For Benedict Abigan, art is life, and life is art.
A self-taught artist, Benedict Abigan answered the call of the canvas at an early age and has consistently joined art competitions throughout his career to continuously challenge his creativity.
At the young age of 8 years old, as a Grade 3 student at Plaridel Elementary School, he won 2nd place in an art competition that required a portrait of Marcelo H. Del Pillar. Thus began a passion he would soon devote the rest of his life to.
In high school, he continued to join poster competitions, experimenting with different styles and mediums, including oil, as he searched for his place in the world.
In 1991, he made his entry into the art community as a member of the Art Association of the Philippines. This affiliation exposed him to the world of art and allowed him to blend figures and abstracts in his work. It was during this time that he began to grow as an artist, developing a preference for styles that expressed his thoughts and emotions more effectively. One example of this is his fascination with vines. Benedict was drawn to their untamed and free-flowing lines, which could form infinite shapes with infinite meanings. He found their depth, motion, tone, and unpredictable nature captivating. This unrestricted environment is where he thrives, as most of the competitions he has won had no specific theme and required on-the-spot creations. This spontaneity nourishes his artistic soul.
In 1991, he was also a Shell finalist for his painting, "Sa Bubong May Buhay." He received honorable mentions in competitions held by Westin Philippine Plaza and Manila Yacht Club, and he became a finalist for the first figurative painting competition at the Big and Small Art Gallery. In recent years, he has exhibited his work at various venues, including Galerie Anna, Passion Art Gallery, Sining Kamalig, Big and Small Art Gallery, Art Center in Megamall, Arty Asia, and Sining ng Kanlungan of the Art Association of the Philippines. His talent has also been recognized in several books that celebrate accomplished artists of our time, such as "Structural Art (A Collection of Ageless Art, Vol. 3)" by Philippine Artists, "FLORA AND FAUNA by Philippine Artists," "PHILIPPINES ART NOW by Philippine Artists," and "Korea-Philippines Fine Art Festival 2006" brought together by the GSIS.
Benedict finds true joy in expressing himself through paint. Through his use of vibrant and lively colors to depict the realism of life as he sees it, art becomes his driving force and passion.
In his artist journey, he constantly strives to explore new styles and techniques, seeking innovation and growth. For him, art is more than just beauty; it is also the story behind that beauty.
He aims to delve deeper into the beauty and capture the essence of people, portraying not only their physical attractiveness but also the significance within their souls—the essence of humanity, known as "pagkatao." His fascination with people extends beyond the canvas, as he sees them as the living art of the world.
Due to his ability to empathize, his main advocacy is supporting his fellow artists. Having experienced similar struggles in life as an artist, he wishes to contribute to the upliftment of the artistic community he is part of. Benedict Abigan has truly found a balance in his paintings, living a life dedicated to art.