The ethnic tradition in Philippine art refers to pre-colonial practices that were deeply rooted in daily life, nature, and spirituality, often expressed through body ornaments, textiles, and tribal dances. The Spanish colonial tradition introduced Catholicism and European aesthetics, leading to grand churches, religious sculptures, and paintings that focused on Christian themes. The American colonial tradition brought formal art education, mass media, and a new emphasis on individual expression and commercial art, shaping modern Filipino art through new platforms like cinema, print, and public schooling.