BenCab’s paintings are a captivating blend of realism and abstract art, offering a profound perspective on the human condition and the Filipino experience. His life and artistic journey serve as a testament to unwavering resilience, deep passion, and the enduring force of creativity.
Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, or simply BenCab, stands as a prominent figure in Philippine Arts for his distinctive artistic style, characterized by vibrant colors and emotive lines. He is acclaimed as “the best-selling painter of his generation of Filipino artists.” As one of the most influential artists of his time, BenCab has played a pivotal role in shaping the course of modern Filipino art.
Artistic awakening
At the young age of seven, BenCab began expressing his artistic talents by painting on sidewalks and walls. His inspiration was his older brother Salvador, a respected artist, who introduced him to the world of art. His artistic journey began in sixth grade when he participated in art competitions, securing his first art award at Balagtas Elementary School for a human rights-themed drawing. His creative endeavors extended to drawing portraits of iconic personalities such as James Dean and Elvis Presley, as well as crafting illustrations to sell to his peers, as a way to earn money for his allowance.
Upon reaching college, Bencab’s dedication to his craft led him to become one of the five finalists for a prestigious Castro scholarship. Driven by his passion, he pursued a major in Illustration at the College of Fine Arts, University of the Philippines. Immersed in the rich artistic environment of the national university, he received guidance from talented figurative artists as well as the national artist, Jose Joya, a renowned abstract painter and recipient of the National Artist for Visual Arts award in 2001. Under Joya’s mentorship, he delved into diverse artistic media and methodologies, shaping his artistic journey.
BenCab’s artistic beginnings
Although enrolled in a prestigious university on a scholarship, he made the difficult decision to drop out before completing his degree because he realized that his true passion lay in commercial arts rather than painting. Venturing into the world of illustrating, he secured jobs in renowned publications such as Liwayway, Mirror, and Sunday Times Magazines.
While working as an illustrator and layout artist for a magazine, he took this opportunity and drew abstract sketches of a woman. In 1964, he started painting one of his notable artworks, “Sabel”, as he observed and sketched from his window in Bambang. This encounter with the woman encouraged him to pursue a career in visual arts and end his 5-year-long job in the magazine. This started his production of symbolic imagery of Filipino women. In 1966, he finally introduced this artwork, in his first solo exhibition at the Gallery Indigo in Malate, Manila. He then named himself “BenCab”, marking his artistic journey.
After establishing himself domestically as an artist for three years, he started showcasing his talent on the global stage by participating in international art conventions. Notably, he presented his collection of hard-edged, spray-painted, abstract oil paintings at the prestigious VI Paris Biennale. His artistic journey took him across various countries including Thailand, Hong Kong, India, Nepal, Switzerland, and Italy. Eventually, he settled in London and raised a family.
Society on canvas
Over the years, BenCab’s journey led him back to the Philippines for a two-year period, where he continued to showcase his art. However, due to the repressive conditions of Martial Law under the Marcos regime, he returned to London. This devastating experience marked a significant shift in his art expression and subject matter, as his works began to convey powerful social commentary, reflecting themes of repression and the struggle for freedom.
Even after returning to London, he remained committed to addressing social issues in the Philippines through his art. BenCab’s art delved deeply into the intricate dynamics of Filipino-American relations, the enduring impact of colonization in contemporary society, and the trials faced by Filipino migrants in the 20th century. These profound themes became the foundation of his artistic style.
Beyond his artistic endeavors, BenCab has been a staunch advocate for the preservation of Filipino cultural heritage and environmental conservation. His unwavering dedication to his art and his Filipino heritage has firmly established him as a respected figure in Philippine Arts.
In recognition of his contributions, he was bestowed with the Order of National Artists for Visual Arts by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2006.