SKETCH EXHIBITION

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 133, 8 June 1931, Page 10

SKETCH EXHIBITION

CRITICS CRITICISED

A correspondent signing himself '"Progress" writes in criticism of "The Post's" notice of the sketch exhibition at present being held in tho Art Gallery. The writer takes exception to what was said about a picture painted by Mr. Christopher Perkins, remarking that if the critic "possossed even an elementary understanding of contemporary British and Continental Art he would perceive tho beauty and depth contained in the picture."

Apparently "The Post's" critic sinned in company, for "Progress" adds that he "cannot refrain from recording the smug ignorance evidenced by nearly every verbal criticism to which he personally listened or overheard within the gallery.

. . . They fail to perceive the beauty of the whole." The writer of "Die Poet's" criticism, whilst not admitting that he does not possess "an elementary understanding o£ contemporary British and Continental Art," freely admits that he fails "to perceive the beauty of the whole" as regards the picture in question, and therein ho is by no means singular. One of Wellington's best known artists, whose work commands respect and admiration throughout the Dominion, criticised the picture in very similar strains. "Progress" concludes his letter by condemning the Hanging Committee for their arrangement of some of the pictures, and remarks that the" loss to Art would not be irreparable if critics desisted from publishing their criticisms. Quite possibly: but painters, as well as singers, and other artists, do appreciate criticism if it praises them. It is only when a little disparagement creeps in that tho critics arc assailed.