Slice of Life – Malcolm Koch

Malcolm’s curved canvases are worked on as three dimensional objects. However, rather than considering the interplay between solid and space – as a sculptor does, his process returns to the ‘flat two dimensional picture plane’ (the switch from 3D to 2D). Working in this way creates reciprocal and distinct marks as a single expression. An aesthetic that is only possible through the use of a curved surface. So, when finally we observe them on a two-dimensional picture plane a different aesthetic emerges. Demonstrating that past events don’t disappear but an alternative purpose and meaning eventuates in the transformation of flattening the profile from one environment to another – setting in motion a further process of deep reflection or meditation.

In the example blow, ten ‘cuts’ appear on the picture plane. However, the truth is that only five single expressions were made at the one time. So one might ask, how is it that we can now can see ten? The reason that this has occurred is because the surface geometry was in a different state when it was cut, i.e., it was curled-up, so that two layers were penetrated at almost the same time. So, the flattening of the linen as we see it now happened after the event. Hence, how one mark may lead to many.

**Slice of Life**: Medium – Belgian linen, hand-sized with rabbit-skin glue on the reverse side, 100% cotton fabric colours, mounted to a professional quality frame.

What we observe
The raw linen (front) shows a row of 5 split open cuts at the top with another similar row below them. Appearing through each of the cuts is 5 brightly coloured fabrics, each lining up with their corresponding cuts.

The artist’s hand-sizing (rabbit-skin glue) on the reverse side, aids in turning the split edges inside itself – leading the eye into the open spaces. Also, the broad brushstroke expressions made with the glue on the ‘back’, appear to seep through the linen fabric in places, a process of over-soaking, through to the front. This brings texture and reinforces the human expression.