Sources: https://www.namiart-gallery.com/products/vendor-2?srsltid=AfmBOorgYALvF6vqJGk5n-DqgeA8jaQQQK1mOh2isAjSJTmTl8REv_5c

https://drybrush.com/artists/charlie-val?srsltid=AfmBOoqnNHZ-mXsRJ-hoFeTzOtpMh1TOTAucrAzpWZxQhY70OMmLZAbf

This artwork reflects the artist's dual cultural experiences when she moved to America. It reflects the issues of it's time due to the expectations that a family has. It shows the woman showing her family how two people from different countries and backgrounds can still get married despite their differences.

No amount of cultural differences can hinder a society's ability to foster together. This artwork also showcases the 2015 United Nations' highlighted importance of cultural diversity for sustainable development.

Sources:

Akunyili, N. (2015). I Still Face You - Njideka akunyili CrosbyNjideka akunyili Crosby. https://www.njidekaakunyilicrosby.com/work/i-still-face-you

United Nations. (n.d.). World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/cultural-diversity-day#:~:text=In%202001%2C%20UNESCO%20adopted%20the,2/70/L.

2. Ghibli artstyle and story focuses on characteristics that go beyond human perception. Every film explores multiple themes of love, personal growth, nature, loss, and resonating with audiences of all ages. Often, it includes creatures, little human beings, dragons, and more that presents an otherwordly kind of experience. In this particular film, it reflects actual experiences in the perspective of children.

3. The movie takes place in Kobe, a city in the Hyogo Prefecture, emphasizing the effects of the war and bombing. During World War 2 in Japan, Kobe experienced raids and bombings killing over 3000 citizens. The author, Nosaka Akiyuki, lived his early years during the timeline of economic crisis and growing Japanese militarism. Through his experiences, he wrote and published Grave of the Fireflies as a novel which was eventually adapted into a film by Studio Ghibli by 1988. This story focuses on the suffering of civilians and highlighting the loss of innocence. Not just that, but how family structures break and the struggle for survival in a war-torn environment.

Racel, M. N. (n.d.). Grave of the Fireflies and Japan’s memories of World War II. Education About Asia. Association for Asian Studies. Retrieved July 2, 2025, from https://www.asianstudies.org/publications/eaa/archives/grave-of-the-fireflies-and-japans-memories-of-world-war-ii/

2. How does this work of art reflect social, political, and cultural issues of its time?

   It does this through the title and the subject of the painting. First, it uses Pinocchio, a character from the novel written by Carlo Collodi. Within the story, Pinocchio is often made to do bad things because he didn't know better, as well as the fact that he, though a puppet, is a child. Secondly, it uses the idiom "the blind leading the blind", as defined above. Taking the story of Pinocchio into account, as well as the idiom used, the message it tells us is of people, unsure and oblivious, leading others in the same state or mindset, and leading them into the wrong path. In the painting, the figures are following along a path that leads to a hole. It could be a message as to how society tends to spread false information to one another without educating themselves, often choosing to believe what they see at base value and not questioning or thinking about it further, thus causing harm to others through their misinformation or lack of knowledge on the topic they're spreading or sharing, hence the title "Blind Pinocchios Leading the Blind Pinocchios".

Date : September 17 2021-June 27 2025

Medium : TV Show/Film

Artist: Hwang Dong-hyuk

1. What art form is the given example? 

The art form of this given example is a TV show. Squid Games is a Netflix-released TV show that features desperate and impoverished people who partake in many different games from their home country (Korea) twisted with deadly consequences for generational wealth. They make use of acting, drama, atmosphere, and storytelling to induce their style.

2. What characteristics of the work make it contemporary art? 

Squid Game is contemporary art because it was made after 1960, uses modern technology, current themes in the world and shows these themes in a way that invite people to think critically. It reflects present day challenges using bold visuals, symbolism, and interesting storytelling techniques common in today's media. The themes are highly relevant today, such as survival, economic struggle, and the value of human life, which are important when creating temporary art.

3. How does this work of art reflect social, political, and cultural issues of its time? 

The show highlights major current issues like economic inequality, debt, and the extremes people face in a capitalist society. It shows the differences between the wealthy, represented by "VIPs,” and the impoverished "players” who are forced to participate in brutal games for survival. While VIPs indulge in spectating, betting, and even joining guards in executing players, the players are reduced to mere entertainment for the wealthy. Aside from that, it highlights the human’s fight or flight when surviving something deadly. You get to see the true nature of humans when it comes to situations where wealth is the prize and death is the consequence.  

Sources:

Diya. (2025, March 1). The Deeper Meaning behind Squid Game: a reflection on society and choice. Diya on Korea. https://diyaonkorea.com/2025/03/01/the-deeper-meaning-behind-squid-game-a-reflection-on-society-and-choice/

Squid Game: A Spoiler-Free Philosophical Analysis – The Clock. (n.d.). https://www.plymouth.edu/theclock/squid-game-a-spoiler-free-philosophical-analysis/

An honorable mention is the girl group, BINI. They are a Filipino gril group formed in 2019 through ABS-CBN's Star Hunt Academy.

The word BINI comes from the Filipino word "binibini" which means young lady, representing modern Filipinas who are strong, confident and are ready to take on the world.

What's good about them is that they love to make their fans happy and letting them feel loved always by them, through their words, actions and music.

SOURCE:

https://www.kollectivehustle.com/blog/bini-the-girl-group#:~:text=Representation%20of%20Filipino%20Culture:%20BINI,mental%20health%20awareness%2C%20and%20more.

Nxde - https://youtu.be/fCO7f0SmrDc?si=3WooF9cpyTA-W798

1. Music - Labour by Paris Paloma & Nxde by G-idle

2. It experiments with a mix of instruments and layered voices that add depth to the meaning of the song. It also had variety of instruments when you listen to both songs.

3. The song "Labour" focuses on women's unpaid labor work at home such as taking care of children and cleaning while also criticizing women due to the set patriarchal society. A lot of it emphasizes on how women in the society are forsaken for what they do no matter how much effort they put simply because they are "women". On the other hand, "Nxde" focuses on the issue of perception and sexualization of women on their bodies and how "nude" itself is perceived as a sexual concept. They emphasize that "nude" doesn't have to be equated to sexualization rather just authentic self-expression.

Sources: 

DBZimran. (2020, August 4). Attack on Titan: FREEDOM Explained | Theme analysis [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RGvDJV6gIA

Lindwasser, A. (2018, September 7). A Guide To The Surprisingly Deep Symbolism Behind 'Attack On Titan'. A Guide To The Surprisingly Deep Symbolism Behind 'Attack On Titan'l

1. Music- Imagination By Justin Timberlake

2. The song "Imagination" is a pop song by Justin Timberlake, and it doesn't explicitly experiment with contemporary art forms in the way that visual or performance art might. However, its themes of creativity, escapism, and the power of the mind can be interpreted through a contemporary art lens, particularly in how it explores the subjective and imaginative nature of human experience. Justin Timberlake's work reflects on cultural and social issues through his musical style, public image, and interactions with other artists, particularly concerning the appropriation of Black culture and the complexities of celebrity and race.

3. The way that this song relates to the political, societal, and cultural issues is that it has artistic expression. dreams of aspiration, escapism, freedom, art, peace, and unity, and social change.

3. This song reflects the occurring social, political, and cultural issue in the Philippines which is Homophobia. According to the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (Religious Affiliation in the Philippines), about 78.8% of Filipinos identify as Roman Catholic. Knowing the very beliefs and practices of  Roman Catholicism is enough to understand the persistent intolerance against the LGBTQ+ community — however, that should not be used as an excuse to discriminate, to prejudice, and to treat differently. 

   
   

Sources: 

Authentication challenge pages. (n.d.). https://psa.gov.ph/content/religious-affiliation-philippines-2020-census-population-and-housing

Sources (done in APA 7th sorry)

Lam, T. (2024, March 2). How ‘The Hunger Games’ transcends Make-Believe. The Science Survey. https://thesciencesurvey.com/editorial/2024/03/02/how-the-hunger-games-transcends-make-believe/

Date: Originally staged in 1992, revived 2023

Artist: Agnes Locsin

Form: Contemporary dance

• The art form is contemporary dance, specifically a neo-ethnic ballet performance.

  
  

• Ballet has evolved through many years, through this, each movement shows deeper emotion and expression. Encantada combines modern dance techniques with Filipino indigenous culture and environmental themes, creating a neo-ethnic style. This makes the piece different and unique compared to others.

  
  

• Encantada reflects the destruction of nature and abuse of power in society. It shows how people lose connection with the environment and their culture, raising awareness on climate change preservation. It brings out themes of colonial oppression and the struggle for liberation. The performance also highlights the sacred role of women and nature taking inspiration from Philippine Folklore, history, and culture.

https://vogue.ph/lifestyle/theater/agnes-locsins-encantada-has-an-important-message-on-conservation/

https://artplus.ph/features/be-entranced-once-more-with-encantada

Everything Everywhere All at Once is a film released in 2022, written and directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. The film blends different multiple genres, visual styles, and philosophical themes.

2. What characteristics or the work makes it an contemporary art?

 The movie "Everything everywhere all at once has a unique story telling different from the others. Its visual style and complex plot are what makes it a good example of contemporary art. The purpose, and connection. Its visual style, editing, and use of special effects create a chaotic yet beautiful atmosphere that perfectly mixes the themes of the multiverse and generational family problems.

3. How does this work of art reflect social,political, and cultural issues of its time?

The movie explores multiple social issues such as generational trauma, identity, and acceptance. Evelyn and Joy's relationship reflects generational trauma; Evelyn's upbringing made her practical and emotionally guarded, and she inadvertently transfers these unresolved feelings to her daughter. Joy is queer, and the tension between her and her mother are highlights of the social issue within the LGBTQ+ community and acceptance within traditionally conservative parents. This part of the movie reflects on the real world where queer individuals seek validation from their family and people in general. The movie doesn’t just focus on Evelyn’s relationship with her daughter, but also the roots of Evelyn’s struggle. As an Asian American immigrant, Evelyn has a unique perspective. She resents her life because it feels like a series of bad decisions and lost potential. Which leads to a mix of complicated emotions.

Sources:

Nicklin, E., & Nicklin, E. (2023, January 30). “Everything, Everywhere, All at Once” and its cultural significance. Long Beach Current. https://lbcurrent.com/opinions/popculture/2023/01/30/everything-everywhere-all-at-once-and-its-cultural-significance/

Jiménez, M. R. R., & Jiménez, M. R. R. (2023, June 21). The everything, everywhere, all at once meaning and themes. NYFA. https://www.nyfa.edu/student-resources/everything-everywhere-all-at-once-meaning/#:~:text=Everything%2C%20Everywhere%2C%20All%20at%20Once%20captures%20this%20exceptionally%2C%20as,overcome%20the%20divide%20between%20them.

1. What characteristics of the work makes it a contemporary art? 

The musical Hamilton shows characteristics of contemporary art as it breaks the rules of traditional theatre compositions by incorporating more modern genres and styles into the songs. It innovates boundaries by using genres like hip-hop and R&B, which aren’t typically used in those kinds of performances. In effect, it appeals to the younger generations more and becomes more widespread while using themes of political and social issues – making viewers be influenced by it and think critically.

Contemporary art pushes the boundaries of traditional expectations. Hamilton was an incredibly unique way to retell history in a way that makes it engaging to watch and learn from. As the song goes "You have no control who lives, who dies, or who tells your story."

2. How does this work of art reflect social, political, and cultural issues of its time?

The musical is set during the American Revolutionary War era, 1776 to 1804. The main plot of the whole musical was all rooted in America's political and societal issues during that time period - which seem to still hold true in different cultures and society in present times. Miranda described Hamilton to be "America then, as told by America now." Which explains why he chose to cast non-white people to play historical figures throughout the musical.

The cast's recent performance during the 10th Tony Awards also had people pointing out hidden messages throughout their medley which hint towards the political atmosphere in America today. Symbolisms such as flashing the silhouette of the White House behind them as they sang "History has its eyes on you", and much more.

 Which is not too far off from the political issues other countries (such as the Philippines) struggle with.

sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_(musical)

2. As for the characteristics of it, it gives us a reinterpretation of history, as the musical “Hamilton” itself (though not 100% accurate) is a retelling of the story of Alexander Hamilton, his wife, and others around him back around the time of the American Revolutionary War. It is told through a modern lens with music rooted in the hip-hop and R&B styles. Contemporary was known as the era when art started to challenge the status quo, and Hamilton did this by having a diverse cast. It combines theatre, rap, singing, and spoken word.

3.  It was noticed by nearly everyone with a functioning good brain that this performance was done with the intention of poking at the reality of the world around us right now, especially the current situation of the U.S. They all wore all-black outfits except for one—the monarch. Some say they are all mourning the loss of the ideal democracy from 2015, which is when “Hamilton” first premiered and President Obama, the most progressive known president, still had his seat in the office. Other than that, we believe that it reflects the current situation at hand. Whilst all the defenceless innocents suffer, the president(s) of that/those country/ies sit tall basking in their ignorance and stupidity altogether. There was a goal to tear down racist blockades in the industry of theatre as they cast multiple races for different roles, all of which, in history, were white people.

SOURCE:

https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewrap.com%2Fhamilton-tony-awards-anniversary-performance-trump%2F&e=AT1UZdcrxCq8iZI1bCxRLiFKGmXGPa0zpnsSpzR06xzi7zR6Q0pFEQfKLeQjfbAfDcHHOQyHkGn0zwi-VHRXCVLHVmwbRheqLDugnIgGcoG_5J0yvpIJ3zLZ3aUE

During the film's current time of release, it stood out as a statement, defying the usual style of a war film by projecting a darker, much more brutal and realistic side to the Vietnam war that had happened a few years ago prior to the film's release.

The films message of humanity and the harrowing effects of war on the human mind served as a contemporary statement that is still being analyzed by critics and viewers alike, even to this very day.

BYOB by System of a down serves as a contemporary piece of music with its strong lyrics, and language towards the government. The emotion felt in the song stems from the corruption and abuse of power that had taken over regions of america during 2005. The song blends heavy guitar riffs, and loud vocals to form a message towards those affected in the also ongoing war in the same year. The title 'BYOB' stands for Bring Your Own Bombs, symbolizing the aspects of the government bombing countries, as the song suggests.