Silent Monumentalism — Pieter Lategan
2026
Pretoria, South Africa
Material defines the surface of the work.
It is not used to imitate reality, but to function as a physical presence within the painting.
WHAT MATERIAL IS
Material is the substance of the image.
Paint is treated as matter -
dense, compressed, and constructed.
The surface must feel:
built
worked
physical
SURFACE AS CONSTRUCTION
The painting is not applied — it is constructed.
Material is:
layered
pressed
compressed
Marks are not expressive gestures.
They are evidence of construction.
MATERIAL HIERARCHY
Material must follow a clear order:
primary form → highest intensity
ground → reduced
space → minimal
This creates clarity and control.
CONTROL OF TEXTURE
Texture must be:
restrained
intentional
consistent
Avoid:
excessive variation
decorative surface
RELATIONSHIP TO STRUCTURE
Material supports structure.
It must never overpower the form.
If material becomes dominant, the work becomes expressive rather than constructed.
CORE PRINCIPLE
Material defines the surface, but does not dominate the image.
FINAL STATEMENT
The surface must feel real, but remain controlled.
Material is presence, not expression.
