Modernism in the Philippines | Non Western Art

Under the Mango Tree

Best known for his paintings of the Filipino countryside, Fernando Amorsolo, or "The Grand Old Man of Philippine Art," is one of the most important artists in Philippine history (GMA, 2024). What I enjoy most about his painting, “Under the Mango Tree,” is how it visually shows two values that define Filipino culture: family and diligence. The painting depicts a family resting under the shade, and behind the mango tree is a field with workers. His portrayal of the Filipino farmers emphasizes their connection with the land more than the hardships they face in reality (Pranjal, 2024). This painting reminds me of the hot summer days at my grandma’s bukid. I recall the muddy area where the crops would sit, and the narrow bamboo board that I would fall off of when I would try to walk on it. When I stare at this painting, I can almost feel the warmth of the sun on my skin and the breeze that would flow in my direction. This piece makes me feel at home, almost like I’m still covered in mud at my grandma’s bukid.

Amorsolo, F. (1941) ‘Under the Mango Tree’. Manila, Philippines: Fernando Amorsolo.​

Madonna of the Slums

Vicente Manansala was another one of the country's most popular artists. His works are distinct because of his "translucent cubism," a style that he created while blending the Cubist approach with his portrayal of Filipino life and culture (Meyer, 2023). Most of his paintings are scenes from everyday life, such as individuals riding jeepneys, selling fish, or working in fields, but his depiction of poverty and hardship was grounded in reality, showing the strength and beauty of average Filipinos (Guillermo, 2020). His piece "Madonna of the Slums" depicts a mother and her baby in the slums, symbolizing the socioeconomic condition of many Filipino families (Guillermo, 2020). When I first saw this, I was surprised to see that it was made in the 1950s. The painting almost feels recent; it made me a bit sad thinking about how long poverty has existed in my country. The piece blends religious iconography and social problems with Manansala’s art style. He modernized Filipino art while keeping it grounded in the country's culture. The title itself, "Madonna," emphasizes that holiness is not just restricted to the upper classes, showing how there is divinity in the ordinary experience of hardship for the poor. Manansala uses earthy, muted colors; these dark colors establish the mood of the slums and also ground the religious figure to the reality of the people she represents (Guillermo, 2020).

Manansala, V. (1950) ‘Madonna of the Slums’. Manila, Philippines: Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Bayanihan

Botong Francisco is another renowned Filipino painter who made a significant contribution to Philippine art history with his use of muralism. His artworks are associated with the depiction of the country's history, culture, and values (Mandigma, 2014). Botong Francisco is best recognized through his large-scale murals, which became historical symbols in public spaces and government buildings. One of my favorite pieces from him is called “Bayanihan”, the term is used to describe our traditional values of helping our community (Nakpil, 2023). When I was growing up in the Philippines, whenever typhoon season rolled around, it would rain nonstop until every corner of my province was flooded. I remember watching people walking over the roofs of houses to give food or assist other people in need. One memory I had was my cousin and I laughing over the sound of thunder and rain as we played a made-up game I barely remembered.

Francisco, C. (1962) ‘Bayanihan’. Manila, Philippines: National Museum of Fine Arts.​

This painting by Francisco, although nowhere near similar to my experience, encompasses the core value of my culture’s spirit. The people in the painting are carrying a kubo on their backs, guided by others along the dirt road. The children at the bottom of the painting are imitating the adults as they assist with the homeowner's belongings. I am reminded of the Virgin Mary by the lady on the right, who carries her baby and is dressed in blue and red cloth wrapped around her waist. I find this painting very moving; I adore the kids helping with the belongings because it reflects how the community’s actions will affect the generation to come. In this painting in particular, I see myself and my culture. Among all of the paintings that I've presented, "Bayanihan" is what best shows why I'm proud to be Pinoy!

Works Cited

Guillermo, A.G. (2020) CCP Encylopedia of Philippine art, CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art. Available at: https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2222/ (Accessed: 24 April 2025).

Mandigma, T. (2014) Botong Francisco , Medium. Available at: https://medium.com/@obakesan/botong-francisco-4d23bb3febe2 (Accessed: 24 April 2025).

Meyer, I. (2023) Vicente Manansala - discover the famous Filipino cubism artist, Art in Context. Available at: https://artincontext.org/vicente-manansala/ (Accessed: 24 April 2025).

Nakpil, L.G. (2023) Our heroic DNA: Botong, bayani and bayanihan, Philstar Life. Available at: https://philstarlife.com/geeky/660360-heroic-dna-botong-bayani-bayanihan?page=5 (Accessed: 24 April 2025).

News, G.I. (2024) Why is Fernando Amorsolo called the ‘grand old man of Philippine art?’, GMA News Online. Available at: https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/artandculture/912819/why-is-fernando-amorsolo-called-the-grand-old-man-of-philippine-art/story/ (Accessed: 24 April 2025).

User, G. (2024) Fernando Amarsolo Philippine paintings, Pranjal Arts. Available at: https://www.pranjalarts.com/blog/fernando-amarsolo-philippine-paintings (Accessed: 24 April 2025).