Ausstellung #273
09. Mai bis 20. Juni 2009

The nature of my work is often described as a dialogue between painting and sculpture, but, in reality, it is an extension of painting into three-dimensional space. Its geometric forms, which seem solid, are in fact hollow structures usually made from plywood  coloured with a coating of acrylic and marble powder.  In sanding-down this coating, to make it flat, an uneven quality is also given to the surface of the colour..  The physical and tactile character of the art object is enhanced by this effect.  We find ourselves directed away from the world of painting - and its association with illusion - towards the world of real objects or sculpture.  The shape of the work, its thickness, and the holes or incisions cut into the surface, are also important in giving a strong physical presence to each work.

As well as the continuation of the theme of negative and positive areas, I have been developing a new group of objects using incised lines. The lines or grooves are quite shallow in some instances, whilst in others, the lines are cut through the full thickness of the work.  When seen from a distance, however, the visual effect is of a drawn line.   It is only on closer inspection, that one comes to realise that the line is a physical cut, which indicates a structural division.  So the line becomes a sculptural fact.

John Carter, London.  2009