Stoyanov Profile: Houben R.T.
Houben in L'Uomo Vogue Italia Photo by Lorenzo Bringheli
Houben Tcherkelov, (known as Houben R.T) is a Bulgarian painter and experimental artist who lives and works in New York. He graduated in painting from the National Academy of Fine Arts, Sofia and was affiliated with the XXL Gallery “radical movement” in Bulgaria during the 1990's. In his early photographs, film and installations, post-communist situation is a recurrent theme. In his more recent work, Houben paints images from American and other national currencies using impasto, glaze and transfer techniques. In all of his work the artist seeks to suggest the way in which symbolic images legitimize national power.
When Houben moved to the U.S. in 2000, he noticed a majority of the works on view in galleries and museums were “flat”. At this time, the rise of Photoshop seemed to influence most of the art he encountered. In opposition to this, Houben began creating small paintings with the use of paint and various materials. "Most noticeable are the weight and brightness of the pigment and the complex impasto technique I employ to render the image. Looking is rewarded when the viewer discovers that the figures might be composed of hills and valleys and streams. The emphasis on craft and paint, materiality and volume makes these paintings conceptual. Offering both figurative and abstract forms the overloaded canvas implies complexity. More is more. The complexity of the painting seeks to communicate acceptance. It is about giving maximum attention to the viewers so they will maintain enough confidence to experience communication."
In addition to this, Houben takes unique themes from artist such as Willem de Kooning, Andy Warhol, and James Turrell and applies them to his works. “Willem de Kooning though not discernible. Andy Warhol as a concept, which shows in my work. James Turrell is a radically different artist-I drew on his ever-changing light, which is of paramount importance to my painting. My work creates an environment of visual stimulation, an explosion for the senses where the viewer can lose him or herself.”
One Dollar, G.Washington (USA), foil and acrylic on canvas
"My works can be read in two ways: as narratives, horizontally or in depth, as volume and material. They appear to possess multiple horizontal narratives with financial, historical, educational and social references. The fact that the image is taken from actual money alone invokes an endless number of comforting associations. However, when the viewer takes a closer look multiple details appear."
Houben's works have been featured at The Bronx Museum, NY, The Brogan Museum, FL, the 54th Venice Biennial and galleries in New York, Boston, and Charlotte. He is the subject of the 2012 documentary, “Houben Paints Money,” by Bulgarian director, playwright, and novelist Georgi Tenev.
You can find more of Houben's works on view in the "Phantoms" group show located in the media gallery on view until October 14th.