Abstract
M.Tech.
My research investigates how modularity, repetition and material choices are employed as strategies in the work of selected South African sculptors, Willem Boshoff, Paul Edmunds and Alan Alborough. My argument is that these three strategies are purposefully used by the artists in the construction of their sculpture and that they create the intrinsic meaning of the works. Self-reflexivity is a major focus of this study that is central to the construction of intrinsic meaning embodied in each of the aforementioned strategies. I postulate that an obsessive focus characterises the repetition of modular materials in the production of the works. Obsessive focus is highlighted as a positive characteristic that enhances the reading of the work and is a direct result of the methodology employed by the artists. I analyse how each of the strategies manifests itself in specific works by these artists and how precursors can be found for the strategies in works by other local and international artists, particularly Tom Friedman, Tara Donovan, Tony Cragg and David Mach. This context allows for the close visual analysis of selected works within a postmodern paradigm. I acknowledge extrinsic readings of works as relevant to analysis of the works but focus my investigation on the intrinsic meanings generated by the three strategies. Once these strategies have been investigated, I am able to determine 2ow I deploy these strategies in my own work. This necessitates an explication of my practice through a close visual analysis.