CUT

(Rob Bolter’s "Jaw Bone")

An exhibition of paintings by Robert Bolter opens in the Middle Gallery of artSPACE Durban on August 8.

The exhibition is based on the concept of how he has worked with paint for the last few years. It is a personal application inspired by his physical and mental experiences. These are not unique to him, but things that have allowed him to develop artistic ideas and concepts physically based on his experience have affected him visibly and personally.

Bolter first started his concept and style applying himself physically to his paintings. Essentially, as he had his left arm amputated or ‘cut off’ because of the root avulsion of the nerves that control the arm in the spinal cord. He then worked with oil paint and its organic nature, slow drying, slow growing and polymerization of the oil base of the paint and layering it, building it up until it was solid enough to be cut. “This is a long process requiring patience and planning, as with life in general, you cannot always be absolutely sure of the result,” Bolter comments.

The exhibition is metaphorical and parallel to Bolter’s physical and mental self. He applies the technique to various images although most are of a strictly abstract nature. He has produced some representations of nerves such as is observed in neural imaging that is now successfully obtained with the improvement in technology and science. This cutting removes some aspect yet reveals more, perhaps a colour, a shape, strength or a weakness.

CUT runs from August 8 to 27. artSPACE durban is situated at 3 Millar Road (off Umgeni Road) close to the Waste Centre. More information on 031 312 0793 or visit www.artspacedurban.co.za or www.artspacedurban.blogspot.com