Thursday, April 23, 2015

Lopez Museum's Frames of Reference by BenCab


When I saw this, the first word that came out of my mouth was "Sabel!" I was right. It was one of the many versions of Sabel that Mr. Benedicto Cabrera aka BenCab made. It is one of the pieces that I love to look at. The lines and the shapes just flow out. Now, I'm not an art major so I can only appreciate it in a very light manner but I do appreciate it.

National Artist BenCab (Benedicto Cabrera) celebrates fifty years of his art practice with a series of multi-sited exhibitions and events. As a fitting kick off, the first exhibition will be held at the Lopez Museum's Library section and will be open to the public starting April 23. 

Frames of Reference offers a glimpse into his life and art practice during the late 1960s onwards, while living and exhibiting abroad and his eventual return to the Philippines for good. More than his works, the exhibition is an intimate portrait of the artist, the lover, the family man, the bibliophile and a collector, among other hats he has and continues to wear. 

Never before exhibited, about 15 of his art-books will be made available to the public. These small scrapbook-like compilations of collages (clippings and cut-outs), drawings and sketches interspersed with his handwriting; prominently feature his love for nostalgia, handmade paper and bookbinding. A diaristic presentation of his aesthetics, letters, mementos and other keepsakes also find their way into the pages. 

Other hand-crafted books show the early studies and iterations of some of his most important series of works: Sabel, Larawan and Japanese Women (ukiyo-e). Also included in the exhibition are early folios of prints he was a part of, along with other Filipino and foreign artists. The Lopez Museum and Library is also proud to exhibit three works from its own collection, including the iconic Soldiers (Heroes of the Past IV),1998. 

I was fortunate enough to have been able to have a short conversation with BenCab and grab a photo opportunity. I love that he values collages and scrapbooks because I too make collages and scrapbooks. I felt that my work had value all of a sudden because a National Artist thinks that it does matter.

see how big my smile is? FANGIRL moment



Frames of Reference is curated by Dannie Alvarez and is co-presented by Bencab Art Foundation; Sureste Properties, Inc.; Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. (SEPCO), our technology partner; and Gourmet Farms Inc., our public programs partner. 

For more information, call Tina at 6312417 or email lmmpasig@gmail.com. Lopez Museum and Library is at the G/F Benpres Bldg., Meralco cor. Exchange Rd., Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Museum and library hours are 8-5pm Mondays through Saturdays except Sundays and holidays.

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