At the Peninsula Manila, BenCab's Works Find New Life As Designer Carpets

By now, National Artist for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera's work has been reinterpreted as various objects, in all forms, found in both public and private hands. Yes, we know about his paintings. But BenCab plates, books, shirts, or even vinyl players have interestingly added to the artist's lore over the years.

Said to have been inspired by large tapestries of Dutch masters at Milan’s Salone de Mobile eight years ago, Abitare Internazionale would meet with the artist to discuss this edition.

Sette Movimenti

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The works on the tapestries were selected by both BenCab and Abitare Internazionale's Filaine Tan & Jeane Wee themselves. Moooi Carpets would execut the production process.

"Noong Bata Pa Si Sabel"

The limited collection is meant to provide viewers with an image of BenCab that goes beyond the traditional means. Upon seeing the carpets, we get to see paintings like Noong Bata Pa Si Sabel, Farm Boy, Isadora Dance, and more transformed into dramatic expressions once reserved for private walls and commercial halls, with scales that honor the artist's legacy.

The exchanges and sampling during pre-production were done between the Baguio-based National Artist, Abitare Internazionale in Manjla and Moooi Carpets in the Netherlands. BenCab visited the Netherlands with Abitare Internazionale a few years ago, pre pandemic. Each were created through massive chromo-jet 800 printing facilities in the Netherlands, creating rich colors and imagery in immaculate photo-realistic detail.

"Tryptych on Sabel"

The exhibition is what happens when technological innovation meets art and stylistic requirements. It operates in a space where art and design meet.

The special project of Abitare Internazionale, is available only in the Philippines. Abitare Internazionale and The Peninsula Manila's Art in Resonance runs until July 21, 2024.