil of Sulu), woven
textiles (t’nalak of the T’boli), pottery, body ornamentation (like tattoos, known as batok),
and jewelry made of gold, shells, and precious stones.
● Ancient pottery and metalwork reveal artistic sophistication, with pottery used for burial
jars and cooking, while gold and brass jewelry were made by early metallurgists.
● Gold artifacts, such as the Golden Tara figurine and golden necklaces from Butuan,
demonstrate sophisticated craftsmanship and reflect early spiritual practices.
● Houses (torogan of Maranao), rice granaries, and religious shrines were adorned with
woodcarvings, often symbolizing nature, ancestors, and deities.
● The Ifugao people built the renowned Banaue Rice Terraces, an engineering marvel and
testament to indigenous ingenuity and environmental harmony.
● Indigenous dance forms, such as the singkil of the Maranao and tinikling in rural areas,
convey social roles, historical narratives, and nature’s movements.

2. Spanish Colonial Period (1521–1898)

● Spanish colonization introduced Christianity

● Art reflects Catholic religious themes like in retablos (altar pieces), santos (saints’
statues), and church murals.
● Artists adapted Christian iconography to local styles, with statues of the Virgin Mary and
saints often exhibiting indigenous facial features and attire.
● construction of stone churches, blending Baroque, Gothic, and local architectural styles.
● Examples of Baroque churches: San Agustin in Manila, Paoay in Ilocos Norte, and
Miagao in Iloilo, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
● Religious-themed paintings and sculptures emerged by anonymous artisans, who
created murals and canvases for churches.
● The bajo las campanas (under the bells) rule allowed the church to commission local
craftsmen for religious works, blending Spanish art techniques with local aesthetics.
3. Philippine Revolution and Nationalism

● beginning of a national consciousness, partly influenced by Western liberal ideas and the
Propaganda Movement, where Filipino intellectuals sought reforms and an end to
colonial abuses.
● Art reflect national pride and a desire for independence.
● Juan Luna and Félix Resurrección Hidalgo gained international acclaim for works
highlighting social issues and national identity.
● Juan Luna’s Spoliarium, a massive painting showing gladiators stripped of dignity,
became a powerful allegory for the Philippines’ struggle against Spanish oppression.
● Hidalgo’s Las Virgenes Cristianas Expuestas al Populacho used allegory to criticize
colonial brutality.

4. American Colonial Period (1898–1946)

● art became part of formal education, with schools like the University of the Philippines
School of Fine Arts established in 1909.
● American administrators promoted democratic values through art, introducing new
techniques and subjects, often secular in nature.
● Artists like Fernando Amorsolo became popular for romanticized depictions of Philippine
landscapes, rural life, and idyllic scenes, capturing the everyday lives of Filipino people
in a soft, impressionistic style. Amorsolo’s paintings of farmers, women, and lush
landscapes shaped the perception of Filipino identity and heritage.
● By the 1930s, artists like Victorio Edades, known as the "Father of Philippine Modern
Art," challenged Amorsolo’s idealized depictions, introducing expressionist styles and
themes that focused on social realities. Edades and his peers, known as the "Thirteen
Moderns," helped to bring modernist principles—such as abstraction and
experimentation with color and form—to the forefront of Philippine art.

5. Japanese Occupation (1941–1945)

● Art themes include war, survival, and resilience depicting the suffering and brutality of
the Japanese, as well as Filipino resistance and patriotism.
● Japanese forces used propaganda to promote the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity
Sphere, and some artists were commissioned to produce images that aligned with this
message. At the same time, underground and resistance art emerged, expressing
defiance and nationalism.

6. Post-War and Modern Period (1946–1960s)

● Artists depicted distinctly Filipino identity in art.

● Neo-realism, championed by artists like Vicente Manansala and Cesar Legaspi,
highlighted social issues, poverty, and the resilience of the Filipino spirit. This style used
cubist forms and earthy colors, portraying urban and rural life.
● By the late 1950s and 1960s, Filipino artists were experimenting with abstract
expressionism.
● Artists like Jose Joya and Fernando Zobel explored non-representational art, pushing
 the boundaries of form and color and placing Philippine art in conversation with global
art trends.

7. Social Realism and Martial Law Era (1970s–1980s)

● artists used social realism to critique government repression, human rights abuses, and
poverty in the martial law era.
● Groups like Kaisahan (Solidarity) and artists like Antipas Delotavo and Pablo
Baensantos created powerful works that conveyed social struggles and aspirations for
justice.
● Artworks used allegorical and symbolic images to bypass censorship. It depicted scenes
of resistance, worker solidarity, and the impact of martial law on society, blending realism
with symbolism to evoke the national struggle for democracy.

8. Contemporary Philippine Art (1990s–Present)

● Produced art is characterized by a diversity of styles, media, and themes.

● Artists now explore a wide range of topics, from personal identity to environmental
issues and globalization, using various forms like installation, digital media, performance
art, and mixed media.
● Many contemporary Filipino artists reflect on cultural heritage, postcolonial identity, and
the experiences of the Filipino diaspora. Artists like Brenda Fajardo incorporate
indigenous iconography and history, while others explore contemporary Filipino life.
● The tradition of social critique continues, with artists addressing modern-day issues such
as political corruption, social inequality, and climate change. The work of artists like Kiri
Dalena and Manny Garibay offers commentary on national issues and strives to inspire
social consciousness.
● Independent galleries, art collectives, and alternative spaces have become more
prominent, providing platforms for emerging artists and experimental works.
Organizations like the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and Ateneo Art Gallery
have played vital roles in supporting contemporary art.

References:

Art History Timeline: Western Art Movements and Their Impact. Retrieved from
https://www.invaluable.com/blog/art-history-timeline/

History of Chinese Art. Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/History_of_

Chinese_art#Historical_development_to_221_B.C.E