IMPORTANCE OF ART

Evening Star, Issue 26011, 28 January 1947, Page 8

IMPORTANCE OF ART

WIDE APPLICATION CHRISTCHURCH SCULPTOR'S ADDRESS The necessity for an increased awareness of art in all its forms among the community was stressed by -Mr Francis' A. Shurrock, the well-known Christchurch sculptor, in a public address delivered at the University last night. The speaker was introduced by Mr E. Miller, past-president of the Otago Art Society, who said that Mr Shurrock’s work 'was held_ in high respect, and was noted, for its simplicity of style. - To-day was an age of specialisation, stated Mr Shurrock, but specialisation, if not I 'Bandied carefully, could not be the benefit , it otherwise would be. There were the dangers that specialists were apt to become absorbed in their work to the exclusion of other interests and the common good, and, that specialisation sometimes produced peculiar results—and - peculiar _ people. This was true of art. Painting had tended to go into schools, and those who did not. follow any of these schools were called Philistines. Art in its original meaning was merely work,” said the speaker. “ When one man paints a bad picture and another makes a Mod chair there is no doubt who is the artist;” Mi* Shurrock continued to say that art had a wider application than many people realised. Many things - among our surroundings were, forms; of art — railway, stations, libraries, universities, labels on tins, and furnishings were all subject to considerations of art. Art covered all human activities. In presenting a , series .of . lantern -slides -to illustrate his - argument, Mr Shurrock surveyed the development of art. forms in -buildings, furnishings, household appliances and advertising. The. unpleasing aspects 'of some , cities in New Zealand and Britain were referred to in a .humorous vein bv the speaker, who concluded with a plea. for . the better teaching of art in the schools so that a generation may grow up with an increased understanding of everyday art. A vote of thanks was moved by Dr A. H.. MeLintock. , .