Art Competition

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29765, 7 March 1962, Page 7

Art Competition

Sir. —Perhaps the most sensible suggestion made in a long time is the proposed division of the art competition into separate abstract and representational sections. If this had been done last year, then we would have avoided all the furor that sprang up when a couple of black and white squares defeated a highly detailed scenic painting. The fact is there is no basis of comparison between the two schools, each having their own separate set of aesthetic and artistic ideals and effects. The division into two sections. with due consideration for “Jabberwocky’s” bits-and-pieces friends, would give better recognition to the misunderstood abstract painters, who can now enthrall us with their great power of translating a seeming muddle of squares, triangles, or blobs of paint ito the realm of deep aesthetic expression and high emotional and spiritually-in-spiring revelation.—Yours, etc., A.M. March 2, 1962.

Sir.—May I contribute to this column by saying how refreshing it is to find such a perceptive criticism of the Hay’s art exhibition put forward by your critic, JJJ.K.? A criticism of this sort is of far more value to the serious painter, and to the standard of art in the country, than a rather vague one aimed at offending nobody, and may help lift the competition from its seeming decline.—Yours, etc..

March 6, 1962.