PHILIPPINES: ART AND LITERATURE

One of the earliest forms of art found in the Philippines is pottery. Pottery was a key element for advancing a society because it allowed people to store and cook food. Early pottery was made with clay, and they created a variety of pots and containers for a number of purposes from food preparations (cooking, eating, storing food) to ceremonial uses (urns). Over time, the styles and decorations changed on each pot. 

 

Filipino women are also skilled in weaving. Some of the materials they use in traditional weaving are the fibers from pineapple, cotton, bark cloth, and abaca (the same material that also gives us Manila folders). Depending on what they are making, woven baskets, mats, cloth, rugs, hats, and other items were commonly made. 

by Fernando Amorsolo

After the Spanish arrived, they introduced European-style painting. In the beginning, the Spanish brought along quite a few religious paintings and used them to teach the islanders about Christianity. In turn, they also taught them how to paint. At first, the Filipinos painted in the same style that the Spanish taught them: only Christian/religious paintings. But around the 19^th century, certain Filipino artists who were wealthier than others began to branch out and break tradition: they introduced secular paintings like Filipino landscapes and Filipino subject, not European Christian themes. They began to paint themselves, their culture, and their land. And as war hit their country during the 20^th century, they used painting and art as a means of expression to deal with the pain and destruction of their country.

 

by Elito Circa -- because a painting of Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao painted in human blood is exactly what the world was missing.

A few artists of note include Elito Circa (folk artist who paints with human hair, blood, and body fluids), Juan Luna (painter, sculptor, political activist during 19^th century Philippine Revolution), Benedicto Cabrera (famous painter, known as BenCab), Fernando Amorsolo (famous painter of portraits and landscapes), David Medalla (sculpture, performance art, installation, kinetic art), Augusto Arbizo (artist, painter, curator), Rey Paz Contreras (sculptor, famous for using recycled materials), Félix Hidalgo (famous painter of 19^th century), Malang (cartoonist, illustrator, painter), Ang Kiukok (painter, worked in cubism, surrealism, expressionism), Lito Mayo (graphic artist, print maker, sculptor, art professor), and Anita Magsaysay-Ho (counted as one of the major painters in the Philippines—and only female included in the “greats” list).

 

by Anita Magsaysay-Ho

Of the earliest forms of literature, epic stories were one of the primary forms of storytelling. Most of these stories were told by word of mouth and passed down from generation to generation. Some of the wealthier families were able to afford to have these stories transcribed down. One of the more famous epic stories is Darangen, a story that originated from the Maranao people of the southern island Mindanao.

Although I imagine there was a certain amount of literature produced during the years the Spanish controlled the country, most of the canon of modern literature was created after the United States took over. As Filipino writers witnessed the transformation to a new colonial period, much of the literature during the first few decades were in response to the Spanish-controlled times. As the 20^th century progressed, the Modernismo genre took a prominent role, steeped in the literary traditions of Latin America.

Notable authors include Estrella Alfon, Francisco Arcellana, Liwayway Arceo, Jose Garcia Villa, Peter Solis Nery, F. Sionil José, Francisco Balagtas,  Lualhati Bautista, Cecilia Manguerra Brainard, Nick Joaquin, and N.V.M. Gonzáles.

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EL SALVADOR: ART AND LITERATURE

Art galleries in El Salvador are numerous, and many of them are owned by the artists themselves.  Many artists, such as Fernando Llort, have travelled abroad to Europe and the US to study art and bring what they learned back home.  They learn the techniques and the fundamentals and then combine it with their own culture.  Similar to other Latin countries, the use of bright colors and dramatic shading influences Salvadoran artists as well.  And as in the case of Llort, a simplistic approach to art with his public paintings on buildings of animals, houses, flowers, trees, etc.  In fact, Llort’s hometown of La Palma has now become widely known as the folk art capital. 

Artists will often put back into and contribute to the communities they are in and around. Miguel Angel Ramirez uses his art to help low-income children to express themselves through art.  He’s most widely known for his paintings of children’s faces, but he also delves into other styles as well.   

Outside of painting, Salvadoran artists also excel in other mediums as well, such as sculpture, murals, wood carving, jewelry making, photography, textile crafts, leatherwork, hammock making, etc.  Arts and crafts are important to El Salvadoran society.  It not only gives people the joy of creating something and expressing themselves and even contributing to their community, but it also contributes to their local economy by selling their goods, especially in the touristy areas.  San Salvador is a popular place for artists to come to sell their work. 

Literature during the colonial period reflected that of what was happening in Spain during that time.  It was also closely tied to similar styles that were being utilized in Mexico, Guatemala, and other areas in Central America.  Even though El Salvador was pretty far away from the cultural centers of the Hispanic world, it was far from being devoid of culture. Small pockets of educated people kept these arts alive.

Francisco Gravidia

Religious literature has been a popular form since the beginning.  Other works at this time are historical documents and educational materials/manuals.  During the mid-19^th century, the University of El Salvador and the National Library were founded.  A lot of the literature at this time emerged from the elite educated circles, but there were a few exceptions, of course, as in the La Juventud society.  This was also a time when scientific research was also being published as well.  However, later this movement was criticized and led to a rift in the literary world, creating a new movement called modernismo. Two authors who pioneered in this movement were Rubén Darío and Francisco Gravidia. 

Arturo Ambrogi

The 20^th century brought out a change in literary expressions and styles. As the political climate changed, the voices of the people changed too – and authors were reflecting this.  Journalists became a coveted job for the politically-minded writers, like Alberto Masferrer.  Arturo Ambrogi is another author from the early 20^th century who is considered the most read author in El Salvador.  El Salvador also went through an anti-modernism movement, followed by an anti-authoritarianism movement.  Overall, I think much of the 20^th century Salvadoran literature is influenced by the political and social events in and around the country. 

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