Art collectors and enthusiasts recently came together for a stimulating evening with well-respected Filipino painter and National Artist for Visual Arts, Ben Cabrera, popularly known as BenCab.
The cocktail reception exhibit, which was held at the Bluewater Gallery of tropical paradise Maribago Bluewater Beach Resort, professionally showcased the artist’s personal collection of portraits and nudes — all drawings on paper — mostly done with charcoal and pastel with daubs of color.
Guests of honor BenCab, the property’s visionary owner Consul General of Austria Arcadio Alegrado, his daughter, resort manager Julie Alegrado Vergara, Cagayan de Oro-based art patron Rafaelita Pelaez, and accomplished photographer Raul Arambulo, did the ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Victor Vergara, who was instrumental in bringing the artist to the island, officially welcomed the guests.
The main attraction on the starry, moonlit night was personally meeting the very shy artist. BenCab spent a good part of the evening graciously signing copies of his books and brochures and posing for pictures with everyone, who were remarkably impressed with the artist’s virtuosity in rendering beautiful images and figures.
As the glass doors opened, the simple yet unique portraits captivated attendees. The contoured forms are highly expressive, perhaps even emotional.
The sketches of women in their natural beauty were done with sensual brushstrokes. BenCab continues to display his fascination with the unadorned female likeness and virtuosity in draftsmanship with drapery.
After careful study of the subjects with their lines and light, expressions and shadows, guests began to narrow in on their favorite pieces and one by one the blue dots, indicating acquired pieces, appeared.
Beaming with joy and pride as new owners of a BenCab masterpiece were former Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and wife Carmi, Baguio resident and friend of the artist Freddie Alquiroz, realtor Ato Alvarez and wife Gigi, restaurateur Marlyn Mondoñedo, lawyer Joseph Gonzales, educator Rafaelita Pelaez, sisters Julie and June Alegrado and frequent traveler Alice Plaza, to name but a few.
Way before the evening came to a close, every single sketch found a new home.