Alben


Working primarily with spray paint and handcrafted stencils, French artist Alben creates colorful canvases that are saturated with images. Much of the subject matter is derived from 1970s pop culture, betraying the artist’s nostalgia for his childhood. The witty juxtapositions of images in his work create a subtle humor that is also evident in his unique mixed media and resin sculptures. Alben has created a permanent installation in the city of Bordeaux, and has exhibited widely throughout Europe, the United States and the United Arab Emirates.

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Alben creates pieces that identify with graffiti and street art. Self-taught, the artist works primarily in spray paint and individually crafted stencils—each one made by hand.  In a manner intentionally referential to French modernist artist Arman, Alben builds up a dizzying accumulation of images in his works. However, Alben’s use of diverse words, figures and references function to create multiple layers of hidden symbols and meanings.

Alben’s latest solo exhibition at gallery nine5 featured many recent sculptures in addition to his stenciled graffiti works. The artist fills various molds with a variety of commonplace objects (from candy to vintage children’s toys) suspended in resin, creating colorful and one-of-a-kind pieces.  The use of disparate found objects, often relating to childhood, works to further explore the underlying nostalgia central to Alben’s artistic practice.

Works by Alben are held in public and private collections throughout Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong, Australia, Bordeaux, Nogent Sur Marne, Bourg-en-Bresse, London, Zurich, Italy, Mexico, New York, San Diego and Chicago.