identify the characteristics and various influences of western art to the Philippine arts

1. Topic 3: Western Art Influence to the Philippine Art
Learning Objectives:
At the end of the module, you will be able to:
a. identify the characteristics and various influences of western art to
the Philippine arts;
b. compare the styles, design, and other features of the characteristics
of arts that evolved in the different periods; and
c. analyze the western and indigenous influences to the Philippine
architecture.
Activating Prior Learning
Within two minutes, list down two examples of art pieces, architecture or other art
forms which you believe are influenced by western art. Write a short explanation
and be ready to share your thoughts to the class.
Presentation of Content
Read the passage and try to answer the following questions for the discussion.
1. What are the basic characteristics of Western art which evolved in the in the
different periods?
2. What Philippine architecture is influenced by Western art?
Western Art and its Influence to Philippine Architecture
In the latter part of the 19th
century, it can be observed that the Philippine art is
westernized with the exposure to European liberal and secular ideas where artistic
creations became highly specialistic, separate from everyday life amd focused on
the assertion of individual ego and driven by commercial success (De Leon, 2015).
The opening of Suez Canal in 1869 commenced the participation of the Philippines
to the Galleon Trade which gave access to Filipinos to western art works and ideas
through education and trade during the Spanish colonization. Filipino’s exposure
to Western art influenced various art forms in the country including significant and
historical architectures. Technological advancement and communication
technology in the modern era reduced the boundary between cultures in the global
community that Filipinos continued to have access to various art western forms
through the internet which strengthened the western influence to Philippine arts.
Western art influence could be seen in many art forms in the Philippines like in
paintings, sculpture, installations and architecture. It is notable to see the Western
influence in the Philippine architecture especially in the churches and buildings that

2. Parts of the Greek columns are shown in the illustrations
Source: smarthistory.org
were erected where western influence fused with the indigenous Filipino designs.
In the succeeding part of this module, discover the intricacies of Western art in the
different time of history and be astonished on how it blended in Philippine art.
Greek
The Greek art development evolved during the four periods namely: Geometric,
Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic. Artworks in Geometric period used geometric
shapes and patterns while human figures are given importance in the Archaic
Period. The Classical Period marks the peak of Greek sculpture and architecture
when the Greeks had the interest on rebuilding their temples and focused on the
creation of artworks. Hellenistic Period during the time of Alexander the Great
focused on showcasing emotions in the different artworks and depicted reality.
Artworks show balance and pose varied emotions evoked by subjects of the
artworks. Greek art shows artistic perfection. The golden age of Greek art emerged
in 5th
century as shown in paintings on vases. In sculpture, the proportion of figures
shows balance which became the canon for years. Indeed, these intricacies of Greek
art made it popular up to this time.
The Greeks’ significant contributions to architecture are the three famous columns
from the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian Orders. Each order has its unique design and
which is popularly used in many architectural buildings until now.
These characteristics can be seen in the sculpture of showing vividly the figure of
the supreme god in Greek mythology in the Statue of Zeus. The Temple of Zeus is
lifted by massive and intricate columns that mirrors the strength of the Greek god.

3. Temple of Zeus https://www.crystalinks.com/greekarchitecture.html
Statue of Zeus
https://www.crystalinks.com/statuezeus
olympia.html
Mausoleum owned by Po Family in Manila Memorial Park
Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net
In the Philippines, this Greek design is adapted in a mausoleum built in Manila
Memorial Park built with strong pillars and styled with intricacies.
Roman
The Roman art, especially in sculpture, has influences from the Greek which has
humanistic basis. Roman art though, produced realistic portraits showing the
specific and individual. In architecture, huge domes reflected in the Partheon were
used in Christian churches. The Romans modified Greek columns design and
contributed new designs known as Tuscan, Roman Doric and Composite which are
used to build great architecture still known today.

4. Immaculate Conception Cathedral Cubao, Quezon City
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/publicaffairs/gma7specials/463230/14-churches- in-
metro-manila-for-your-visita-iglesia/story/
Source:www.google.com.ph
In the Philippines, the Immaculate Conception Cathedral erected in Cubao, Quezon
City displays the Roman architectural influence.
Christian
Christian Art emerged to represent intangible spirituality and developed into
stylized abstractions which are characteristics of Byzantine Art. Christian

5. Basilica e Minore de San Sebastian
Source:https://100percentarchistudent.wordpress.com/2013/01/
05/gothic-revival-in-the-philippines-basilica-minore-de-san-
sebastian/
architecture flourished adorned by sculptures in the Romanesque and Gothic eras.
The designs of churches are elaborately decorated and biblical subjects and
theological ideas are represented.
Gothic
Subjects in paintings () retablos and
biblical figures are carved in wood (right)
Source: nationalmuseum.gov.ph.
Gothic architecture style values height, sizable
windows and exaggerated arches. Advanced
engineering allowed for increasingly collosal
buildings with vaults, buttresses and pointed tops.
Gothic revival can be seen today having Gothic
spires and lancet arches in the exterior of buildings
and pointed arches are in place. Long lancet
windows are installed as well as high steel
columns found in Basilica Minore de San
Sebastian.

6. Above: Decorations in the interior of Hagia Sophia in Istanbul,
Turkey
Byzantine
Byzantine architecture (4th
-15th
century) basically focuses in interior rather than
the exterior. Churches are characterized by impressive dome ceiling, are eclectic
and irregular and use vaults and round arches. Byzantine masonry uses bricks for
the entire wall. Interior décor uses fresco, mosaics and engraved marbles on the
walls and
ceilings. The
best
example of this is
the Hagia Sophia
in Istanbul, Turkey.
Renaissance
The Renaissance period showed the development of naturalism and individualism
as recognized in the various sculptures produced during that time. There is a strong
interest in perfecting the anatomical interest and correctness of structure. Paintings
bear clear details that affect its viewers. Papal commissions in Rome made way for
the artistry of great artists Michaelangelo, Raphael and Da Vinci.

7. cteristics. The fortified building,bell
e style.
UST Main Building – Renaissance Revival by Fr. Roque Ruano
https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/64909/10-beautiful-historic-buildings-in-manila
Baroque
The Baroque age in the 17th
Century
opened up to diverse styles of arts seen
in large-scale mural and ceiling
paintings. Subtle, intimate and revealing
works in painting and sketches are very
evident. Royal commissions gave birth
to various artworks for the king and
queen. Baroque architecture were characterized by dramatic buildings still holding
its antique forms but were modified. Sculpture during this time evolved into
dramatic, intense and even has theatrical chara
towers were constructed for protection, uniqu
St. Thomasof Villanueva Parich Church in
Miagao, Iloilo Source: Study.com
Symmetry with plan layout consisted of Latin cross, austere exteriors, ornaments
concentrate in the interior with moldings, paintings and sculptures, altars and
San Agustin Church
Source:thousandwonders.net
columns is another characteristic of Byzantine architecture. The interior of San

8. The National Museum (left) and
Manila City Hall (below)
ttps://100percentarchistudent.wordpress.com/2013/0
1/27/exploring-neo-classical-architecture-in-manila-
philippines/
Agustin Church shows detailed design influenced by Byzantine architecture.
Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism is a movement in Europe in late 18th
century to early 19th
century.
This is a reaction against the Baroque Period or Rococo style giving emphasis on
elegance and sophistication which gives importance to symmetry and basic
classical geometrical style. It does not emphasize on sculptural volume and
decorations are minimal. Domes and towers are replaced with flat roofing for
buildings. In the Philippines, this style is adapted during the American era in the
construction of government buildings.

9. Summary
Appreciating the arts entails understanding how arts evolved by learning about the
prehistoric arts of the different countries. Every country has its own character and
beauty to show the present generation through its art. This enriches one’s interest
in the arts and recognition of them as part of great human contribution.
In this module we also had a glimpse of the treasury of Filipino indigenous art that
has existed through time. Our indigenous arts have evolved and kept the qualities
of Filipino creativity and mirrored our rich culture. Indigenous groups have distinct
cultures which are reflected in their indigenous art. Through time, they have
continued to create and improve these indigenous arts to adapt with the growing
needs of the members of the group. On the other hand, we recognize the Western
influences to the arts and also appreciate how these blend well with what is
indigenous.
Learning and appreciating art surely remind us of who we were, who we are today
and will lead us to where these treasures mark the Philippine art in the
contemporary world and in the global community.
Post It…
Reflection
Go around your community and write a short article about the one form of
indigenous art that you can still find and is created by the people in the community.
Take photos of the artwork and if possible, the artist or artisan who created it.
Include caption for the photos. The article should describe, promote and encourage
people to patronize the indigenous art. Post the article in your Facebook Account
or create a class Facebook Page where everyone in the class could post their outputs
in the Art Appreciation class.

10. References
Ariola, Mariano M. Introduction to Art Appreciation. (2008). Quezon City: C &
E Publishing, Inc.
Baesa-Pagay, Jenalyn S. et al. (2003). The Aesthetic Experience:An
Introduction to Humanities. Makati City: Grandwater Publications.
Baldwin, Roger and Roskill, Mark. (1997). Grolier Encyclopedia.
Caslib Jr., Bernardo N. et al. (2018) Art Appreciation. Manila: Rex Book Store.
Dela Cruz, Mercedita J. (1982). Sourcebook of Philippine Traditional Arts
Motifs and Crafts Processes. UNESCO.
De Leon, Felipe M., Jr. In Focus: Philippine Arts in Context. 2011, July 29.
Tabotabo, Claudio V., Ronald M. Corpuz, & RyanF. Hidalgo. ( ) Introduction
to the Humanities and the basics of Art Appreciation. Intramuros, Manila:
Purely Books Trading & Publishing Corp.
Retrieved from https://ncca.gov.ph/about-culture-and-arts/in-focus/philippine-arts-
in-context/. Accessed June 19, 2018.
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http://masterpieces.asemus.museum/masterpiece/detail.nhn?objectId=11070.
Accessed Oct. 18, 2018.
Retrieved from http://www.alearningfamily.com/main/angono-petroglyphs-
prehistoric-philippine-art/. Accessed Oct. 18, 2018.
Retrieved from www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph.
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https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=ionic+corinthian+doric+columns&tbm=isc
h&source=hp&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwifmqfOu_niAhXMMd4KHQCuAL4Q
sAR6BAgAEAE&biw=781&bih=372#imgdii=9KxDuJSrPzcdiM:&imgrc=i

11. Unit 5: Taking a Glimpse of Art History
aQ7Nve3JhZiMM:&spf=1561084126314 (Retrieved 2019, June 19)
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/publicaffairs/gma7specials/463230/14-
churches-in-metro-manila-for-your-visita-iglesia/story/ (Retrieved 2019,
June 19)
https://www.spot.ph/arts-culture/64909/10-beautiful-historic-buildings-in-manila
(Retrieved 2019, June 19)
https://www.academia.edu/7172148/Byzantine_Architecture_324-1453_A
(Retrieved 2019, June 19)
https://study.com/academy/lesson/baroque-architecture-of-the-philippines-
characteristics-examples.html (Retrieved 2019, June 19)
http://www.thousandwonders.net (Retrieved 2019, June 19)
http://archive.artsmia.org/art-of-asia/ceramics/early-chinese-ceramics-
bronze.cfm.html (Retrieved 2019, July 3)
https://www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph/nationalmuseumbeta/Collections/Archaeo/P
etroglyphs.html (Retrieved 2019, July 3)
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1111371/wood-carving-art-alive-in-paete (Retrieved
2019, July 3)
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https://www.ancient.eu/The_Great_Sphinx_of_Giza/ (Retrieved 2019, July 3)
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t.html (Retrieved 2019, July 3)

12. Unit 5: Taking a Glimpse of Art History