BenCab (Benedicto Reyes Cabrera)

Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, widely known as "BenCab," is a celebrated Filipino painter and is considered the best-selling painter of his generation among Filipino artists.

Biography of BenCab

Benedicto Reyes Cabrera was born in 1942 in Malabon, Philippines. BenCab's early exposure to the arts was sparked by his older brother, Salvador. The artist studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman, obtaining a Bachelor's degree in 1963.

BenCab moved to the Chelsea district of London after marrying a British writer, and he spent 13 years there. His time abroad deepened his connection to his homeland, and his art began to reflect his longing for the Philippines.

Upon his return to the Philippines in 1972, BenCab was celebrated as a trailblazer in the Filipino art scene, inspiring many of his contemporaries. However, his artistic journey led him back to London in 1974.

BenCab's work gained significant recognition as it addressed social and political issues, particularly during the Marcos era in the Philippines. His pieces often tackled themes such as the disillusionment of 20th-century Filipino migrants, the Philippine-American War, and the impact of colonization. In 2006, he was awarded the National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts (Painting).

The BenCab Museum was established in Baguio, Philippines, in 2009. The museum houses his personal collection of tribal art from the Cordillera highlands and contemporary Philippine art. BenCab has held several notable exhibitions, including shows at the Fisher Museum of Art, the University of Southern California, and the Singapore Art Museum.

BenCab's Art Style

BenCab's art style is deeply rooted in social and political commentary, often reflecting the struggles and aspirations of the Filipino people. His work captures universal human themes and is hailed as a masterful expression of contemporary Philippine art.

During his first residency at STPI, BenCab and the Creative Workshop team adopted an unconventional approach by employing a nude model and 'sketching' directly onto etching plates without prior planning. This spontaneous method resulted in a series of editioned prints showcased in his solo exhibition, "BenCab: Impressions" (2006).

In his second residency at STPI in 2010, BenCab maximized the use of the workshop's creative expertise and facilities. His collection, included in the exhibition "BenCab: Glimpses" (2011), tied together themes of evolution and continuity. The works featured four sets of edition prints, 30 monoprints, 6 unique relief prints, and 19 paper pulp paintings.