Michael Coombs, Towel, Cotton, Resin and Fibreglass, Unique, 78 cms high by 40 cms wide
Towel is an abstract sculpture that explores the illusion of fabric. The piece is crafted from resin, fiberglass, and cotton, materials that, at first glance, seem incongruous for capturing the softness of cloth. Yet, Coombs skillfully uses these hard materials to mimic the look of a towel draped over a chair. The smooth, flowing lines of the sculpture give the impression of weighty folds, as if the fabric is alive and settling naturally.
The artist creates a stark contrast between the perception of softness and the inherent rigidity of the materials. The contours of the towel seem to collapse and cascade with lifelike ease. The resin and fiberglass, though solid, capture the illusion of movement—an achievement in both technique and imagination.
What’s fascinating is how the piece seems to defy the natural properties of its components. The cotton, while adding a soft texture to the visual, does not bend or stretch in the way real fabric would. Instead, Coombs manipulates the materials with such precision that the sculpture gives off the impression of fluidity, even as it remains unyielding.
Through this juxtaposition, Towel invites the viewer to think about the relationship between materiality and illusion. It transforms a simple object—a towel—into something unexpected and surreal. What appears to be a soft, pliable item is, in reality, a hard, sculptural form.
Standing at 78 cm tall, the sculpture commands attention. Its clean, simple lines draw the eye, yet its layered textures and complexity make it captivating. The play between softness and rigidity keeps the viewer engaged, encouraging them to reconsider the everyday objects they take for granted.
This piece brings a contemporary sensibility to the art of sculpture. It pushes boundaries in material usage and presentation, making it ideal for modern art collections. Its presence invites conversation and contemplation, turning something familiar into a thought-provoking work of art.
