An exhibition of sculptures by internationally famed artist, Paul du Toit (1965-2014), recently opened on a local wine estate.
The Modern Primitive exhibition is on show in the sculpture garden outside the Tokara Delicatessen at Tokara Wine Estate, Stellenbosch, according to Ilse Schermers, owner of IS Art Gallery in Stellenbosch, and the curator of Modern Primitive. The exhibition began on 4 October, and will run until 20 November, she added.
“This is the first time that Paul’s sculptures are being exhibited in a solo exhibition,” said Schermers.
Paul, who passed away from cancer in 2014, was well known for his globally exhibited artworks that involve primary colours painted on sculptures, made using the impasto technique. Impasto is a technique that involves an area of thick paint or texture, according to the Tate art gallery website.
Paul du Toit, an artist and sculptor, got bored quickly when working with only one material and art technique, according to Lorette du Toit, his wife. “There are various materials, various influences. So, from cardboard to found metal objects to polystyrene. [Paul] even used a concrete canvas that was developed by the British Military to build bridges, while he made sculptures,” said Lorette. Pictured here is the sculpture, Expanded Canvas (2010), being featured at the Modern Primitive exhibition at Tokara Wine Estate. The sculpture is made from concrete canvas and polyurethane paint. PHOTO: Marianne Francis Stewart
Modern Primitive
Paul found a way to create his own style, and “he was neither overly influenced by European nor African artistic tradition”, said Frank Kilbourn, executive chairperson at Strauss & Co.
The Modern Primitive sculpture exhibition that is currently taking place at Tokara Wine Estate is the first solo sculpture exhibition for the late artist, Paul du Toit. “I want to thank Paul for creating this legacy, which I will treasure. I will try and grow, and I will do my best for as long as I am alive,” said Lorette du Toit, his wife, of Paul’s passing in 2014. Pictured above is the sculpture, Above the clouds (2002), as featured at the exhibition on Tokara Wine Estate. PHOTO: Marianne Francis Stewart
“He never had the chance to exhibit his sculptures in South Africa. [Lorette du Toit and I] started arranging this after he passed away,” said Schemers.
The process of gathering all the works for the exhibition was quite long, according to Schermers.
“Most of the works were at his studio to be restored, because they stood outside, and are made of different materials. A few of the works had to be recast, which takes a while and the costs involved are quite high,” said Schermers.
Lorette du Toit, the wife of artist and sculptor, Paul du Toit, “admits that putting together a book about her late husband just a few years after he succumbed to cancer took a heavy toll on her”, according to an article in the Visi magazine. However, Lorette’s experience of putting together a book about Paul’s life was cathartic, said the article. PHOTO: Marianne Francis Stewart
Sculpting: Paul’s first love
Paul was known for his paintings, but he loved to experiment with different materials and art forms. His experimentation was due to how quickly he tended to get bored, according to Lorette du Toit, his wife.
“When we did his archive after he passed away, I found in one of his notebooks a line that reads ‘sculpture is my first love’,” said Lorette of her husband’s love for sculpting.
Paul du Toit’s paintings and sculptures are unique. “I have never seen a work from Paul that is just dominated by form, colour and structure. There is always an energy, an emotional presence that pulses – whether it is a painting or a sculpture,” said Frank Kilbourn, executive chairperson at Strauss & Co, on Paul’s works. Pictured above is the sculpture, Space Oddity (2006), as featured at the Modern Primitive exhibition on Tokara Wine Estate. PHOTO: Marianne Francis Stewart
Paul travelled to Paris in 1994, a journey that allowed him to have formative exposure to sculptures made from industrial material. After the trip to Paris, Paul started collaborating with artist and sculptor, Willie Bester, according to Kilbourn.
“Throughout this time Paul’s interest remained with the human figure, whether in painting or in sculpture. That is one common denominator throughout his practice – I have never seen him make anything that is not related to the human figure,” explained Kilbourn.