Students bid farewell to Chabet, father of Philippine conceptual art

It was a sad day for Philippine art on Tuesday, when Roberto Chabet passed away at the age of 76. Regarded for his experimental paintings, drawings, collages, and sculptures, Chabet was significant in shaping Philippine contemporary art. The loss is perhaps most felt by those who had the pleasure of having Chabet as their mentor. Born in 1937, Chabet was a graduate of Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas, and taught at the University of the Philippines College of Fine Arts for more than three decades.

"Goodbye, Angel Flores Jr aka Roberto Chabet. A teacher's legacy is what we hold within. Saludo!" Karen Ocampo Flores, vice president of the UP Artists' Circle Alumni wrote on Facebook. Flores was also the Visual Arts division head at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, of which Chabet was the founding Museum Director. In 1970, he initiated the Thirteen Artists Award, the oldest award program conferred by CCP. Chabet's intent for the program was to identify artists who took the “chance and risk to restructure, restrengthen, and renew art making and art thinking….” Chabet was an inspiration to his students, even to those not from the College of Fine Arts. "Farewell, Sir Roberto Chabet aka Angel Flores Jr. You are truly an inspiration to me and to many others. That one conceptual art class in UP Fine Arts that I took during my undergrad changed my life forever. Thank you for your guidance, and acceptance, especially to students like me who come from non-FA backgrounds. You took us in gladly. Much love and respect from one of your students, Dada," Dada Docot wrote on Facebook. Chabet's influence extends further. "While Not A Direct Disciple, You Have Influenced My Work More Than Anyone Can Imagine. Good Night And Thank You, Angel Flores Jr.," wrote Amor Maclang, director of PR and communications of Geiser Maclang. Ramon De Veyra, editor-at-large of Esquire magazine, also expressed sadness over Chabet's death. "Only met him once but he was very amiable to this twit for whom most conceptual art flies overhead," he said on Twitter. "I love you,Ninong Bobby. Thank you for everything. ♥ I ♥ CHABET Thank you, Angel Flores Jr ♥ I'm going to miss you so much! Jesus is with you now :-) " wrote sculptor Aba Lluch Dalena, who posted a photo of herself with Chabet. Carminnie Doromal, who described Chabet as her "most patient and real determined creative mentor-motivator," also paid tribute online. "Another fallen mauve-golden maple leaf fell on the ground...to my most patient and real determined creative mentor-motivator... Roberto Bobby Chabet aka Angel Flores Jr... May you have a blessed peaceful slumber as the angels are watching over you with their harps and chords...a full completed life indeed!! RIP." As seen in such messages, Chabet's contribution to Philippine art does not end with his passing. In the words of Fete dela WSK artistic director Tengal Drilon, "An era has ended. How long will it take for the world to catch on? RIP, Roberto Chabet." — Carmela G. Lapeña/BM, GMA News