Art in the Philippines has evolved into a wide variety of expressions and mediums turning the country
into situation of creative upheavals. The competition between abstract art and representational art is
fast disappearing.
To many young artists, art is not so much of a craft to be mastered but is something to be done what no
one has done before. The modern Filipino artist has more freedom to explore on his own.
The most interesting works of our contemporary artist shows his love for country and evolving culture.
Art in the Philippines has become international in mode and scope. After endless borrowings, the
Filipino develops his own form and discovers his best way of expressing is art.
Filipino art is universal in outlook but distinctly Filipino in his painting and will always throb with the
Filipino spirit.
Here are several Filipino artists who are
1. One Filipino artist is Fernando Amorosolo y Cuelo, born on May 30, 1892 in Paco, Manila.
Amorsolo is an excellent sketch artist as well as peerless master of light and color. His signature
techniques are: backlighting his object, gently shading them with nuanced color tones and haloing them
with incandescent golden glow.
Most of his paintings portrayed the Filipino culture, tradition, and customs like Filipino fiestas. He
became popular because of his illuminated landscapes and his historical paintings on which you can see
the real reflection of a Filipino soul.
His rice planting was a staple of tourist brochure. Its visual weight is light because the colors used were
mostly pastel in nature. No dark colors were used to produce a feeling of calm and peace. The particular
genre that was used in the painting is realism. He painted the details as to how it might look like in real
life.
Sunlight is a consistent element in Amorsolos works. Brush strokes were smooth which emphasizes the
serene feeling.
Other works of Fernando Amorsolo are: The Bombing of the Intendecia, in 1942; Bataan; Afternoon
Meal of the Workers, in 1939; and Princess Urduja.
2. Another Filipino artist is Carlos Botong Francisco, born on March 31, 1969 in Angono, Rizal. He is
the second Filipino to receive the title of National Artist in Painting in 1973.
Carlos Francisco is one of the Filipino modernists. His art is a prime example of linear painting where
lines and contour appear like cut outs. He single-handedly brought back the art of mural painting in the
Philippines.
Franciscos katipunan is best known mural of Francisco. It shows his descriptions about History of
Manila. It describes the enthusiasm of the first Datu in Manila. His murals in the history of Manila for the
Manila City Hall represent a high point in his art and the art of the country.
3. Third Filipino artist in Vicente Silva Manansala, born on January 22, 1910 in Macabebe,
Pampanga.
He is a pioneer in cubism. His works were mostly done in figurative move, reflecting the society and local
environment. The works of Manansala are: Reclining Mother and a Child, Bangkusay Seascape,
banaklaot, Madonna of the slums, and jeepneys.
4. Fourth, Juan Luna, an Ilocano Filipino painter, born on October 23, 1857 in Ilocos Norte,
Philippines. He is the first recognized Philippine artist. His first tutor Don Lorenzo Guerero was
so impressed with his early works. Don Lorenzo persuaded his parents to send him to spain to
advance his skills.
Spolarium is the most well-known painting of Juan Luna and the largest painting in the Philippines. The
technique used was symbolism. Heavy strong brush strokes expressed his anger over the abuses and
cruelties. Through lines and color, he captured pathos and barbarism of a decadent empire. Symbol or
our social, moral, and political life: humanity unredeemed, reason and aspiration in open fight with
prejudice, fanaticism, and injustice. Other works of Juan Luna are: Death of Cleopatra, Parisian Life,
Battle of Lepanto, Blood Compact, and La Bulaquena.
