"Typical’ paintings in collection

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32858, 6 March 1972, Page 12

"Typical’ paintings in collection

The Manawatu Centenary Collection, being displayed at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery, is made up of 16 paintings bought with funds provided by the Awapuni Jaycees and The Queen Elizabeth Arts Council of New Zealand to mark the centenary of the City of Palmerston North.

Included in the collection are painters of established reputation and some who are still considered “promising.” No distinction on merit is made in the catalogue. The 15 painters whose work comprises the collection are Don Driver, Robert Ellis, Patrick Hanly, Ralph Hotere, Michael Illingworth, Colin McCahon, Milan Mkusich, lan Scott, Michael Smither, W. A. Sutton, Ray Thorbum, Philip Trusttum, Gordon Walters, M. T. Woollaston and Brent Wong. The McCahon painting is not included in the Christchurch

display of the collection. Each artist is represented by a work, or in Smithers case two works, that is a good example of the particular painting styles, without necessarily being a major work.

Much emphasis is given in the catalogue, in a statement by L E. North, to the wide

variety of influences from abroad that still distinguish New Zealand painting. Influences of cubism, optical painting, surrealism, expressionism, minimal abstraction and superrealism have all clearly had a profound effect on the style of many leading New Zealand artists. But whether this is a matter for pride or represents the same condition of mind that produced so many expatriate painters in the first half of this century, only time will tell. The exhibition will remain open until March 9. —G.T.M.