Meeting BenCab

Speaking of my fondness for single artist museums and discovering new things in your own backyard, one of the highlights of my first few months back in the Philippines was visiting the home of Benedicto Cabrera,  Philippine National Artist for Visual Arts.

Nestled in a mountainside a few kilometers from Baguio (Km 6, Asin Road), the museum and surrounds houses world-class art by a visionary artist whom we can proudly call our own.

BenCab's home, as seen from the museum windows.

BenCab’s art is largely inspired by the scavenger woman Sabel, who frequently rummaged through garbage near the artist’s old home. She appears in many of his artworks though the years, sometimes in a real depiction or through an imagined setting. 




The interesting aspect of depicting the same character over and over again is that it gave me an insight, not only of the artist's thoughts at different time periods, but also a perspective on how he viewed the society and surroundings during those times.

Sabel 2008

Homage to Sabel.

Nationalistic feel to this one.

Red!

BenCab also hosts collections of other Filipino masters and contemporary artists, showing that creativity surrounds us in Philippine modern art. There are permanent and temporary exhibits - which means its worth going back to see one's favorites, or witness something new!

Spin, Joel Welbart Bartolome, 2008.

From the Philippine Contemporary Art Gallery.

There's also an erotic art collection within the museum. One of my favorites from that gallery:

Now that's what I call visual art!

The best part of the visit was meeting the artist himself! Though we arrived in the museum later than we planned, it turned out to be excellent timing as Bencab was strolling through the halls giving some guests a personal tour. We all lined up for photos as well.

Even if I look sabog, I'll treasure this photo forever!

I was thrilled to take this photo with him and will always remember how I met a creative genius in the flesh.