Taste in posters

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32665, 22 July 1971, Page 14

Taste in posters

Sir, —For centuries European painters and sculptors have represented the nude, whether realistic or idealised, in a straightforward and open manner. Only in modem advertising has there been widespread representation of the nude in poses of mock modesty. The human figure is a powerful symbol, and art historians recognise that the treatment of the nude in art may go a long way towards revealing the human values possessed by the society for which it was produced. In the nude painting or sculpture we see a reflection of ourselves; therefore it is natural that people should object to the practical presentation of the human figure debased to the point that it serves as no more than a chart of cuts of meat.—Yours, etc., VALERIE HEINZ. Head of Art Department, Christchurch Girls’ High School. July 21, 1971.

Sir,—Congratulations to the Cust-Oxford Presbyterians for their protest about the poster to be used in Japan. Well might the female try to hide her identity. She has not only let herself down, but her country as well. Is it any wonder that Eastern nations look with contempt on the West today, and marvel at their decadency? Everyone connected with this sordid affair ought to take shame to themselves.—Yours, ’’E. M. HARRINGTON. Nelson, July 19, 1971.

Sir, —If we have to bring the slaughterhouse into the Japanese kitchen, can we not have a picture of the cuts of meat with some instruction on how best to cook them? I consider this “advertisement” lacking in any taste whatsoever and suspect the Japanese

might question the so-called humour of a nation which carves its womenfolk into meat sections. Mr Muldoon' wants a productive end for the money spent on education. For goodness’ sake let us use some of the talent we do have to aim for the highest in advertising on our vital exports.—Yours, CUT UP. July 20, 1971.