Sentence:  Instead of isolating the literal flatness by specifying and circumscribing it , the pasted paper or <WSD>cloth</WSD> releases and spreads it , and the artist seems to have nothing left but this undepicted flatness with which to finish as well as start his picture . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers