Benjamin Cruz is a award winning Filipino painter who has the ability to dream and create new worlds. Mr. Cruz’s transforms his pieces to new heights with this concept of manipulating dimensionality. The artist takes inspiration from the landscapes around him that goes way beyond realism.

Compositions and painting techniques are the tools Mr. Cruz’s uses to transform his art.  His subtle shift results in a piece that is complex and layered. The same way that life is multifarious and multidimensional. His transparent layers of acrylic in unique ripple effects. Create landscapes that appear to dissolve into the mist. Results in a mysterious surface. That begs the viewer to come closer and explore the intricacies of the painting. 

Mr. Cruz’s art is in the category of abstract realism. Abstract realism is difficult to explain because it is the blend of two opposing styles of art. 

Abstract art without any combining rudiments and has no reference to real objects. It is only concerned with the colors, lines, shapes and rhythms that create the artwork. In a manner, abstract art is art without a concrete and physical construct to work from. 

Yet, realistic art aspires to create realistic impressions of real objects. Realistic painting attempts to show what the eyes actually see, including human hardships. This goal of realistic accuracy includes color choice, subject matter, and brush strokes. The painting should represent the subject. Viewers should know what they are looking at. 

The goal of abstract realism involves using abstract painting techniques. Through the use of distorted images by implementing impressionist, surrealistic and expressionist techniques. To make the painting recognizable, somewhat blurred and distorted. 

His art form sits between realistic depiction of the world. Including, non-representational abstraction as the main subject. They are no longer two separate opposing styles. But they come together to strengthen each other.

Mr. Cruz aims to bring the elements of our consciousness that is not evident in plain sight into the light. His desire for the comfort and skill of the real and the need of those abstract aesthetics. 

A former graphic designer of the Business Times, Mr. Cruz, won the coveted UOB Painting of the Year 2015 (Singapore) award for his acrylic on canvas titled “Building.” Organized by the United Overseas Bank last Nov 4, the painting mixes realism and abstraction to present images of Singapore landmarks under large, textured swirls of earthly colours. Award winning piece points out something that already exists. In its final form. It is symbolic of Mr. Cruz’s impression of Singapore, where skyscrapers dominate. 

Ben Cruz, born in 1954, is a multi awarded visual artist both in the Philippines and Singapore. Mr. Cruz has completed a degree in advertising and is concentrating on painting realist abstracts in his retirement.

**A Selection of Ben Cruz’s Art Masterpieces***

(Click the thumbnails below to enlarge the artwork, and then swipe or use the arrows to scroll)

“GUBAT” Private Collection

“TANSUN@company” 3ft x 4ft (2012)

“maBUWAYAng bagong kasal” (3ft x 4ft)

San Felipe, Zambalez

“Pabahay bato? Acrylic on Canvas

“Skyway” (2013)

“Inahin” 2ft x 2ft Acrylic on Canvas

“High Heel” 3ft x 4ft Acrylic on Canvas

“When the wind blows”

Mga ETCHURA ni Maria

Images supplied by the artist.