MODERN PAINTING.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 98, 28 April 1933, Page 13

MODERN PAINTING.

ARTS EXHIBITION. SOME STRIKING EXAMPLES THE OPENING CEREMONY. A feature of tlie Auckland Society oi Arts annual exhibition -which was opened last night by the Mayor, Mr. G W. Hutchison, Is tlie display of modern work oil the end wall. These pictures will create a gTeat deal of interest as representing something different from what has been attempted in the past. The exhibits in general are not quite as numerous as in former years, but the quality is as high as at previous exhibitions. It is noticeable thai some of the artists who were con sidered to be "marking time" or, in other words, not making the progress that was expected of them, have suddenly shown advance, while others who were considered the leaders, have not come up to their former standard, Modern Oils. In the modern section the work of Mr. John Weeks will be of great public interest, as all his pictures show originality of treatment and handling. He has broken away from the traditions of conventional painting, and his exhibits will show the public what the modern trend means. Perhaps his best picture is a still life "Fruit and Flowers," distinguished by its colour harmony and its flat arrangement of form. The lights balance the darks, and the half-lights balance the half-tones. Everything is treated conventionally to eve ato a rhythm. This picture is an example of how modern art is founded on sound technical training on conventional lines This is only one of a number from the same brush, all of which will be viewed with interest. Another example in oils of the modern is Marion Tylee's still life before a window, which is remarkable for the realistic handling of light. There is a table a vase very well modelled, a plato containing an apple, in which the plate is out of drawing, and a bowl of apples E-specially good are some marigolds in a jar on which the light plays realistically. The apples are well modelled and solid. Mr. Pascoe Redwood is represented by several modern works. Thej are local landscapes treated more as decorative designs, and good examples of the modern' outlook. Other Oils. Two striking exhibits of alpine scenerj have been sent by Mr. Duncan Darroch of Mount Cook. They are bold and strong in composition. Mr. Darroch is a guide at the Hermitage has appreciatively studied the mountains ii all their varied humours. Cedric Savage has contributed severa Fiji scenes in oil. One of these iB oi a remarkable valley out of which rises an unusual peak called Joske's Thumb but otherwise kn,own as Mount Yama The Fijians credit this mountain wit! .being the home of the devil and cannoi be induced to go near it. Hence so fai it has never been climbed. The paintinj is realistic, and though to those whe have not been in the island it maj seem over-coloured, this is not the case The representation of sunlight in the vallev is excellent. A remarkable piece of realistic painting is "Cottage Flowers," by Kathleen Sahnond. This is probably the_ best group of flowers which has been exhibited in Auckland and shows the influence of Richter, one of England's best painteri of still life. Mrs. Iv. B. Robson's portrait painting shows increasing merit. Lyonel Ashton, 1 which she has sent In, is her best work so far. -The head of a Maori girl painted by one of the students shows distincl promise. Ida H. Carey's study 4 pierrot is pleasing in colour; Marioi Tylee's "Studio Interior" an attractive study; and Ivy M. Copeland's "The Lacquer Tray" rich in colouring. Other Sections. In the water colours there is a fine painting by Russell: Clark, "Reverie.' It shows a girl reclining on' a lounge and is treated in a fluent manner. Cedric Savage's "Sunlight Shadow," a picture of an Indian's home in Fiji, is a good example of the painter's art in catching the sunlight playing on a thatched roof Two interesting exhibits of the Victorian style are by the brush of R Pheney. One is of Quay Street, Auckland, showing prominently the Ferry Building. The other, "Goods and Passengers," is of a four-horse team proceeding along a beach. In the black and white section \thc excellent draughtsmanship of Stuart Peterson is shown in two pen drawings of old Maori life. The pen and wash drawing "Chioggia, Venice," of J. .Weeks has obviously been influenced by the Frcnch school. The etchings by J. D, Charlton Edgar are good examples of the art. The photography section is much the same as seen at other exhibitions, and the examples are chiefly distinguished for clever retouching. The Opening Ceremony. In opening the exhibition at a conver .sazione last night, the Mayor congratulated the society on its long career oi more than CO years. He was glad the depression had not curtailed tht society's activities, and that it was continuing its programme of joint exhibi tions and "one man shows" at intervals throughout the year. He suggested thai a useful hint might bo obtained from the highly successful loan exhibitions oi objects of art, which had been held in the War Memorial Museum. He heartilj supported the committee's appeal foi increased membership. He hoped the exhibition would materially benefit tlit society. Mr. J. D. C. Duncan, president of the ■society, said works of art were regarded from various and often antagonistic points of view. The opinion of the public was often summed up as "I know whai I like, but I do not know much aboui it." The public's judgment of art, however, was sometimes, really shrewd. The exhibition was. the best in, his experience of the society. The work of some painters whom it had been the custon to place upon a pedestal had fallen, bui others had emerged from a rut with nev powers of progression. Such progress was more apparent among members o: the society than among those who hac sent in exhibits from other places. Ir some, ways there had been a tremendous advance. In conclusion, Mr. Duncan referred tc a figure study which, he 6aid, was ol astounding technique and craftsmanship Without identifying it he expressed the opinion that it was worthy to be liung at important exhibitions on the othei side of the world. He believed more would be heard, of the arti*k» _ - ...