Art school’s influence on show at C.S.A.

Press, 16 June 1982, Page 10

Art school’s influence on show at C.S.A.

Canterbury School of Art centenary celebrations. Invitation exhibition at the C.S.A. Gallery until June 20. Reviewed by David Broken- 1 shire. ( This exhibition is showing | paintings, prints, and sculp- ’ ture by artists associated 1 with the School of Art. The variety and excellence of the I work on display illustrates the wealth of talent that has been influenced by the school. In each field" there i are exciting exhibits. I In such a large show it is ; invidious to single out par- ‘ ticular works but the follow- | ing struck my eye. 1 Among the paintings are ■ two magnificent works by 1 Quentin MacFarlane.They are inventive in formal imagery and enhanced by the i

most delicious colour. Patricia .Unger’s two paintings contrast the vitality and freshness of the drawing of two boys with the cruelty of the painted background. These are small works but the message is timely. Doh Peebles is represented by a very fine early painting. I can't help but respond to .such sensuous paint. The prints make a gentler statement than the paintings but their still, quiet voice, is a delight. Peter Ransom’s “Girl with a Cigarette” is particularly fine. It is intricately wrought yet has a wonderful luminosity and sense of colour. “Stratum” by Denise Copland is a very poignant image with a fine head seen

in profile set against ah undulating land form. The sculpture makes a forceful impression partly by reason of its size. Pauline Rhodes has created in her noble installation a room, a sanctuary, a space with mystical overtones simply yet precisely constructed." This piece must be experienced. Evan Webb’s installation is partly funny yet frightening at the same time. A giant black pillow inflates to just short of bursting — one holds one's ears for the bang"— then it slowly subsides and hills and-valleys form then appear to erode. This exhibition is tremend-' ously varied and should prove of interest to a wide public.