Art in the Philippines

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Art in the Philippines

The Philippines is a group of tropical islands located in Asia. They are known for their incredible food and rich culture. Many different forms of art can be found there such as textiles, paintings, statues, and more. These art forms represent their culture and are essential to the lives of the 109 million people that reside there. 

https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1tEZgkHeVzM_uGYPZiq_ik4sXjFfniAAu
                                         GA'DANG SASH, LATE 19TH CENTURY

Weaving is a popular form of art in the Philippines. However, “weaving in the Philippine archipelago is more than just a function of necessity; it’s also an art form, a tangible expression of culture” (Narra Studio, 2019). It has been practiced for thousands of years, passed down from the generations. No one knows for sure where weaving first started, but depending on where you are in the country you will hear different theories. 

Different parts of the country have different weaving styles. This particular style is found in Ga’dang. The person who made this particular piece is unknown, as weaving is a fairly common practice. Women would typically be the ones weaving, although men have been known to partake in the practice as well.

To me, this piece is stunning. The amount of work that must have gone into making it is astonishing to even think about. The colors are bright and have a festive feel to them. I imagine that this would be something worn to a celebration, party, or festival. 

I love looking at this piece and I believe that it should be on display. I would love to have a replica if given the chance. The detail in the weave, the delicate beads, and the entire work put together is gorgeous. It is so much higher quality than anything commercially made today. 



https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1bfW2Jwp8_cVS4l3uuNpKCGrNDLvMvhnQ
The River Styx (La Leguna Estigia) by Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, 1887

Hidalgo is considered “one of the great Filipino painters of the late 19th century” (Anirudh, 2020). He based this work off of Dante Alighieri’s poem Inferno. The poem depicts a journey through all 9 circles of hell. The fifth circle, the River Styx, is what is depicted in the painting. There is a companion painting for this piece, La Barca de Aqueronte. Although this was made by a Filipino artist, he actually completed this work in Madrid, but it is currently being housed in Lopez Museum in Pasig Philippines.  

The tone of this painting is dark, as it is a depressing scene. I believe the author used  these colors to set a mood for the observer. Since it is supposed to be depicting hell, the tone is used to set the scene of despair. When I look at it, I feel a sense of hopelessness and fear. 

Personally, I would not want to own this painting. The artwork is very impressive, but I don’t like the message behind it. I do not like looking at something that represents eternal damnation and suffering. I prefer paintings that bring me joy because there is already enough depression in the world without manipulating the viewers' emotions to feel that way. 


https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1o_EQRlSpCBmW385D-dpl0ymkpg4t7GWz
The Death of Cleopatra by Juan Luna, 1881

Although Luna is a Filipino artist, this painting was created during his stay in Rome and ended up winning a silver medal in the National Exposition of Fine Arts. This painting was a statement and “served as a representation of a colonized people standing up against their colonizer, but also brought to attention the ability of Filipino artists, and particularly Luna himself, to surpass their European contemporaries” (Harbor, 2022). This representation brought hope to many people of all cultures, allowing them to stand up to those who are, or who believe they are, in charge. 

Many forms of pattern can be seen in this painting. The decoration of the walls in that back represents what would be found in ancient Egyptian during Cleopatra’s time. Pattern can also be seen on the blankets in the background and on the clothing. I believe Luna used this to add detail and historical accuracy to his painting, making it even more impressive. 

I would like to have this painting in my home because it represents something more than just artistic appeal, it serves as a symbol of hope for those who have been colonized. Life for people who live under the control of another may look bleak, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Although this painting may not seem like much to many, it is everything to others. 

The art in the Philippines is unique and represents their beautiful culture. There is art in their clothes, utilities, and lives, and it all represents their country as a whole. I find this country absolutely beautiful in its nature, food, art, and so much more. Looking through the works that have been created by Filipino artists has been an amazing experience and I would love to be able to experience it in real life. 

Citations

Harbor, S. (2022, March 20). The death of Cleopatra. Wikipedia. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Death_of_Cleopatra 

Anirudh. (2020, November 13). 10 MOST FAMOUS PAINTINGS BY FILIPINO ARTISTS. Learnodo Newtonic. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://learnodo-newtonic.com/famous-filipino-paintings

Narra Studio. (2019, September 27). Weaving traditions: A history. Narra Studio. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://narrastudio.com/blogs/journal/weaving-traditions

Buctayon, H. (2020, October 17). Textiles and identity. Novice. Retrieved July 12, 2022, from https://www.noviceph.com/amp/textiles-and-identity

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