Cosmic Attraction 2011

Paul du Toit made Cosmic Attraction using fluid acrylic paint, applied with deliberate speed, a characteristic of his work. Du Toit’s technique involves building up layers of bold colors and strong, expressive brushstrokes. The acrylics, with their immediate vibrancy, lend themselves to a raw application, each layer contributing to the overall composition. The forms and textures of the painting suggest a sense of spontaneity, but this belies a calculated construction. The contrast between the flat planes of color and the gestural lines creates a tension. Du Toit engages with a dialogue between traditional artistic techniques and a contemporary sensibility. Cosmic Attraction reflects a wider social context of rapid artistic production and consumption. The directness of the medium allows for a translation of Du Toit’s vision that is immediate and accessible, blurring lines between process and product. Ultimately, this work underscores the importance of material and method in considering the full spectrum of an artwork's impact, inviting us to rethink traditional notions of art versus craft.