8/9/2019 An Analysis on the Selected Filipino Visual Arts Using Mao Zedong's Revolutionary Aesthetics

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AN ANALYSIS ON THE SELECTED FILIPINO VISUAL ARTS

USING MAO ZEDONGS REVOLUTIONARY AESTHETICS

by Kenzlee E. Ybaez, Ph.B

March 2009

THESIS ABSTRACT

Culture, while it is commonly invoked as the privileged realm of the national heritage

and traditions of our identity, is in fact no less than a force in maintaining or changing a

social order. Culture, then is not a neutral and autonomous realm from which the people draw

aesthetic pleasure. It is also a contested terrain where ideological battles take place. Culture isthe highest form of human identity, where art is the highest cultural form.

This study aims to discuss the problems of the Filipino thinking on selected visual

arts by considering the philosophical framework of Mao ZedongsRevolutionary Aesthetics.

The answers to the objectives proposed by the study were obtained through hermeneuticalanalysis of the texts, and critical observation of the different paintings.

The Philippine society is experiencing cultural problem. The Philippine culturecharacterized the ills of the country that is semi-colonial and semi-feudal. This reflects the

dominant colonial, feudal, and bourgeois characteristics which maintain an immoral,

commercialized, and escapist kind of culture.

Art assumes the character of being the most beautiful and most sensitive form ofideological reflections of the societys conditions. Culture, especially art, is being used by the

ruling class in order to preserve the status quo, and in order to continue the oppression

towards the working class.Mao asserts that when there is a cultural problem, a progressive philosophy should

stand-in and serves as a tool towards radical change. Thus, the researcher suggests MaoZedongsRevolutionary Aesthetics as a solution to the cultural problem the country is facing,especially on our mode of thinking towards visual arts. The significance of the study lies on

the fact thatRevolutionary Aesthetics tries to make a certain work of art that is aware of the

social realities of the society, and it will make the work of art progressive and will contributeto social change.

Through, Revolutionary Aesthetics, art then will assume a militant character as it

becomes a weapon for social change. This aesthetic theory uses the life of the people as the

source of the artist; this includes the interaction with the basic masses and learned from themin order to attain a heightened perception of reality.

Through, Mao ZedongsRevolutionary Aesthetics, the Filipinos would then be able to

appreciate art, considering that it presents their lives and realities. By reconstructing thenegative aspects and misconceptions of art, the Filipino can now view art as source of

strength, where they can mold their identity. The Filipinos does not only promote the

realization of his acts and values, he then makes his living meaningful and authentic.