19. 19AR WIM DELVOYE (born 1965) Concrete Mixer (scale model 1:4) 2010 Laser-cut sculpture in nickel-plated corten steel Sculptuur in lasergesneden vernikkeld cortenstaal Sculpture in laser-cut nickel-plated corten steel 65 x 59 x 39 cm Provenance / Herkomst Acquired directly from the artist by the current owner Private collection / privécollectie, France A certificate from the artist will be given to the buyer Dump trucks, low loaders, and cement mixers are, of course, functional. Yet Wim Delvoye produces them as if they are Gothic cathedrals, in incredibly fine, laser[1]cut stainless steel. In his hands, they become works of art that are as beautiful as they are useless. He also gives a nod to the fascination that big vehicles hold for children: traditionally, miniature dump trucks are thought of as the classic boys' toys. Even in his early period (1986-1990), Delvoye uses objects associated with labour, such as ironing boards which he adorns with heraldic symbols, and gas cylinders which he paints with historic Dutch scenes.