In the late 1980s, Thomas Burrows began working with polyester resin to create works that blur the boundary between painting and sculpture. From a distance, they have the appearance of abstract Colour Field paintings, reminiscent of the work of Mark Rothko. Upon closer examination the depth created by the casting technique becomes apparent and the sculptural aspect of the pieces is revealed. The pieces are made face down and mixtures of polyester resin, pigment and other materials are added from the reverse, suspending solid particles of pigment within the resin. Although the works are abstract in appearance, the titles added by Burrows provide references to the material world. The surface of #4 Hematoma: Violet/Red evokes bruising on the skin and speaks to the frailty of the human body.

Tom Burrows received a BA in Art History from the University of British Columbia and subsequently studied at St Martin’s College, London, UK. He has exhibited frequently since 1965 and was recipient of a Japan/Canada Fund award in 1994.