Exhibition | Whatever Happened There
Rik Stabel
"Wow ... what happened here?"
Eindhoven is changing faster than you think. Before you know it, you've past event away for a few years and you ask yourself af"Wow, what happened here?" That's exactly the feeling illustrator Rik Stabel (Eindhoven, 1987) captures in his new exhibition Whatever Happened There, starting September 7 at the Parktheater.
With bright colors, playful compositions and a touch of surrealism, Rik brings the city to life. His work is an ode to Eindhoven, both recognizable and alienating at the same time. "It always has to be recognizable, but in terms of colors it's not at all right, and that's what makes it fun," according to Rik.
His drawings are full of movement. Street corners, skylines, snack bars and meeting places, all recognizable to those who walk around, but in Rik's world they get a magical twist. Inspired by skate culture, music and food, but also by the iconic style of Tintin illustrator Hergé, he is always looking for that one moment when something ordinary suddenly becomes special.
"Eindhoven may not be the most beautiful city, but it is our city," says Rik. "Everything changes here at lightning speed. If you come back after a few years, you'll be amazed."
More about Rik
Besides being an artist, Rik is also a teacher. He gives young people the same advice he follows himself: do above all what gives you energy. "Illustrating is almost therapeutic for me. I grant that to everyone." He has plenty of dreams, from a children's book to murals in hotels around the world. But first, Parktheater.
And that's where the story begins for you. Whatever Happened There is free to visit in the foyers of Parktheater Eindhoven. An expo full of energy, recognition and surprises, just like Eindhoven itself.
Extra fun: especially for this exhibition Rik had T-shirts screen printed at 100% Skate in Eindhoven, the store where he used to buy his own skateboard.
Follow Rik on insta: RKSTBL (@rkstbl)