PH National Artist Bencab celebrates 50 years of his art practice and heads to Lopez Museum with 'Frames of Reference'

National Artist BenCab (Benedicto Cabrera) at the Lopez Museum & Library for the feature exhibit "Frames of Reference" open to the public starting April 23 - July 4, 2015.

Philippines 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 up to July 4, 2015.

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.

BenCab Self-portrait

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 page from one of his art-books. Artist’s Collection. Photo by Wig Tysmans.

A diaristic presentation of his aesthetics, letters, mementos and other keepsakes also find their way into the pages.

A page from one of his art-books. Artist’s Collection. Photo by Wig Tysmans.

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.

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.