Bevan De Wet

Surface Tension

An exhibition of unique paper pulp paintings and monotypes.

David Krut Projects is pleased to present Surface Tension, a new showcase by Bevan de Wet. This exhibition features a collection of paper pulp paintings and monotypes that explore the intersections of materiality, ecology, and human intervention. Using Sisal fibers, hemp fibers, and recycled cotton, the work begins as pulp, which is then pigmented with watercolors and drawing inks. The pulp is poured or hand-placed into molds, and as it dries, it contracts into rigid yet permeable sheets. These evolving surfaces take on abstract forms that evoke biomorphic textures and geological strata.

The engagement with the surface is an almost archaeological process of unearthing, exploring thresholds and permeability, while blurring the line between surface and depth. The repeated patterns and perforations mimic natural sequences, creating a tension between the structured and the organic.

De Wet’s playful exploration of paper pulp and pigments showcases the material’s vast potential and versatility for sculpture. By transforming the humblest of artist tools into intricate handmade objects, the paper’s diverse textures add depth and visual interest, elevating the works to a sculptural level.

The use of Sisal, an invasive plant species in South Africa, thematically connects notions of human impact to broader ecological systems. By transforming these invasive fibers into enduring forms, de Wet reimagines the balance between intervention and preservation, speaking to themes of reclamation, adaptation, and humanity’s effect on the delicate equilibrium of ecosystems.

De Wet views these works as abstract topographies—visual maps of interconnected systems rather than literal landscapes. The repetitive perforations and layered textures echo the rhythms of erosion, growth, and decay found in natural processes. These marks suggest a temporal and geological perspective, reflecting humanity’s shifting relationship with the land and the resilience of natural forms beyond human influence.

Through this tactile and intuitive exploration, Surface Tension reflects on nature’s resilience and the interconnected systems that sustain life. The works invite viewers to consider humanity’s role within these fragile and evolving ecosystems.

Formless (Surface Tension I)

Hemp pulp relief with watercolour

100 x 80 cm

R 31 625 Incl. VAT

Formless (Surface Tension V)

Hemp & Sisal pulp relief with watercolour

106 x 80 cm

R31 625 Incl. VAT

Formless (Surface Tension VIII)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & collage underlay

184 x 104 cm

R59 800 Incl. VAT

Formless (Surface Tension X)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour

162 x 82 cm

R 51 750 Incl VAT

Formless (Surface Tension XV)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour

100 x 79 cm

R31 625 Incl. VAT

Formless (Fragment I)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & acrylic

170 x 70 cm

R 31 625 Incl. VAT

Formless (Fragment II)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & acrylic

173 x 54 cm

R 23 000 Incl. VAT

Formless (Fragment III)

Hemp & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & acrylic

59 x 30 cm

R 5 175 Incl. VAT

Formless (Fragment IV)

Hemp, Sisal &cotton pulp relief with watercolour

117 x 43 cm

R 9 775 Incl. VAT

Formless (Fragment V)

Hemp & sisal pulp relief with watercolour

83 x 40 cm

R 14 053 Incl. VAT Framed

Formless (Surface Tension IV)

Hemp & sisal pulp relief with watercolour

106 x 80 cm

SOLD

Formless (Fragment VI)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour

48 x 27 x 3 cm

R 5 175 Incl. VAT

Formless (Fragment VII)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour

50 x 56 x 3 cm

R9 775 Incl. VAT

Formless (Fragment VIII)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour

78 x 60 x 6 cm

R 14 950 Incl. VAT

Formless (Composition I)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & collage

70 x 58 cm

R 18 400 Incl. VAT

Formless (Composition IV)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & collage

43 x 41 x 10 cm

R 8 280 Incl. VAT

Formless (Composition V)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & collage

53 x 38 x 4 cm

R 8 280 Incl. VAT

Formless (Composition II)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & collage

100 x 82 x 13 cm

R 31 625 Incl. VAT

Formless (Composition III)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & collage

42 x 29 x 8 cm

R8 280 Incl. VAT

Formless (Composition VI)

Hemp, Sisal & cotton pulp relief with watercolour & collage

56 x 42 cm

R 8 280 Incl. VAT

Field VII (Grids and Traces)

Watercolour Monotype

67.5 x 54 cm

R 12 075 Incl. VAT Framed 

Field VIII (Grids and Traces)

Watercolour Monotype

67.5 x 54 cm

R 12 075 Incl. VAT Framed 

Grids and Lines, Tracks and Traces II

Watercolour Monotype

52 x 38.5 cm

R 7 590 Incl. VAT Framed

Grids and Lines, Tracks and Traces I

Watercolour Monotype

52 x 38.5 cm

R 7 590 Incl. VAT Framed 

Bloom 1

Pulp & Watercolour

11 x 11 cm

R 1 380 Incl. VAT

Bloom 2

Pulp & Watercolour

11 x 10 cm

R 2 358 Incl. VAT Framed as seen

Bloom 3

Pulp & Watercolour

14 x 13 cm

R 1 380 Incl. VAT

Bloom 4

Pulp & Watercolour

13 x 13 cm

R 1 380 Incl. VAT

Bloom 5

Pulp & Watercolour

11 x 11 cm

R 1 380 Incl. VAT

Bloom 6

Pulp & Watercolour

11 x 11 cm

R 1 380 Incl. VAT

Terrene 1

Pulp & Watercolour

29 x 29 cm

R 2 070 Incl. VAT

Terrene 2

Pulp & Watercolour

29 x 29 cm

R 2 070 Incl. VAT

Terrene 3

Pulp & Watercolour

29 x 29 cm

R 2 070 Incl. VAT

Terrene 4

Pulp & Watercolour

23 x 23 cm

R 3 508 Incl. VAT Framed

Terrene 5

Pulp & Watercolour

22 x 22 cm

R 2 070 Incl. VAT

Terrene 6

Pulp & Watercolour

28 x 28 cm

R 2 070 Incl. VAT

Terrene 8

Pulp & Watercolour

28 x 28 cm

R 2 070 Incl. VAT

Terrene 9

Pulp & Watercolour

29 x 29 cm

R 2 070 Incl. VAT