Original artwork description:

Malcolm's curved canvases are worked on as three dimensional objects. However, rather than considering the interplay between solid and space - as a sculptor does, his process returns to the 'flat two dimensional picture plane’ (the switch from 3D to 2D). Working in this way creates reciprocal and distinct marks as a single expression. An aesthetic that is only possible through the use of a curved surface. So, when finally we observe it on a two-dimensional picture plane a different aesthetic emerges – we are entangled within the physical world but paradoxically we may only be aware of one (flat) reality.

In this example, ten 'cuts' appear on the picture plane. However, the truth is that only five single expressions were made at the one time. So one might ask, how is it that we can now can see ten? The reason that this has occurred is because the surface geometry was in a different state when it was cut, i.e., it was curled-up, so that two layers were penetrated at almost the same time. So, the flattening of the linen as we see it now happened after the event. Hence, how one mark may lead to many.

Materials used:

Belgian linen, hand-sized with rabbit-skin glue on the reverse side, 100% cotton fabric colours, mounted to a professional quality frame.

Tags: