Art Judge Critical Of Abstract Work

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30769, 5 June 1965, Page 16

Art Judge Critical Of Abstract Work

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, June 4. People who asked themselves if they lacked something when they could not understand an abstract painting were, in fact, showing they had common-sense and appreciated real things and real painting, the judge for this year’s Kelliher art competition. Mr Claude Muncaster, said on arrival from London today. He said a painter might paint real things in a slightly impressionist manner, but should get their form and character across.

Abstract art was divorced from reality. Often, violent slashes of colour were used irresponsibly, sometimes for therapeutic reasons.

A tremendous international flood of culture

had developed over abstract painting, and this had little to do with fine arts. Mr Muncaster said he saw signs of a return to a fresher outlook, nearer nature, beauty, and the real and higher things in life. A painter of landscape, marine and industrial scenes, Mr Muncaster exhibited works while visiting New Zealand 18 months ago. He will begin to select paintings to be hung for the Kelliher competition next week. The final judging will be on June 22, four days before Mr Muncaster returns to Britain.

Mr Muncaster has with him 14 unfinished New Zealand landscapes which he hopes to complete during his visit.