ART IN NEW ZEALAND

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 242, 9 July 1938, Page 6 (Supplement)

ART IN NEW ZEALAND

“Art in New Zealand” June, 1938 (Wellington: 11. H. Tom'bs).

The June issue of “Art in New Zealand” contains better material than for some time past, though the majority of the contributions are factual rather than creative. Reference is made In the editorial to the inclusion in the King’s Birthday honours of Mrs. Elizabeth Kelly, Christchurch, and Mr. R. 0. Gross Auckland. The death of E. Mary Gurney is also referred to, and a brief outline of her accomplishments is given. The work of Mr. R. N. Field, A.R.C.A., art instructor at the Dunedin Technical College, is featured in this issue, and an appreciation of his work in the Dominion is contributed by Mr. W. H. Allen. The two colour plates by this artist are particularly pleasing and the study, "Christchurch —The Avon.” is refreshing in its interpretation. The black and white plates reveal the breadth of Mr. Field’s interest and his ability to express himself in different mediums. The article on Maori carving, by W. J. Phipps, of the Dominion Museum, will prove interesting to all those concerned with Native culture, and it is excellently illustrated by a series of 12 plates. The contribution by Mr. E. C. Simpson on “Negro Culture” is even better. This work is also well illustrated, and the author has chosen particularly fortunate examples to make his point, that (be African negro is the world’s greatest master of rhythm.

The two addresses delivered at Whangarei on March 19 at the opening of the travelling country art exhibition arranged by the Auckland Society of Arts are reproduced in abridged form.

The winning poem in “Art in New Zealand’s”' seventh annual poem competition is "Thrift.” by Helen. Brookfield. It is not an impressive contribution. but it has been effectively handled, i The standard could.not have l>een high, however.