19. 19AR WIM DELVOYE (born 1965) Concrete Mixer (scale model 1:4) 2010 Sculpture en acier corten nickelé découpé au laser Sculptuur in lasergesneden vernikkeld cortenstaal Sculpture in laser-cut nickel-plated corten steel 65 x 59 x 39 cm Provenance / Herkomst Acquis directement auprès de l'artiste par l'actuel propriétaire Collection privée / privécollectie, France Un certificat de l'artiste sera remis à l'acquéreur 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.