ART AT THE ACADEMY

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 67, 16 September 1936, Page 10

ART AT THE ACADEMY

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—As one interested in the development of. art in New Zealand, especially in Wellington, also in the works of our younger artists, I would like to compliment "Scrutator" and "Junius" on their criticism on the selection of works of art for the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts Exhibition." "Scrutator" is quite correct in stating that some artists of well-known merit find it difficult to get any of their works accepted for exhibition. I have known of cases where an artist has submitted several works of art and not even one has been accepted in spite of the fact that the work is up to the standard of some of that on the walls of the present Academy Exhibition, and there is no getting away from it that there is some inferior work hung. I think that artists who have been nominated, and their nominations as members have been accepted, who pay their membership fees regularly, and in addition go to considerable expense in the preparation of their pictures for exhibition, should be shown some recognition.

"Junius" makes a brilliant suggestion to the council that the next annual exhibition there be combined a "salon-des-refusees" to prove that its judgment is sound. Might I make another suggestion, that, when an artist submits six or eight works for acceptance, two or three of these works should be rejected and one or even two of the works submitted by some of the less fortunate members should be accepted. I have listened to opening speeches in the old Whitmore Street Gallery, where it has been stated, "Encourage artv in New Zealand and its young artists." I do not think this is .being done, and I agree with "Scrutator's" statement that some change is desirable in the regulations which at the present time govern the acceptance or rejection of works of art submitted for exhibition at the Wellington Academy.—l am, c c, INTERESTED.

On the same subject "Wider View" writes supporting "Scrutator." "We have been informed, that out of 700 pictures sent in by Dominion artists approximately 400 were rejected by the selection committee and so were not on view on this important occasion, the opening of our new Art Gallery. Many of these painters have had years of success in this Dominion and elsewhere. Could anything be more humiliating than for such artists to arrive at the reception (given for members) and find in the company of their friends that none of their pictures were on the walls? No notice is given before the exhibition to artists of rejection of their works. ... When an artist is elected a member, upon merit, of work, then surely that artist is entitled to representation on the walls at exhibitions or why is he elected?

"It is well to have pictures from overseas but this can be overdone, and the public will lose interest if their New Zealanders are not encouraged. After all, the majority of visitors to our gallery will be strangers, and why not give them local work to view? We have the grand scenery and I am sure capable artists to depict it—the great bulk of pictures on the walls of the Academy exhibition of New Zealand in Wellington this year would not be suitable for hanging in'the small homes of today. We need all types of work to suit all tastes, not only that of the selection committee. If citizens are unable to understand the technique of pictures why not have some suitable person .to give talks over the ajr and so educate them to enjoy as in the case of music, literature, etc., of which we have - had many interesting examples. The problems and intricacies of art and Nature are limitless."