Filipino sculptures have undergone an evolution in shape, form, content and mediums. Like other cultures the first sculptures created by Philippine native cultures were primitive. These primitive sculptures utilized native materials like stone and clay. The sculptures created depicted normal life and acts of worship. Colors were limited in these primitive sculptures.
The transitional sculpture movements in the Philippines between the primitives and the modern movements were influenced by outside cultures and internal evolutions. In the middle of the transition between the primitive and the most modern sculptures was the 19th century art movement. The hero of this sculpture movement was Guillermo Tolentino. His most popular and well known piece was the Bonifacio Monument. This monument was a tribute piece to the Filipino revolution that was fought against the Spanish in 1896. Tolentino completed this multi-figure sculpture in 1933 and it became the cornerstone of his career.
One of the latest artistic movements in Filipino sculptures is the modernist movement. This movement has had at least three generations. Michael Cacnio belongs to the third generation of the Filipino modernist movement. His sculptures are done in brass and they echo the heart and soul of Filipino heritage and culture. Some of his contemporaries include Abdulmari Imao and Benhur Villlanueva.
If you are interested in sculptures then you may want to browse through various works created by Filipino sculptors like Cacnio, Imao and Villanueva. These artists offer sculptures that range from intimate conversation pieces to large monumental works. When selecting a piece to add to your personal collection look for colors, textures and themes that appeal to you and that will match the décor of your home or office.
