SOCIETY OF ARTS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXVI, Issue 117, 19 May 1945, Page 6

SOCIETY OF ARTS

ANNUAL EXHIBITION

CARNEGIE CORPORATION HELP

The fact that two pictures by the well-known New Zealand artist, John Weeks, were being presented to the Carnegie Corporation was referred to by Mr. W. H. Cocker, president of the Auckland University College, when opening the 63rd annual exhibition of the Auckland Society of Arts at the Auckland Art Gallery this afternoon. The pictures were being presented, said Mr. Cocker, in appreciation of the assistance given by the corporation to the society and to art in New Zealand generally.

He explained that the object o>f the corporation was to assist educational projects, particularly in connection with art and museums. They did not grant sums as endowments, but to maintain some particular work for a short term, in the hope that it would be carried on by local effort.

In 1941, under the auspices of the corporation, a representative collection of Australian art was sent to Canada and America and proved highly successful. The corporation desired to organise a similar collection from New Zealand, and it was his hope, said Mr. Cocker, that the art authorities in this country would arrange such an exhibition.

The types of paintings desired were those which were not only painted by New Zealand artists and so were characteristic of the country, but Mr. Cocker said he felt sure that Mr. Weeks' paintings would be acceptable, as they did not portray merely the New Zealand landscape, but the psychological background as well.

Interesting Subjects The society's exhibition, comprising over 300 paintings, is one of the most interesting of recent years. More exhibits from Christchurch which were delayed by shipping are expected to bring the total to about 400. Subjects are varied and provocative, and well-known artists have exhibited work that is well up to, if not above, their previous best standard.

The portraits are more interesting than usual, there being two or three delightful child studies; there are a few topical works and several symbolical and slightly surrealistic paintings. In addition, there are black and white exhibits, wool pictures, pottery, a piece of carving, and a sample of pen lettering.