National Artist Bencab heads to Lopez Museum and Library with Frames of Reference (April 23 to July 4, 2015)

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

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 at the Lopez Museum and Library and will be open to the public starting April 23 and will run until July 4, 2015.

Frames of Reference offers a glimpse into his life and art practice during the late 60s 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 continuously wears.

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 handmade paper, the art of bookbinding and even nostalgia. A diaristic presentation of his aesthetic, 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 the collection, including the iconic Soldiers (Heroes of the Past IV),1998.

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

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 Building, Exchange Road cor. Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, Pasig City. Museum and library hours are 8 - 5pm Mondays through Saturdays except Sundays and holidays.

Museum Entrance fee:
Php 100 for adults

Php 80 for HS and College students

Php 60 for Elementary students