Sydney Abstract Artist Irene Cabasa Channels Breast Cancer Diagnosis Into Layered Paintings
Irene Cabasa, an abstract painter based in Sydney, communicates both physically and emotionally through her artwork, utilizing acrylics, crackle paint, and modelling paste with various tools. Music has been a constant presence in her creative journey since childhood. In 2012, she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Performance and Popular Music from JMC Academy. Her architectural father, who emigrated from the Philippines in 1985, shaped her understanding of design. After her breast cancer diagnosis at 33, she transformed her suffering into artistic expression. Her piece, Sacred Feminine, measuring 30.5 by 30.5 cm, reflects on the strength and vulnerability of women through color. Influenced by Frida Kahlo, Cabasa now aspires to work on larger canvases and promote global breast cancer awareness.
Key facts
- Irene Cabasa is a Sydney-based abstract artist working in acrylic, modelling paste, crackle paint and coarse texture mediums
- She completed a Bachelor's degree in Performance and Popular Music at JMC Academy in 2012
- Her father studied architecture before immigrating from the Philippines to Australia in 1985
- Cabasa was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33
- Sacred Feminine is an acrylic on canvas measuring 30.5 by 30.5 centimetres
- She cites Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dalí and Monet as influences
- Her studio process involves drying periods that can extend a work's development over several weeks
- She aims to spread breast cancer awareness globally through her artwork
Entities
Artists
- Irene Cabasa
- Frida Kahlo
- Salvador Dalí
- Monet
Institutions
- JMC Academy
- AATONAU
Locations
- Sydney
- Australia
- Philippines
Sources
- AATONAU —