BenCab

BenCab is the pseudonym of Benedicto Reyes Cabrera, a Filipino painter. He is widely regarded as a pivotal figure in Philippine contemporary art and a leading exponent of the visual arts in the Philippines. Born in Malabon, Metro Manila, in 1942, BenCab's artistic journey began in the early 1960s. He studied at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts and later at the San Francisco Art Institute in California.

His early works often depicted the urban poor and social issues, reflecting the socio-political climate of the Philippines. BenCab is particularly known for his "Larawan" series, which reinterprets historical Philippine photographs, and his iconic "Sabel" series, featuring a woman draped in what appears to be a capelike form, symbolizing universal human experiences and emotions. His style is characterized by its blend of figuration and abstraction, with a keen eye for line, form, and color.

Throughout his prolific career, BenCab has received numerous accolades and awards, both in the Philippines and internationally, including the prestigious National Artist of the Philippines award for Visual Arts in 2006. His works are housed in major collections worldwide and have been exhibited in renowned galleries and museums. In 2009, the BenCab Museum opened in Tuba, Benguet, showcasing his extensive collection of his own art, as well as works by other Filipino artists and indigenous artifacts. The museum stands as a testament to his enduring legacy and his significant contributions to Philippine art and culture.