LIFE
Veteran artist Benjie Cabangis: Between layers of stillness
‘Between Layers’ is a selection of 10 art pieces that employed smooth tones with a quadrangle in the center. This solid shape shifts the focus of each composition and changes how the tints around it were perceived.
The carefully worded invitation simply stated Between Layers of Stillness, and I wondered what to expect. I could only surmise there was a sense of solitude and peace, but then again, the seasoned master of the brush Benjie Cabangis’ latest pieces do have such a distinct quality. But the longer I stared at the obras, the more I noticed additional details beneath their calm surfaces, which accentuated colors, textures, gestures, and suggested that viewers to sit awhile and reflect.
The master applied paint, scraped parts of it away, then added more through layers of glazes. Earlier marks remained and may be spotted beneath the newer ones. This is a process known as pentimento — where traces of previous decisions may still be seen on the finished canvas. Cabangis described the process as one of layering and erasure, as the materials find their own balance. Ultimately for him, what was previously covered was not necessarily lost — they merely transitioned into the final output.
This admirable methodology evidently showed its mettle the more I intently observed the artworks. For instance, the colors — white became yellow, grey turned to pink, blue transformed to red. The colors were soft yet jarring, all at the same time. Atmospheric in nature, his creations were reminiscent of the skies, seas, and faraway horizons — even though none of them explicitly denoted a particular form.
Between Layers is a selection of 10 art pieces that employed smooth tones with a quadrangle in the center. This solid shape shifts the focus of each composition and changes how the tints around it were perceived.
Between Two Horizons uses horizontal lines to suggest a panoramic view. I nearly sensed I was peering into a distant point which remained just beyond my reach. In Horizon Within II, a window-like form was treated in red, giving an otherwise familiar image a strange and almost ephemeral character.
Horizon Within V and Horizon Within VI adapted more subtle approaches. Both had a fine circular shape which interrupted the soft movement of the surrounding hues, yet surprisingly and seamlessly marry the entire ensemble together.
For those who are not art specialists — count me in this group — the makes-you-think and yet pleased-to-view-and-admire exhibition is a personal invitation to slow down and savor as time passes by.
Born in Manila in 1957, Cabangis earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting from the University of the Philippines in 1978. A longtime faculty member of the UP College of Fine Arts, he served as chair of its Department of Studio Arts and was later named professor emeritus.
The painter received the CCP Thirteen Artists Award in 1978 and has since held numerous solo exhibitions in the Philippines and abroad. Prestigious institutions have showcased his works, including the World Bank in Washington, DC, the Philippine Consulate in New York, the Cultural Center of the Philippines, UP Diliman, Bank of the Philippine Islands, PLDT, and more.
Cabangis brings his newest series to Gallery C of Conrad Manila for the property’s 43rd edition of Of Art and Wine. Curated by Nes Jardin, consultant for SM Hotels and Conventions Corporation, Between Layers of Stillness runs from 29 September to 28 November.
The works are available for purchase. For inquiries, contact Conrad Manila at +632-88339999, Aly Castro at +63966-5372052, or aly.castro@gallery-c.org.
¡ Enhorabuena, Benjie Cabangis’! ¡ Bravo, Conrad Manila!