A Filipino Painter’s Perspective of Filipino Identity: What Makes Philippine Contemporary Paintings Truly Filipino

Abstract

There has been literature examining artists and their paintings in Philippine art history. However, understanding Filipino identity in the field of contemporarypaintings from contemporary Filipino artists has not been researched extensivelyyet. The study, anchored on the psychoanalytic theory, answered the researchquestion, “What makes Philippine contemporary paintings truly Filipino?”Qualitative case study design was used to gain understanding of this concept froma Filipino painter in the field of Philippine contemporary visual arts. To accomplishthis, data were gathered using in-depth interviews with a Filipino painter who hasbeen active in contemporary art production, and currently involved in artorganizations and in the academe. According to the analysis of the interviews, thevisual character (alibata) incorporated in the artwork, is an essential identifyingelement in Philippine contemporary paintings. Another element is the subjectdepicting current events in the country. The experiences, influences, and exposureof the artists are contributing factors in the creative process behind the paintings ofthe Filipino artist. This study will contribute to future research regarding theexperiences of contemporary artists in the Philippines, as well as a source ofreference for teachers of Philippine art history, with the intention of cultivating alove for national heritage, developing the eye to critique and understand Philippinepaintings, and creating a deeper appreciation for being Filipino. Future research canfocus on exploring other visual art disciplines and mediums such as sculpture,literary works and folk art, in relation to Filipino identity.