Houben Tcherkelov, (Bulgarian; known as Houben R.T.; born January 23, 1970) is a Bulgarian painter and experimental artist who lives and works in New York. In his early photographs, film, and installations post-communist Bulgaria and Bulgarian art is a recurrent theme. In his more recent work, Tcherkelov paints images from American and other national currencies using impasto, glaze, and watercolor techniques. In all of his work the artist seeks to suggest the way in which symbolic images legitimize national power.

Houben Tcherkelov was born on January 23, 1970, in Kardzhali, a town in southeastern Bulgaria. Tcherkelov studied painting at the National Academy of Arts in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, and was associated with the radical movement around the XXL Gallery.

In all of his work the artist seeks to suggest the way in which symbolic images legitimize national power. His works have been featured at The Bronx Museum, NY, The Brogan Museum, FL, the 54th Venice Biennial and galleries in New York, Boston, Washington and Charlotte. He is the subject of the 2011 documentary, “Houben Paints Money,” by director Georgi Tenev.