ART EXHIBITION

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 314, 29 September 1908, Page 4

ART EXHIBITION

OPENED BY THE PRIME MIjISTER. AN INADEQUATE BUILDNG. In tho prcsenco of a large gathering of picture-lovers, the twentieth annul oxhibition of tho Now Zealand Acadcnij of Fine ATts was opened yesterday afternon by tho Priino Minister (Sir Joseph Ward).] The president (Mr. 11. S. WariMl) after expressing regret that his Excelhicy the Governor, who is patron of the lcademy, •could not bo present, welcomed Sf Joseph Ward, and congratulated him on !lio completion of his 21 years of political jfe. Tho members of tho academy, ho said, joked at this twentieth annual exhibition wth somo gratification, feeling that it reprecnted a Vfity good standard of work. Thcp might bo somo things hung that would no satisfy some critics, but on tiie whole he thought that he could say with safety that hey had had no previous exhibition in which llio proportion of bad work was so srnalj The amount of inferior work, it was coisidcred, was very, very much below the iverage. Whilo they had to regret that some former exhibitors woro not represented, thy welcomed some new exhibitors, and othrs who had returned after an absence of somi years. 1 ersonally he regretted the very smal number of exhibits of art craft, but pobably that was not so important a matte to a fine art society, though it was a department of their work which lie' would like to see more largely represented at the exhibition. lie would also like to remind artist memb«'s that the annual exhibitions were liot.sketci exhibitions, and urge on them the desiraileness of sending in moro finished picture, than somo of them did. There was a tendaicy to 6ond m sketches,, and while these, weroappre°rn r'i somo °f them were hung, it was still, felt that they would liko artist-numbers to make a greater effort to send in: somo more finished pictures. Ho was sure tint the lnmo Minister would sympathise will tho academy when ho said that in order tc make way for that exhibition it had been necessary to remove all their freo art gallery picturos. That was always done, with vey considerable risk in tho ease of large ant valuable pictures. It was a matter .of gratification to them that Sir Joseph Ward.aid tho CrOvornment before him had allowed t-lcm to place tlioso pictures in the railway biddings close at hand, whore they were ptrfectly safe, but he could. not express too sirongly tho risk incurred in taking down thcßO pictures and carrying them away to anj other place of deposit. It also meant tfiit the public woro deprived of seeing them for a w.iiolo month tho exhibition lasted fora fortnight, and a week was required for Innging and a week for clearing up. He hoped ihtTdav was not far distant when they woull have a proper homo for their, permanent petures. fhey looked to the State, they locked to the municipality, they looked to tile Government, and he hoped the result. would be that before long they would have a building worthy of tho pictures the; would be able to place .there. (Applause." j he Premier said that it afforded hill very much ploasuro to discharge the dity so kindly placed on his shoulders by tin president, though ho regretted that circumstances had prevented his Excellency the Governor, as patron of tho exhibition, from behg present. Ho had listened to tho president's statements with niuoh interest. They must expect. for a period of years at hast to have some crude pictures placed in the art Gallery. It did not fall to the lot ol everyone to be ablo to go through the galbries ol the older world, though many of our artists had done bo, and had benefited very lhrgoly by the splendid works which they hal talcen as examples. In the courso of time he had no doubt there would bo great improvement in that respect, and' it was not derogatory to tho very fino works which New Zeilnnders had dono to say that there was not in this country the opportunity of comparison wjtli greater works to-act as a stimulus to the artist. He thought he oould say that local artists had, on the whole, done very excellent work, and it was very satisfactory to find in Wellington a'growing tendoncy to assist New Zealand artists. If they could have the State, tho municipality, and particularly the public coming to tho rescue to give tho academy a proper place for its permanent pictures lie would be pleased, He really thought thero was a certain amount of risk ill entrusting valuable property to tho Railway Department, since the Department hold periodic sales of unclaimed property, and the pictures might find 'their way into one of thoso sales. (Laughter.) It would probably be safer to hand over the pictures to tho Government itself, for the Gorernmont always endeavoured to return what did not belong to it. Ho was certain tl'at as a result of technical education and the opportunities now given to the younger pcoplo art matters would improve, and in courso of time tho traditions of tho older world would tojl their tale, and the public wo;ild find more attractiveness in pictures. The fact that there were 3'lo exhibits showed that at least in respect of numbers the exl.ibition's were improving, and he hoped tint they would go on doing so. If the public of Wellington and those who l took a cfcep interest in tho question of providing a building for the permanent pictures ivould only take tho matter in band, he was picpared to co-operate, and if assistance cotild ,bo given nothing would bo-more chcerfullj dono (Applause.) - ■

' PEEPS AT PAINT. NO. 2—THE LESSER oh,S. [By Sepia.] In my first notico I had only time to givo a few impressions of the large oils, and lo dwell somewhat briefly, with a few features of other departments. A second and mora searching view only strengthens the belief that the twentieth show of tho Now Zealand Academy of Fine Arts is well up to the standard, if it does not pass it, and this without material outsido assistance. Turning to tho loss . dominating oils, there is plenty of talent scattered over tho walls that should interest thoso attracted by art. I think that Miss May Lingard exhibits more meritorious work in portraiture than in tho landscapes. Tho red-haired "-Reverie" woman gains upon one at a second view; and there is breadth in lior "Portrait" (279) of a young man. "Shere Ali" (284) is quite good, but I like tho Italian boy (271) for the unaffected simplicity of pose apd expression, though I think the latter would be improved by light points in tho oyes. Another nice thing from Miss Lingard is called "Picking Water Lilies." "Sunset in Delaware" is even better. Harold Collins, of the "As You Liko It" picturp, has two poster panels "Autumn" and "Spring," on either side of tho big canvas. " Tho figures aro fair, but lie appears to shirk giving them oyos,- which shortcoming produces a blankness of expression. Mr. Collins will do better work lator on, 1 feel sure. "Putney Bridge" (268), by Mrs. Goddon, is a refreshingly clean and bright bit. I'lio drawing is excellent—it is composed with the best taste. Tho "Storm Cloud" (262) of Mr. N. Welch is daring iij idea, but the intended iinpressivoness of tho big, smoky cloud is lacking. Mr. N. Welch also has a distinctly good nocturne (286) of tho Town Hall tower as viewed from the -light-reflecting harbour. Tho "Landscape mid Cattle" of J. Balfour (273) is little, but good. There is lifo in tho spring greens, tho cattlo aro real, and tho drawing and composition aro faultless.

Mr. C. H. Floivorl.li has n pretty view of the Wangiinui River it! his characteristic stylo— ft Imcknoyed subject troated attractively. Mr. lloworth's pictures of Now Zealand sccnery, properly placed, should mnko an effeotivo hire for the genus tourist. Like Enoch Arden, "he dwells with the eternal summer," and picks tho protty bits with great delicacy of taste. Quite iiefu- to the big Howorth is n'plen. sant bit of colour from Forest Hose entitled "Autumn at Uppor llutt" (L'So), showing a nice discrimination in shadow work and oolouring. Its clciui atmosphere is truthfully invigorating. "Departing Day" (250) is, as its name discloses, a sunset view of featureless beach and eea, Bufiuacd in a soft rose-jjink glow.

Tho painting is, by W. Allan Bollard, who also exhibits -a half-light painting entitled "Between the Lights, Uatlins." "On tho Fowcy, Cornwall" (259), by F. I'. Freybcrg, is a nice little stream scene, well painted, but without distinction. Miss Ellon von Mcyern has a well-drawn head of a young lady, with plenty of warmth suffusing the flesh tones. It is unsuitably framed. Mr. H. M. Gore, whose "Silvorstreaiii, from the Golf Links" wus greatly 'admired by yesterday's throng, has two little gems in "Gathering Wood," "Rnatea," and "Seascape. Tho -former is -redolent of the glorious freshness of aNewZoaland bush clearing in summer time, and the immensity of space in tho seascape is admirably suggested by a whiff of cirrus cloud poised in the blue other miles iind miles away. Mr. Gore may be said to have "arrived" with this exhibition, and his work will be looked for eagerly in tho future. Mr. W. 11. Carter sounds a bizarre noto in (231), "When Clouds are Tempest Laden, etc." Surely the artist has forgotten tho witches prancing round the cauldron, which idea suggests that the scene would make an admirable Sceno I Act 1 for "Macbeth." The copper frame with owls and moons in relief is decidedly in accord with the painting, which at least suggests a vivid imagination. Mr. W. Dickson's "Fruit" (233) is ratlior well dono. "Gathering Red Cabbage" (195) is tho distinctly meritorious effort of Mrs. D. Mcason Coats. It is a cabbage patch with a girl feeling the heart of one of its best developed inhabitants, whilst in the dusk beyond are the rod roofs of a quiet old-world village. Thero is good depth of feeling in the picture, and tho attitude of- tho girl is nature itself. Mr. M. A. Makeig has a bright view of Sydney Heads painted from a point near Valchise—nice blue water with the frowning shape of.North Head'in the distance. It is correct, bat without artistic interest. For stronger moat I turned to Sydney Thompson's "Porte Yin Concarneaux," painted with all tho strength of the old stone archway, with a draughtsmanship wholly admirable. Among the smaller oils Mr. J. M. Madden, whose brush work is aKvays so delightfully refreshing, has a tiny seascape entitled "Disabled," a sturdy little paddle-wheeled tug, towing a "lame duck" sailer in n racing seaway. It is a lively bit that compels attention. "Warrington Beach," by Jas. Scott (182) is poor work. . There is 110 life in tho water, The committee has been kind in cornering the canvas. "A Grey Day," by L. E. Baird (206), is quite good. Tho demureness and soft-eyed innocence of expression in Mr. Raymond M'lntyre's "Child's Head," appealed to the academy's committee, who wafered it as sold (to the Gallery) before the opening coremony yesterday. It wss wisely bought. WATER COLOURS. i The place of honour over' the dais is occupied by an admirable beach and ocean aspect (155) by Mr. C. N. Worsloy, who has " the truth within him." One can almost smell tho sea, the sand, and the seaweed when before this fine water-colour. Mr. Van dor Vclden has painted Circular Quay, Sydney—one of the Brightest spots, night or day, in the southern hemisphere— under a pall of lowering cloud, and maintains his gloom in a water-colour representing a group of rough figures called " Street Group" (108), not a likeable picture. "A Moonlit Sea" (59) is an attractive little bit from J. M. Madden, who is just as much at home with water as in oils. The Rev. A. de H. Robinson has caught "Tliorndon at Early Morning" fairly well. His "Lyell Bay" trjiflo is inconsequential. : Mr. Esmond Atkinson pictures tho Railway Wharf at night not uncleverly. His wharf lights glow realistically through the Cvoning inist, and he handles the shadows 'effectively. , < Miss E- K. Bondall has one of her roundeyed doll-children in a frieze panel with a background of pale' grass and apple-blos-soms, quite characteristic of tho clever artist; Her " White' Butterfly " is ' interesting, mostly to paronts of similar folk. There is unmistakable talent in "Through tho Blue<pms " by M. Bower.' Miss D. K. Richmond's "In Camp" is a fair sample of. that?lady's clever work. I took a strttvig fancy to Miss M. 0. Stoddart's " Suffolk Farm" (138), a tumble-down rambling old placo with splashes of warm colour oir its homely complexion. Tho same artist's "Flax Swamp, Paraparaumu" (132) is tho real thing. A delightful bit of Worslcy off the; track is " Moonlit Harbour " —tho port, the' hills, tho lights all invested with fino feeling. Ho gets back to his "castles in Spain " in " A Courtyard of an Old Arab House, Granada, Spain" (107) which is painted in the artist's best stylo. •" Over tho Roofs, Wellington," is a vigorous sketch by Oweii Merton, who exhibited publicly in Wellington a few weeks ago. There is a strong individualism in Sir. Morton's -work that promises well for his future. Mr. W. F. Barrand's preciso brush is seen to advantage in " Safety Cove" (133), " After Rain, Mt. Earnskw" (130), and " Waiwetu Stroam.". Mr. J. M. Madden's "Cast Off tho Tug, Whitby," is another particularly vivid idea from that vigorousminded artist, but on the whole I think I liko him best in-"S. Pierre do Boulogne," with the traffic of tho busy quay and tho suggestion of the big oity behind. The detail and drawing are (iliko admirable. " "Lako Manapouri" is a faded sample- of Mr. C. 11. - Howorth's usually fresh style. He must have been painting under a cloud. . JJiss Sybil Johnson's exhibits show a marked advance on her previous efforts. I do not liko her "Pago's Song" (stage group). It is liko an imitation of an old tapostry with a' lot of tho threads pulled out, nor is hor ''Waiting Columbine" worth jnucli thought, but "An Enplmnted Spirit" is quite l another story. , Note the pretty attitudes of tho girls and the reality in the parrot—it is alive I Miss Johnson has never exhibited anything moro real than that parrot. "Francisca" is another good study in pose by t-ho samo clevor. artist. x Tho biggest water colour is exhibited by Miss Mabel Hill (Mrs. M'lndoe, of Dunedin)." It is called "An Autumn Afternoon,"' and is an oxample of a very fine piece of work being ma,rred by an unsatisfactory cloud effect. There is a sweet placidity and an atmospheric charm a,bout the ground sceno that is marred . by great vertical rolls of woolly clouds that may not be impossible exactly, yet are out of place. The same artist's "Brighton Beach, Otago," is not up to her usual standard. "Good News" is a study (bust) of a young girl by Albert Hanson, of Sydney. It is a very nice girl, but there is no expression to indicate that tho letter she roads contains anything but a grocer's accounWit is negative. "Wellington" (85) has been pictured by H. Linloy Richardson peculiarly. It- is a view of city and harbour from tho Kolbunio heights, and right in the foreground is a Chinaman with his baskets mounting tho nearest rise. In a view of Wellington ( it must be looked upon as the work of an artist after reading a leading article on the yellow peril, for tho figure stands prominently in the picture as a standard representative inhabitant of Wellington City. ''An Old Orchard"- (81), by Sir. J. 11. Nicholson, is a nice study of leafy trees and violet shades. A capable artist in water colours is Mr. W. H. Pratt-, who is. particularly fine in "A Sea Fog," which pictures tho enfolding mist stealing up out of the quiot soa with soft persistence. Mr. Walter Leslie has a glimpse of Oriental Bay in too white a light surely, particularly for an evening effect. Ho has achioved a much better result in "A Corner of the Port," which is strongly familiar jn light and detail. °