Untitled 2010

Paul du Toit made this untitled painting with paint that's laid on pretty thick, giving it a real presence. It’s all about the shapes, amorphic and blocky – they push and pull against each other, creating a lively visual dialogue. See how the stark black outlines define these forms, almost like they’re characters in a play. Then there’s that vibrant palette, colours jostling for attention, from the bright yellows and greens to the bold reds and blues. Take a look at the pair of eye-like forms, each rendered with concentric rings, almost like targets drawing you in. Do you notice how the heavy black outlines against the bright colour fields give them a kind of playful intensity, an almost cartoonish vibe? I’m reminded of work by artists like Jean Dubuffet, who also embraced a raw, expressive style. It's a reminder that art is always a conversation, building on what came before and pushing towards something new.