Benedicto Cabrera

Benedicto Cabrera (b. 1942), widely known as BenCab, is a Filipino painter and printmaker. Born in Malabon, he studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines and graduated in 1963. Working across painting, printmaking and drawing, he is recognised for expressive draftsmanship and figurative imagery. His art explores Filipino identity, social conditions and everyday life, often addressing human vulnerability and freedom. Cabrera spent periods of his career in London before returning to the Philippines and settling in Baguio. There, he became involved in the local artistic community and helped establish the Baguio Arts Guild. His work has been exhibited across the Philippines, Asia, Europe and the United States. In 2006, he was conferred the Order of National Artist for Visual Arts. He established the BenCab Museum in Baguio in 2009; it houses his collection of Cordillera art and contemporary Philippine art.