FERNANDO Q. KABIGTING has been an artist for over fifty years. The second to the youngest of eight children born in Manila, he graduated with a degree in economics before pursuing his passion for art. He was in his late teens when a schoolmate introduced him to painting, a hobby he simply dabbled at in his spare time. This somewhat casual awakening had been a significant turning point for the budding artist, who was presented with four tubes of paint by the schoolmate, and given the opportunity to test his skills on a pleasurable craft. Immediately, he was challenged and intrigued by the power of self-expression which painting provided. And so what began as an interest in a friend's hobby eventually became his calling.

Kabigting was in his mid-twenties when he opened his first gallery, a gamble for the young aspiring artist, as he had traded his steady day job to pursue this occupation.

As the only artist in his family, he did not have a wide exposure to other artists of the time, but did admire the works such as that of national artist Fernando Amorsolo, among many others. His first pieces consisted mostly of subjects ranging from still life to landscapes, mostly on oil or charcoal media.

Kabigting’s circle of friends and colleagues were his early supporters, who would commission him to work on pieces both in Manila and in Iloilo. However, he quickly gained a following in the Visayas, and honed his skills by traveling all over the country, discovering various experiences which shaped his understanding of life and the Filipino spirit, while taking his artistic skills to new heights. He has a fondness for antiques and Spanish architecture, which were evident in his earlier pieces. Most of his work also reflected a soft spot for the local life, and his love of the natural environment.

Countless one-man shows and exhibitions followed. Art aficionados and critics alike clamor were enamored by his work. In 1988, he took his paintings to New York, where he held his first one-man exhibition at the Philippine Consulate in Manhattan, and was received with much acclaim. This was repeated four more times, all of which featured unique and inspiring artworks.

Despite his success, Kabigting chose to direct his energies in teaching, finding much satisfaction in conveying the love of art with students both young and old. Whether it was working with one student or a collegiate class of fifty, he strived to make each lesson a unique experience to the individual, focusing not only on method, but also on the uniqueness of each budding artist.

Kabigting suffered a stroke in 1999, which left him partially paralyzed. Despite this, he persevered and forced himself to once again pick up his brushes and do what he loved best. Working with debilitating physical conditions such as double vision and a half paralyzed body, he retrained himself to paint left-handed. He never really tried his hand at the abstract form of artistic expression, but found the truth and freedom it offered to be a healing balm, both physically and emotionally. This was a blessing for a man who had to relearn to sign his own name.

As he progressed to his current state, he discovered that painting in the abstract form had resurrected his joy of being an artist; it eventually allowed him to retrace his way to painting in the style that he was best known for. Each new piece he creates now carry even more depth; despite his failing eyesight, his present subjects are even more vividly depicted, expressing emotions that convey life, love, and what it is to be human.

A one man show at the United Nations in New York City in 2009 was his final exhibit in the United States prior to returning to the Philippines in 2011. Hosted by the Philippine Cultural Society, it was there that Ambassador Honorato Davide commended Kabigting for his tenacity and enduring Filipino spirit, and in his deep faith in God’s greatness. The exhibit itself garnered rave reviews within the Filipino community in the east coast of the United States.

After 17 years of living abroad, his return to the Philippines in 2011 has granted him the opportunity to once again embrace his beloved country, where inspiration, and love of friends and family have rekindled his joy and spirit.

Kabigting is proud to once again be embraced by Bacolod City. After all, his wife Menchu Cuadra hails from this beloved city, and where his first place, Gallery K, once stood by the streets of Riverside Drive. It was here where dreams of a life filled with family, and his love of the artistic craft had taken root and flourished.

Kabigting feels that his life and work have now come full circle. The satisfaction of being able to share both with his audience, old and new, has not wavered despite time, distance, and frail health. He is filled with much joy and gratitude for this special homecoming.

Kabigting has been married for 38 years, a father to two daughters, and a doting Lolo to two young boys. These days, you will find him at his present home in Tabucan, painting to his heart’s desire by the Iloilo river, as the bells of the Molo Church beckon to his artistic muse.

by Karina K. Tenaillon

For more info, please visit email info@charliesartgallery.com.