Lopez Museum and Library finale exhibit “FRAMES OF REFERENCE”, an exhibit that features the never before seen artworks of our National Artist for visual arts – Benedicto Cabrera aka Bencab, the exhibit will run from this April 23- July 4, 2015 and it will also feature not only artworks but also some art books and his life in art during the 60’s to present.
“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 continues to wear.
Artworks will feature the never before seen artwork studies for his masterpiece “Sabel”, “Larawan” and Japanese Women (ukiyo-e). These three artworks are also shown and housed here in Lopez Museum, also it includes the 1998 painting titled “Soldiers” (Heroes of the Past IV)
The Bencab exhibit in Lopez Museum and Library is inline with Bencab’s 50 years anniversary celebration as an artist.
The exhibition is curated by Dannie Alvarez and is co-presented by Bencab Art Foundation; Sureste Properties, Inc.; and Samsung Electronics Philippines Corp. (SEPCO), our technology partner; and Gourmet Farms, Inc., our public programs partner.
Bencab in Lopez Museum
and now here’s a trivia
Bencab was the 1st artist to be featured in an exhibit when Lopez Museum and Library opened its doors in Benpres building during the 60’s and for the finale exhibit this 2015, Bencab was invited to exhibit his artworks once more and also be the last artist to be featured before the museum to close down.
Yes, Lopez Museum and Library will closed down after the end of this exhibit, the reason is that the museum will move to a new location and place. A new building will be constructed in Rockwell area, and I learned that it will be a two tower building that will serve as the new home for Lopez Museum and Library. Expect a temporary museum venue by Feb 2016, and for the new location, it will be finish at around year 2017 or 2018.
Met Bencab for the 2nd time, its weird that I was so nervous and shaky when I met him again here in Lopez Museum. The first time I ‘ve met him was years ago during an art exhibit in Podium mall, there I approached him and congratulate him for the opening of the Bencab museum.
I also asked him if he plans to put up a bed and breakfast or hotel in his Bencab Museum in Baguio, and he said that he has no plan but there are lots of offerings already, but he still think about it.
Here’s a preview of some artworks that you’ll see in Frames of Reference.
I suggest you check the exhibit if you are a fan of Bencab’s art and also curious to see and do a study of his artwork.
1. Exhibit posters from the past
2. News clippings of Bencab’s life
3. Art books featuring works of Bencab
4. Miniature sketchpad
see the coin as a comparison of size
5. Postcards with Bencab’s sketches and art
He wrote a postcard letter to woman named Annie here in the Philippines when Bencab lives in London, he also travels around and write a postcard art letter.
I asked him if he still do the same, and Bencab said that with the existence of email and sms, this is no longer needed to do it again.
make sense..
6. Bencab paints our local and iconic rock stars
It’s a must see book and also the real artwork if you are a fan of pinoy rock bands
Bencab told us that the artworks are housed in Ayala Museum
Coritha in Bencab painting
We thought that Bencan took photos of the rock stars, but then this book shows that he painted on the spot while the artist poses for him.
awesome!!!
Here’s an old art event poster back in 1996. He 1st showcased this at Crucible gallery in SM Megamall.
7. Large scale artworks
This is the artwork titled “Soilder” a 1998 painting that he did for the the centennial celebration. I asked Bancab how long he finished this, he didn’t replied to me the correct duration but he finished it bit by bit and I think he finished it in less than 6 months to do this masterpiece.
8. Bencab’s collection
Bencab is also collector of arts craft and cultural items by the people of Cordillera
9. Jose Rizal arts by Bencab
10. Another old poster from the past
11. Stencils art
12. Mini scrapbook of Bencab
13. Stereoscopic artwork
14. Digitized artworks via app and tv projection by Samsung
Bencab was amazed when he saw that his books and artworks were digitized for museum presentation.
I asked him if he uses some digital tools and tech in doing art, then he said that he sometimes use a tablet with a pen to do sketch.
I think he uses a Samsung note.
15. Amulets --- I think its from his collection
16. Eros Pinoy
Lots of it….in exhibit
17. Feel free to browse the books of Bencab at the museum
18. Lounge at the café area…
where you can discuss or even hang out with art aficionados during or after the museum tour
Some photos from the bloggers preview exhibit
Here’s the entrance fee rate at Lopez Museum
Adult – PHP 100
Student with ID – PHP 60 for elem, PHP 80 for College and HS
Teacher – PHP 80
Senior Citizen – PHP 80
The Lopez Memorial Museum is at the ground floor, Benpres Building, Exchange Road corner Meralco Avenue, Pasig City. Museum days and hours are Mondays to Saturdays, except holidays, 8am-5pm. For inquiries, call Tina Modrigo at 6312417 or send an email to lmmpasig@gmail.com.
Lopez Museum and Library
Address: G/F Benpres Bldg. Exchange Road Corner Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Center, PasigWebsite: http://lopez-museum.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Lopez.Museum.Library
