Thomas Rhube

ABC=123

Thomas Rhubes work turns around simplicity and reduction where the overload of information produces complexity and an opaque life. In his work he addresses the audience very directly and reflects content and form. Words, ancient graphics and found footage are part of an artistic practice that in a way extracts essences aesthetically. The results are paintings and graphics which refer to something but have the approach to go further than its connection. It is about to find ideas and ways to do paintings in face of the huge mass of pictures being produced.

What is it about your studio space that inspires you?

The fact that here is happening something which is under my control. Despite or maybe because of mess and chaos there develops form and content.

What sounds, scents and sights do you encounter while in your studio?

Mostly techno and jazz. Loud. Colour, canvas, primer. All the ingredients have their own scents, almost with the same intensity than things to see. Many things in the studio stay the same. The artworks change. New sights do come along with the process of painting.

What is your favourite material to work with? How has your use of it evolved throughout your practice?

Indian Ink. Based on a deep interest on how and why things emerge, indian ink as a material that mainly is used for writing and drawing, I started using it on canvas. As a color it simply can be shaped with water and therefore gains huge qualities. It works in a range between a deep, rich colour to almost nothing.

What themes do you pursue?

All and nothing. Nothing - interests me as something that is. And just is defined by the opposite. So because you can't do nothing you have to do something. Art is a satisfying activity to spend life. Because of its lack of singular usability it gets so interesting. It's about aesthetics and sense. This is all.

What advice has had the biggest impact on your career?

The book Mächtiger als das Schicksal from Seneca. You have to do it on your own.

If you could install your art absolutely anywhere, where would that be?

In an architecture of Ando or Niemeyer.

If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?

After V by Amos Gitai.

If you weren´t an artist, what would you be doing?

Writing books.

What are your favourite places besides your studio?

All I have not seen yet.

EXHIBITIONS

SOLO

GROUP

EDUCATION (detailed)