In the Philippines, painting is an expression of the country’s rich culture and diversity. Filipino paintings may be traced all the way back to prehistoric times, when paintings were created on cave walls. Different varieties of human figures, toads, and other creatures are illustrated in these popular paintings. Welcome to this article where I will flex the Filipino pride!
Genesis by Hernando R. Ocampo
Several Japanese tapestry weavers stitched the massive curtain that included Ocampo’s artwork. When viewed under correct lighting conditions, this picture, which has been woven onto the curtain, appears to be a burning fire with claws that seem to reach the audience seated in front of the stage.
The Blood Compact by Juan Luna
The picture represents the blood compact rite, which is an ancient Filipino tradition for sealing a bond or treaty. Between Spanish explorer Miguel López de Legazpi and Datu Sikatuna, the chieftain of Bohol, this ritual is occurring. While constructing the historical context of the painting, Luna enlisted the help of José Rizal and Trinidad H. Pardo de Tavera.
Planting Rice by Fernando Amorsolo
Farmers laboring in a field are depicted in the picture Planting Rice, which has a cluster of huts in the background to give it a realistic and native atmosphere. Amorsolo featured men and women in their traditional roles in the Philippines in this painting. It’s a realistic artwork that’s based on his own childhood memories of growing up in a tiny village.
Fruit Gatherer by Fernando Amorsolo
In this painting, he depicts a young girl seated in a rural Philippine environment with a basket of fruits. The art is distinguished by the use of brilliant hues, as well as the idealization of nature and local beauty. Fruit Gatherer captures the essence of Amorsolo’s painting technique. The artwork demonstrates his talent at capturing natural light.
Madonna of the Slums by Vicente Manansala
Vicente Manansala’s painting Madonna of the Slums was a notable contribution to the Philippine Modernist movement. Vicente portrays a mother and her child who have started migrating to the city from the countryside in this film about the transition from rural to urban. Manansala’s efforts centered on the improvement and spread of national culture, social environment, identity, and native taste.
Spoliarium by Juan Luna
Juan Luna’s oil on canvas work Spoliarium, based on gladiator fights, gives a look into the story and the horrific effects of these fights. The picture depicts gladiators being carried by Roman soldiers as they die. The painting’s title, ‘Spoliarium,’ is a Latin word that refers to the location in the Roman Colosseum where the bodies of slain gladiators were dumped.
Key Takeaway
The Philippines is a third world and small country but Filipinos can assure you that they are not at the back of the line in some aspects, one of which is in the art industry. Paintings, artists, and sculptors started as early as the 16th century extending until recent times. Many artworks depict the lives of Filipinos during different colonialism periods. Art is very very subjective and Filipinos surely grasped the concept of making art for the country and countrymen.
