Tubular Series I 1973

Christo Coetzee made this mixed media collage painting, Tubular Series I, using a variety of materials including paint and found objects. The choice of materials and the methods of their combination play a crucial role in shaping its appearance and meaning. Coetzee skillfully combines distinct materials, from the expressive qualities of paint to the tactile qualities of found objects to create this work. The collage elements interrupt the painted surface, adding a new dimension to the artwork. The application of color and texture through painting builds up layers of visual complexity across the surface of the panel, whilst the found materials bring their own histories to the artwork. Coetzee's interweaving of disparate materials encourages us to reconsider traditional hierarchies between art and craft. By emphasizing the materiality and production processes, Coetzee challenges conventional notions of artistic skill.