BenCab

Benedicto “BenCab” Cabrera (b. 1942, Malabon, Philippines; based in Baguio, Philippines) is most known for his figurative paintings marked by lyrical forms, bold brushwork and intricate textures that seek to capture the essence of the Filipino identity. Passionately addressing the nation’s sociopolitical issues through his work since the 1960s, he has been widely recognised as one of Philippines’ most celebrated visual artists.

In the notable Sabel (1965–ongoing) series, BenCab portrays solitary scavengers—inspired by a real-life “bag lady” he encountered in his hometown—emerging from vividly coloured backgrounds. Wrapped in swirling, billowing sheets, these figures evoke dislocation and despair in some depictions, while others convey sophistication and power. After residing in London for thirteen years, BenCab subsequently returned to the Philippines for good in the 1980s, in time to participate in an uprising that would eventually topple the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos. His later works overtly explore subjects like the disillusionment of 20th-century Filipino migrants, the Philippine-American war, and the impact of colonisation on contemporary Philippines.

BenCab obtained his BFA from the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, in 1963. His work is held in numerous collections including the Metropolitan Museum of Manila, and National Museum of Fine Arts, Manila.

Notable exhibitions include Bayan (1998), Metropolitan Museum of Manila; Modernity & Beyond (1996), Singapore Art Museum; Lukisan Pilipina (1989), National Museum, Jakarta; Six artistes contemporains Philippins en Europe (1981), Académie Diplomatique Internationale, Paris; Ben Cabrera Etchings (1981), Museum of Philippine Art, Manila. The artist has also participated in major international festivals including the 2nd Taegu Asia Arts Exhibition (1997); 8th Valparaiso Biennale (1987), VI Biennale de Paris (1969), 6th Paris Biennale.

BenCab has had two residencies at the STPI Workshop in 2005 and 2010, resulting in the exhibition Impressions (2006) and Glimpses (2011) respectively.