Development of Sculpture in the Philippines

• • The development of Philippine sculpture is a rich and diverse journey shaped by indigenous traditions, colonial influences, and modernist movements. It reflects the complex socio-cultural history of the Philippines, from its pre-colonial roots to contemporary times
• Pre-Colonial Period (Before 16th Century)

  • Before Spanish colonization, early Filipinos created sculptures primarily for religious and practical purposes. These artworks were often animistic in nature and served ritual objects or household items.
• Pre-Colonial Period (Before 16th Century)

  • Key Materials: Wood, Stone, and Metals
• Pre-Colonial Period (Before 16th Century)

  • Bulul - In the northern Cordillera region, the Ifugao people created bulul figures, wooden carved deities believed to guard rice harvests.
• Pre-Colonial Period (Before 16th Century)

  • Manunggul Jar - A burial jar found in Palawan with a carved boat on its lid, representing the soul's journey to the afterlife
• Pre-Colonial Period (Before 16th Century)

  • Okir - In Maranao and Tausug, intricate okir patterns (floral and geometric designs) were used in wood and metal carvings for house posts, boats, and weapon handles
• Spanish Colonial Period (16th - 19th Century)

  • Philippine sculpture became heavily influenced by Christian Iconography.
• Spanish Colonial Period (16th - 19th Century)

  • Spanish friars commissioned local artisans to create religious statues for churches and homes, blending native craftsmanship with European styles.
• Spanish Colonial Period (16th - 19th Century)

  • Santos (Religious Icons) - Wooden images of saints, the Virgin Mary, and Jesus Christ. these religious sculptures were often elaborately carved and painted, sometimes decorated with gold leaf
• Spanish Colonial Period (16th - 19th Century)

  • Ivory Carvings - The Philippines also became famous for its intricate ivory carvings, particularly religious figures, influenced by both Spanish Catholicism and Chinese ivory artistry due to the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade
• American Colonial Period (Early 20th Century)

  • The American period brought a shift in focus toward secular and public art.
• American Colonial Period (Early 20th Century)

  • Sculpture began to express nationalism, and Filipino artists started adopting Western academic styles.
• American Colonial Period (Early 20th Century)

  • Guillermo Tolentino, one of the foremost Filipino sculptors, emerged during this time.
• American Colonial Period (Early 20th Century)

  Guillermo Tolentino's Works:

  1. Bonifacio Monument (1933) - A tribute to the revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio
  2. Oblation (1935) - A symbol of academic freedom for the University of the Philippines
• American Colonial Period (Early 20th Century)

  Nationalism in Art

  • This period marked the rise of Filipino Identity in sculpture, blending realism and romanticism with the themes of independence, history, and national pride.
• Post-War and Modern Period (1940s - 1970s)

  • The rise of modernist movements in Philippine art, including sculpture
• Post-War and Modern Period (1940s - 1970s)

  • Artists began to experiment with abstract forms and a variety of new materials, influenced by global trends while expressing local themes
• Post-War and Modern Period (1940s - 1970s)

  • Napoleon Abueva - The Father of Modern Philippine sculpture; He pushed the boundaries of traditional sculpture by using new materials such as metal, hardwood, marble, and brass.
• Post-War and Modern Period (1940s - 1970s)

  • Napoleon Abueva Works: Allegorical Harpoon and the Nine Muses, combined traditional Filipino subjects with the modernist aesthetics
• Post-War and Modern Period (1940s - 1970s)

  Public Monumental Sculptures

  • This era saw the creation of large-scale public sculptures, including monuments and memorials, often reflecting the country's struggles and aspirations for independence and nation-building
• Contemporary Period (1980s - Present)

  • Is characterized by a diversity of styles and materials, ranging from traditional to conceptual art.
• Contemporary Period (1980s - Present)

  Interactive and Mixed Media Art

  • Many contemporary sculptors experiment with a variety of media- including found objects, mixed materials, and even multimedia.
• Contemporary Period (1980s - Present)

  Interactive and Mixed Media Art

  • Artists such as Imelda Cajipe-Endaya and BenCab (Benedicto Cabrera) have contributed to the blending of sculpture with social commentary and installation art
• Contemporary Period (1980s - Present)

  Public Art and Installations

  • Sculptures in public spaces have become more common, reflecting both historical events and contemporary issues.
• Contemporary Period (1980s - Present)

  Public Art and Installations

  • Contemporary artists such as Leeroy New have gained attention for creating highly imaginative and avant-grade installations that fuse sculpture with architecture, fashion, and design
• • Philippine sculpture evolved from its indigenous beginnings to become a fusion of religious iconography, and modernist experimentation.
• • Today, it is dynamic and multi-faced art form that continues to reflect the coutnry's rich history, diverse cultures, and contemporary concerns