What Are the Different Periods in the History of Philippine Art?

Art|Art History

Philippine Art history is a complex and ever-evolving field. It is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural heritage, which has been influenced by centuries of foreign rule and contact with other cultures.

Over the centuries, Philippine Art has developed in many different directions, resulting in a wide range of styles. The different periods in Philippine Art history can be divided into three main categories: Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post-Colonial.

Pre-Colonial Period
The Pre-Colonial period of Philippine Art began before the arrival of Spanish colonizers in 1521. During this period, the art was mainly focused on religious imagery, with early Filipinos creating sculptures and paintings to honor their gods.

This art was also heavily influenced by indigenous beliefs and practices. In addition to sculptures and paintings, Pre-Colonial art included pottery, weaving and other forms of folk art.

Colonial Period
The Colonial period began with Spanish colonization in 1521 and lasted until 1898 when the Philippines was granted independence from Spain. During this period, Spanish artists introduced European painting styles that were heavily influenced by the Baroque and Rococo movements.

These styles were further adapted by local artists to reflect Filipino culture. In addition to paintings, Colonial era Philippine art also included architecture such as churches and forts built during this time.

Post-Colonial Period
The Post-Colonial period began with independence from Spain in 1898 and continues until today. During this time, Philippine Art saw a surge in experimentation as local artists embraced modernism and abstract expressionism. This period also saw some traditional forms such as sculpture being adapted to reflect contemporary issues such as poverty or environmental destruction.

Conclusion:

Philippine Art history is an incredibly diverse field that has been shaped over centuries by both indigenous beliefs as well as foreign influence. The different periods can be divided into three main categories; Pre-Colonial, Colonial and Post-Colonial which each represent distinct eras of artistic development within the country.