Ben Cabrera, or Bencab, is arguably the best-selling painter of his generation of Filipino artists. Before settling in Baguio in 1987, Bencab had established for himself a name of international importance - exhibiting across the world, from London to New York to Macau; and undeniable brilliance - manifested in his loyal and perennially expanding assemblage of admirers, and of course in his numerous awards.

His soulful, skillful depiction of social issues - especially those most relevant to Filipinos anywhere and everywhere in the world, is believed by many to be the foundation of his success. In creating art as social commentary, Bencab has painted a wide variety of subjects - from Sabel, the scavenging madwoman who roamed the streets of his childhood (whom he would paint and repaint in shifting reinventions over the decades); to the women and men of Filipino history, particularly those who lived in, and fought against, the Spanish occupation; to the often displaced and somewhat disillusioned 20th century Filipino migrants who dreamed of bigger and better things in their adopted homelands; to the people of the Cordilleras (in the mountains of the northern Philippines) in their struggle to balance an ancient culture and modern technology.

Bencab was born in 1942, in Malabon - the youngest of nine children. His brother Salvador and he formed a strong bond in their exploration of the arts. It is to Salvador, who was already an established artist when Bencab was very young, to whom Bencab owes his first exposure and discovery of the arts.

During and after his stint at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts, Bencab explored the many avenues of the arts - photography, draftsmanship, printmaking, while continuing to hone his craft as a painter.

In 1966, Bencab met British writer Caroline Kennedy, whom he eventually married in London in 1969. Bencab decided to relocate his life to London, and Caroline and he had three children - Eleazar, Mayumi, and Jasmine. Although Bencab’s first years as a painter in London were not particularly easy, his talents were immediately recognized and he went on to enjoy a successful career in Europe.

Returning home for two years (1972 to 1974), Bencab was hailed as a Filipino pioneer of the arts and a significant influence among his peers. However, Bencab returned to London in 1974, in part to elude the tightening grip of Marcos’ Martial Law. This marked the beginning of his passionate involvement with social commentary and the topics of repression and freedom.

After more than a decade of international success and an unfortunate divorce, Bencab came home in 1986 in time for the EDSA Revolution. He chose to settle in the mountain city of Baguio, with its cool climate and inspiring vistas.

In 1987, he joined a small group of established artists - Santi Bose, Kidlat Tahimik and others, in establishing the Baguio Arts Guild (BAG). In Baguio, he discovered the beauty of handmade paper as a medium.

The earthquake in 1990 left the city in shambles, and many artists like Bencab in despair. In an effort to contribute to the healing and rebuilding process, Bencab joined the other members of the BAG in instituting programs such as ArtAid (a workshop for traumatized children) and Artquake (a fund-raising art auction). In 1991, Bencab was elected president of the guild.

The 1990s were a time of expansion and accolades for Bencab. His work was exhibited in more cities around the world, and he received even more awards from prestigious institutions. However, one of his greater personal achievements was his contribution to the conceptualization and building of Tam-awan Village. Tam-awan is more than a place (or a tourist attraction) - it is home to a living archive of indigenous Ifugao culture and tradition, a refuge for local artists who desire a nurturing environment in which to develop their talents, and a community for all those who wish to take part in the harmonious fusion of art, culture, environment, and history.

The new millennium has Bencab on the Internet. His official website, designed by Rico Hizon, showcases many of Bencab’s famous pieces, and provides comprehensive information (such as a detailed chronology) about his life. There is also quite a bit of literature available on the artist - Ben Cabrera: Etchings by Cid Reyes, Bencab’s Rock Sessions by Eric Caruncho, and most recently in 2002, Bencab by Krip Yuson and Cid Reyes.

Although he is now in his 60s, Ben Cabrera’s creative virtuosity and instinct for exploring the arts has not waned one stroke. When in Baguio, he can usually be found at Tam-awan Village, or working out of his studio in the same neighborhood, or relaxing on his secluded farm out on Asin Road.

* Bencab can be contacted through the Tam-awan Village secretariat, (6374) 446-2949.

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