The Thirteen Moderns: A Revolution in Philippine Art
Introduction to Thirteen Moderns
The Thirteen Moderns sparked a revolution in Philippine art during the mid-20th century. These artists embraced modernist movements such as cubism and expressionism, paving the way for a new wave of artistic expression in the country. While their work faced criticisms and challenges from the conservative art establishment of their time, the Thirteen Moderns persisted and eventually gained recognition as pioneers of modern art in the Philippines.The Father of Philippine Modern Art
Victorio Edades is considered the Father of Philippine Modern Art and played a pivotal role in the emergence of the Thirteen Moderns. Born in 1895, he studied art in the United States and upon his return to the Philippines, he introduced modernist techniques to the local art scene. His 1928 essay titled The Significance of Modern Painting in the Philippines challenged the traditional approach to art and called for a new movement that captured the spirit of the times. This sparked a controversy and led to the development of the modernist movement in the Philippines.Who were the Thirteen Moderns?
The Thirteen Moderns were a group of artists who emerged in the Philippines in the mid-20th century. The group comprised Botong Francisco, Galo Ocampo, Lorenzo, Vicente Manansala, HR Ocampo, Anita Magasaysaysay-Ho, Cesar Legaspi, Demetrio Diego, Ricarte Purugganan, Jose Pardo, Bonifacio Cristobal, and Arsenio Capili. They were united in their embrace of modernist movements and their desire to break away from the traditional approach to art in the Philippines.Botong Francisco: A Renowned Modern Artist
One of the most renowned members of the Thirteen Moderns was Carlos Botong Francisco. Born in 1912, he is known for his dynamic paintings inspired by Philippine culture and history. His use of bold colors and sharp lines, as well as his unique style of incorporating Philippine folk art elements, made him a prominent figure in the modern art scene. Some of his most famous works include The Martyrdom of Rizal and the Blood Compact.The Artistic Styles of the Thirteen Moderns
The Thirteen Moderns embraced various artistic styles, each with their unique approach and interpretation. Some of the most notable styles of the group include:- Cubism – inspired by the works of Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque, the artists in this group sought to break down form and focus on the geometric shapes and perspectives.
- Expressionism – characterized by the use of bold colors and emotional expression, the artists in this group sought to capture the raw emotions of their subjects.
- Social Realism – focused on capturing the realities of social and political life in the Philippines at the time.