Rouman Alexey

About the artist

Every piece by the Russian artist Alexey Rouman represents a concept in which form and substance are inseparable. However, unlike the proponents of conceptual art for whom changes of form do not affect the substance, translating into supremacy of the Idea over the Medium, Rouman in his artistic endeavours seems to have struck a balance between the two, letting them coexist as equals and complement one another to reveal a new meaning.

Rouman’s artworks are distinguished by impeccably concise means of creative expression verging on minimalism. His clear and precise imagery evokes notions which are often socially charged. The creation of a conceptual artwork was rather accurately described by the pioneer of conceptualism, American artist John Baldessari, who is quoted as saying that the way to create new meaning ‘is to bring two things together — whether it is two words, two images or image and word — but you need to get them close enough so there’s some sort of synapse and something new is created.’

The juxtaposition of simple visual images unveils the metaphorical meaning meticulously encrypted by the artist. Using stereotypes, common associations and cultural connotations, he foreshows the viewers’ reactions and follows their reasoning. The final destination on this sometimes winding path is the artist’s original concept encapsulating the true meaning of the artwork.