Aptly named, this series is indeed constructed from canvas, however the material is called ‘concrete canvas’, a woven fabric that is impregnated with concrete. It has been noted by more than one observer of Paul’s work that even to envision this type of sculpture involves a huge amount of energy, let alone to execute it.

 

 

 

    Expanded canvas series (01207043)

    Concrete canvas and polyurethane paint

    Height 1280mm

    2012

 

Paul has been experimenting with this medium for several years, with exciting and surprising results. The sculptures are constructed using an armature of treated wood, over which the concrete canvas is draped, shaped and attached and then given its final form.

The canvas is then wet, and within two hours, it sets into the structure Paul has created.

 

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    Expanded canvas series (01207042)

    Concrete canvas and polyurethane paint

    Height 2520mm

    2012

 

Once the material is completely dry, Paul finishes the surface using a polyurethane based paint. This part of the work is critical, since this is when the form of the sculpture is imbued with its inimitable character, where the symbols and markings characteristic of Paul’s painting come into play.

 

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    Expanded canvas series (01207044)

    Concrete canvas and polyurethane paint

    Height 2920mm

    2012

 

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Expanded canvas series                     Expanded canvas series

(01207036)                                              (012070)

Concrete canvas and                           Concrete canvas and polyurethane paint                              polyurethane paint

Height 3460mm                                    Height 2440mm

2012                                                         2012

Process and background of concrete canvas sculptures.

“Expanded canvas - sculptures by Paul du Toit”

.....................................................................................

 

I always think in terms of sculpture and my heavily textured paintings form blue-prints for

sculptures. The groundbreaking concrete cloth(canvas) material allows me to shape and

mould what would have been a two dimensional painting into a three dimensional

“expanded canvas” that is durable and can carry all the properties of sculpture.

 

    Expanded canvas series (01207038)

    Concrete canvas and polyurethane paint

    Height 1400mm

    2012

 

Once you understand all the processes, it is easier to break them down and adapt certain

habits the more familiar a product becomes.

 

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    Expanded canvas series (01207040)

    Concrete canvas and polyurethane paint

    Height 2300mm

    2012

 

I start out with an idea for a sculpture and have a shape and scale in mind for months and

sometimes years before implementation. I use these ideas as starting points and I am

always pleasantly surprised by the outcome that is somewhat different to the original idea.

 

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    Expanded canvas series (01207037)

    Concrete canvas and polyurethane paint

    Height 2650mm

    2012

 

This starting point is physically created in the form of a skeleton or armature using various

materials like wood, steel, welded wire or polystyrene. I then use the concrete cloth to

dress the armature by folding and moulding the canvas into a desired shape. Water is then

applied to the concrete canvas and once dry, I paint it with industrial paints.

It is only now with the invention of concrete canvas that I can realise the sculptures on a

grand scale. This idea was first done in 1998 when I wrapped canvas and thick paint around wooden structures. I then took moulds and cast them into bronze.

 

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Expanded canvas series (01207041)

    Concrete canvas and polyurethane paint

    Height 2340mm

    2012