Conflzict of aesthetic systems: Controversy about Carlo J. Caparas as national artist

• Main Author: Demeterio, Feorillo Petronilo
• Format: text
• Published: Animo Repository 2011
• Subjects: Carlo J. Caparas; 1958- —Criticism, interpretation, etc.; National Artist Award; Arts—Awards—Philippines; Arts and Humanities
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/566
• Institution: De La Salle University

This paper is written to provide an aesthetic parameter to sensibly analyze the controversy that arose after the naming of Carlo J. Caparas as National Artist for Visual Arts and Film. By contextualizing Caparas and his works in five clusters of aesthetic systems, namely, traditional, modern, patronage, pseudo-modern, and postmodern, this paper argues that there can never be a coherent, sustained, and rational justification for the error committed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in honoring him. The paper concludes with the note that the aesthetic discourse on the controversy was unfortunately converted into a legal discourse as a case was filed by some National Artists, Art Groups, and concerned citizens at the Supreme Court, questioning the legality of the so-called "presidential insertion.".