Who's Who

Ruslan KARABLIN

Russian born artist Ruslan Karablin aka SSUR (or RUSS for his friends) emerged from the NYC dowtown art scene almost 15 years ago. With no formal training, the Coney Island raised artist secured his subversive status by developing a signature of work influenced by 3 main Soviet subject matters : sex, politics and protest.
SSUR career began in 1989 when Karablin first released a series of paintings that have now become sought after collector pieces. His "REBEL APE" work (portraying CHE GUEVARA as an ape) was inspired, he says by "GUERILLA in the MIDST" and of course by the legendary movie "PLANET OF APES".
In 1990, Karablin's work evolved into utilitarian T-shirt design to allow more fans access to his now high profile artworks. The SSUR and REBEL APE brands were born. The SSUR name has since established itself worldwide and now boasts a store in SOHO, NYC.