Consulate in NY exhibits Fernando Kabigting’s latest paintings

The Philippine Consulate General opened the exhibit of the works of Fernando Kabigting (seated, accompanied by his wife, Menchu) titled “Seeing Beyond: An Artist’s Journey” on 10 June 2015 at the Philippine Center New York Gallery, The exhibit was the cultural centerpiece of the Consulate General’s 2015 commemoration of Philippine Independence Day. The exhibit runs from June 10 through 25. NY PH CONSULATE PHOTOS

NEW YORK CITY – Diplomats, artists and members of the Filipino American community here were treated to a first look at more than 30 of the latest works of renowned artist Fernando Kabigting at the Philippine Center New York Gallery exhibit opening June 10 to start Philippine Independence Day celebrations.

“Seeing Beyond: An Artist’s Journey” exhibits never-before-seen art pieces that depict Philippine landscapes and popular landmarks painted mostly on old wooden train trestles from various places in the Philippines.

Consul General Mario de Leon Jr. told guests how he was first introduced to the latest works of Kabigting in 2014, when he met with Mrs. Menchu Kabigting. He was deeply moved and inspired, he said, by how the artist rose above a formidable trial that left him with a permanent physical infirmity, and how, instead of stopping him, he has used this experience to become an even greater artist.

Also featured are (clockwise) Calaca Church, Kulintang, Molo Church, Iloilo, Bells on the Hill, Mother and Child and San Jose Church in Iloilo.

“Mr. Kabigting’s works that we exhibit today reflect his fortitude, dedication to his craft, and a passion to create beauty,” added the Consul General.

Debilitating stroke

Speaking on behalf of the artist, Menchu Kabigting recounted how her husband suffered a debilitating stroke in 1999 that left his right hand, which he used to paint, completely paralyzed and his left eye blind.

Determined to continue with his art despite the daunting physical infirmity, the artist trained his left hand to paint. The challenges to his vision also led him to venture into watercolor from his previous oil and charcoal media, which resulted in dramatic and striking color palettes.

Consul General Mario L. de Leon Jr. (right) and Mrs. Eleanor de Leon (second from left), together with Fernando Kabigting, Mrs. Kabigting, their daughter Katrina (third from right) and family friend Vivian Talambiras (left) cut the ribbon that officially opened the exhibit “Seeing Beyond: An Artist’s Journey.”

“Art to Didi, as he is called, is synonymous [with] life, breathing and praying,” said Mrs. Kabigting. She disclosed that his art led him to a new horizon and to a freer level in expressing his ideas and feelings, with a tone and style that reveal a complete transformation in the artist.

Last one-man exhibit?

She echoed her husband’s thanks to the many guests, making special mention of the friends that helped them overcome the difficulties their family faced as a result of the stroke. She added that this could be the last one-man exhibit Kabigting may mount. 

Kabigting’s last exhibit at the Philippine Center New York, which happened to be his first one-man show, was in 1988, when he brought his signature paintings done on “batya” or wooden basins. Since then, he has had numerous one-man exhibits at the United Nations Headquarters in New York in 2009, at the Italia Gallery in Bacolod City in 2012, and at the Ayala Museum in 2014. 

He is now based in Iloilo, the hometown of his wife, where he continues to paint.

“Seeing Beyond: An Artist’s Journey” is the centerpiece cultural presentation of the Philippine Consulate General in New York for the 2015 celebration of Philippine Independence Day. The exhibit will run until June 25.

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