Born in 1996 in the Philippines, Andres D. Cabanos has always been deeply drawn to the human form and its expressive power. His journey as an artist did not begin immediately, however. After relocating to the United States, he initially pursued studies in Kinesiology and Nursing at a Community College, seeking a practical path for his future. Yet, the pull of visual art grew stronger over time, leading him to explore portraiture and multi-figure compositions as his chosen medium of storytelling.
It was during this period that Cabanos realized his passion for figurative art could not remain on the sidelines. He began honing his craft through life drawing courses in Los Angeles, immersing himself in the discipline of observing the human body and translating it into powerful works of art.
Academic Journey and Artistic Growth
Recognizing his calling, Cabanos made a bold shift from healthcare to the arts. He enrolled in the Los Angeles Academy of Figurative Art, where he pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts. His academic experience was not only defined by rigorous training but also by his leadership. Serving as Student Representative, he played an important role in fostering communication between faculty and students, reflecting his dedication to building a supportive, creative community.
On November 16, 2024, he officially graduated, marking a milestone that solidified his commitment to a professional career in art. His education refined his technical skills and strengthened his understanding of figurative traditions, while also encouraging him to cultivate a unique personal voice within the genre.
Recognition and Exhibitions
Cabanos’s rising talent quickly earned recognition. His work has been showcased at Barclays Cafe, giving him exposure within the Los Angeles art community. In January 2024, his oil painting Marcus won second place at the Santa Paula Museum, a significant achievement that highlighted his ability to bring depth and emotion to portraiture.
The painting’s success did not end there. Marcus was later exhibited at the Haggin Museum and the Salmagundi Club in New York, connecting his art with broader audiences and affirming his growing place within contemporary figurative painting. These milestones represent not just artistic validation but also the beginning of a promising career trajectory.
Inspiration from Spain: A Cross-Cultural Exchange
A defining moment in Cabanos’s artistic journey came during his travels to Spain in March 2023. Immersing himself in the rich history of European art, he visited the Museo Sorolla, where the exhibition Origins of Sorolla deepened his appreciation for the Spanish master’s luminous approach to painting. He also explored the Prado Museum, where masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya left a lasting impression on his understanding of portraiture, drama, and storytelling through the human figure.
But the inspiration extended beyond museum walls. Cabanos found himself captivated by Spain’s architectural heritage, the energy of its streets, and above all, the passionate rhythms of flamenco music. These cultural encounters became the seeds for a new creation, one that would merge his Filipino roots with Spanish tradition.
“Spanish Woman with a Manila Shawl”
From this experience emerged the painting “Spanish Woman with a Manila Shawl.” The work is a celebration of shared heritage, weaving together the cultural threads of Spain and the Philippines. Central to the composition is the Manila Shawl, a garment with origins in the Philippines that later became a symbol of Spanish identity and an integral element in flamenco culture. By featuring it prominently, Cabanos acknowledges both its Filipino craftsmanship and its evolution into a Spanish icon.
The model for the painting, Olivia Mercedes, brought additional layers of meaning to the piece. A poet, painter, and musician herself, Mercedes embodied the fusion of artistic disciplines and cultures that Cabanos sought to express. Her presence in the painting conveys both strength and elegance, while her role as muse infused the work with emotional resonance.
Executed in oil on stretched canvas, the painting demonstrates Cabanos’s mastery of traditional techniques while exploring themes of cultural hybridity and identity. The composition not only portrays beauty but also prompts viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of history, migration, and art.
Artistic Vision and Future Directions
At the heart of Cabanos’s practice lies a devotion to the human figure as a vessel of meaning. His work captures not only physical likeness but also the intangible essence of identity, memory, and heritage. By blending personal experiences with historical and cultural narratives, he creates paintings that are both intimate and universal.
Looking forward, Cabanos continues to explore the intersections of cultures, histories, and personal stories. His journey from the Philippines to the United States, and his inspiration from Spain, illustrate how art can serve as a bridge between worlds. As he develops new projects, his aim is to push figurative art into contemporary dialogues while preserving its timeless foundations.
Conclusion
Andres D. Cabanos represents a new generation of figurative artists—rooted in tradition, yet responsive to the complexities of modern identity and cross-cultural exchange. His artistic path, from early explorations in life drawing to award-winning exhibitions, demonstrates resilience, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to craft.
Through works like Marcus and Spanish Woman with a Manila Shawl, he reminds us that portraiture is not merely a representation of an individual, but a mirror of collective history and cultural dialogue. His art stands as a testament to the power of the human figure to transcend borders, telling stories that connect people across time and place.
