One can easily be drawn to the high-intensity surfaces, full-tilt coloration, and the intersection of abstract and geometric forms of Benjie Cabangis’ works. The compositions of his paintings are seemingly independent of scale–small collages become large paintings–and color, shape, and subject matter are combined to create an abstract topographical space. The artist approaches the process of painting by orienting to a meticulous formal visual standard of composition, color, and form.
The gestural movements in Cabangis’ paintings can be described as lyrical fluency. The artworks each have their own distinctive feeling and often contain sensitive detailed markings that have been directly engraved and incorporated into the painting. All of Cabangis’ works are engaged with the topography of surface, a materialization of his trademark texture.
Benjie Cabangis work attest to his detailed study and adept mastery in recreating form and surface. Using various painting techniques and improvisation to build on and obscure the flatness of blank canvas, the artist recreates the seeming infinity of receding space, and the push and pull of shade and light.
Born in 1957, Manila, Philippines, Benjie Cabangis is one of the country’s respected abstractionists with numerous solo and group exhibitions locally and abroad to his credit.
He is currently a full professor at the U.P. College of Fine Arts where he also graduated with a BFA in Painting in 1978.
Cabangis received the Cultural Center of the Philippines Thirteen Artists Award in 1978, the Fernando Amorsolo Professorial Chair in Painting in 1992, 1996, 2002 and 2004 and the Gawad Chanselor as UP’s Outstanding Visual Artist in 1999.
“Tales of Topography” by Benjie Cabangis will be on view at Galerie Joaquin UP Town Center from November 26 – December 10, 2019 with the Artist Reception scheduled for Tuesday, December 3 at 6PM. The gallery is located on the 2nd Floor of Phase 2, UP Town Center, Katipunan Ave, Diliman, Quezon City.
