Cultural Functions of Art
Cultural Functions of Art connects people by sharing common values,
experiences, it can change cultures grow, and influence each other. In
short, it focuses on the daily lives of the people. It’s an important way
to understand and respect different cultures.
The Role of Art in Cultural Identity
Art plays a crucial role in forming and expressing cultural identity. It
captures the essence of a community's beliefs, traditions, and
experiences preserving them for future generations. This preservation
of heritage ensures that cultural identity remains vibrant and
influential.
Examples:
1. "Cooking Lady" by Fernando Amorsolo
Fernando Amorsolo's paintings of women cooking offer a nostalgic glimpse into the heart of
Filipino domestic life. Bathed in the warm, golden light that became his signature, these artworks
typically depict women gracefully engaged in the preparation of traditional meals. The scenes are
rendered with a romantic idealism, showcasing the beauty and simplicity of rural existence while
emphasizing the pivotal role of women in preserving cultural heritage. Amorsolo masterfully
captures the tenderness and care inherent in these everyday activities, elevating them to timeless
representations of Filipino family and community values.
2. Jeep
Jeepney is considered a cultural function of art because it reflects the Filipino identity, traditions, and
way of life. The colorful designs and decorations showcase values such as faith, family, and creativity,
while also preserving the history of the jeepney as a post-war invention uniquely transformed by
Filipinos. As moving public art, jeepneys serve as cultural symbols that express national pride and
bring everyday art to the community, making them an important part of the Philippines’ cultural
heritage.
3. Tiangge (Market Scene) by Vincent Silva Manansala
Vincent Silva Manansala’s art highlights women as central figures of resilience and tradition, often
shown in daily tasks like bartering, or gathering in the community. In Tiangge (Market Scene), he
portrays women vividly carrying produce, trading goods, or sharing gossip, each depicted with unique
expressions that reflect their individuality and spirit.
4. “Magpupukot” by Carlos V. Francisco
National Artists, Carlos V. Francisco popularly known as Botong Francisco. Botong Francisco, was
the second Filipino artist to receive the title National Artist in Painting after Fernando Amorsolo. He is
well-known in the art of mural painting.One of his famous painting is the Magpupukot . Magpupukot
means pulling in the net. The above picture is the actual painting where the mural was probably
copied. Painting the lives of the fishing community was one of Botong’s favourite subjects. Angono,
his hometown where he was based, was a fishing village.
5. "Planting Rice" by Fernando Amorsolo
Fernando Amorsolo’s work generally depicted Filipino people, working or doing things which are
native to their country and culture. The painting, Planting Rice, depicts farmers working in a field, with
a cluster of huts in the background to give the painting an authentic as well as native feel. In the
painting, Amorsolo captured the traditional occupation of men and women in the Philippines. It is a
realistic painting which is representational of his own childhood which was spent in a small town.
Amorsolo’s famous ‘backlighting’ technique is visible in the painting. The human figures are
highlighted by a lighter outline which provides a characteristic lighting and makes the viewer focus on
the figures rather than any other element in the painting. Amorsolo’s Planting Rice appears on
brochures and travel guides till date. It is the most famous painting of perhaps the best known Filipino
artist.
6. “Harana” by Jude Agopitac
Harana by Jude Agopitac from 2021. It’s acrylic on canvas, about 18 by 24 inches, and comes with a
Certificate of Authenticity. He believes that "Art should move you and doesn’t always need words to
explain it". This painting shows the Filipino tradition of serenading, where a man sings outside the
house of the woman he loves, usually with a guitar. The cultural function of this art is to preserve our
tradition and remind us of the simple and respectful ways of expressing love in the past. Harana was
part of everyday life before because it was a common way of courtship. It is not only about love, but
also about respect, family, and the Filipino way of showing feelings. Even if we don’t often see it today
or it happens only sometimes, for me, harana is still very romantic. It continues to show Filipino
values and our identity through art.
7. “Bayanihan sa Bukid” by Carlos “Botong” Francisco
Carlos "Botong" Francisco (1912-1969), a National Artist for Visual Arts (Painting), is celebrated as a
great muralist who vividly portrayed Philippine history, traditions, and culture through his artworks.
The painting depicts the bayanihan spirit, a Filipino tradition where neighbors help one another, often
shown as men carrying a house to a new location while others assist with food, music, and cheer.
Meaning: It reflects the Filipino values of cooperation, unity, and community life, especially in rural
areas. Style: Francisco used bright colors, bold lines, and dynamic composition, creating movement
and energy that highlights collective effort and festivity. Bayanihan sa Bukid is a visual celebration of
Filipino unity and community spirit, and like most of Botorng's works, it is both a cultural record and a
tribute to the resilience of the Filipino people.
