Journal Drawings Criticised

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29903, 17 August 1962, Page 12

Journal Drawings Criticised

(N.Z. Press Association)

N PLYMOUTH, Aug 16. Scathing criticism of “socalled artistic drawings" on the front and back covers of the July issue of the teachers’ journal, “Education," was expressed by members of the Taranaki Education Board at their meeting in New Plymouth today. The acting senior inspector (Mr H Holst) said the drawings, one almost abstract and the other of a near n-ude, were made by a New Zealand art specialist, Ralph Hotere, who obtained a two-year travelling art fellowship last year “If that is art. then I'm sorry for New Zealand’s artistry,” said Mr M. G. B. Harvey.

“1 heartily agree—this sort of thing disgusts me,” said Mr E. W. Haybittie. Looking at one drawing a board member commented: “I have seen things like this on certain walls.”

“It would be bad taste even inside the publication, but to use it on the cover . . said Mr F. H Wickham. "I think it is in bad taste And I don’t think it should be used.” Mr Holst said “If any youngster sketched this he would certainly not be oraised." said Mr Harvey "Perhaps it is a question of how broad-minded we have to be. but I don’t think we ought to go this far." said Mr W. J. Morrison. The board's secretarymanager (Mr P. Mercer) said

the educational quality of the magazine was regarded highly and it was not available to pupils. On the suggestion of the acting-chairman (Mr J. R. Miller), they decided to write to the publisher, saying that the board did not appreciate the cover design. “Something of a more conventional type, in keeping with education, would be more appreciated.” said Mr Harvey. Mr Hotere, who was born in Hokianga in 1930. made the sketches in France after winning a further art award from the Karolizi Foundation. The award enables him to paint in France for three month*.