KEEN INTEREST SHOWN IN CANADIAN ART

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23025, 16 August 1949, Page 4

KEEN INTEREST SHOWN IN CANADIAN ART

Considerable interest has already been shown in the exhibition of Canadian water colours now on view at the Music Room.

The pictures are of a very varied nature in respect to style, colouring and subject, and this is perhaps only to be expected when it Is understood that the collection was sent to New Zealand as representative of Canadian art in water colour. Included in the exhibition are pictures which should appeal to everyone, whether the choice be very modern or otherwise. *

For those whose choice is realistic there are quite a few of exceptional merit. John Bennett's "Rue NotreDame, Quebec,” is a beautiful piece of work, simply and directly painted, while F. H. Bridgen’s two exhibits of mountain scenery, “Wonder Pass” and “Afternoon Light in the Selkirka," are also exceptional in subject, colour, composition and technique.” Exhibit No. 13, "Destroyed Panzerturm,” and exhibit No. 14, “Passo Di Fratemorto,” belong to the war collection, National Gallery of Canada, and are on loan only. They are both remarkable works from the brush of Charles Fraser Comfort, who' was an official war artist with the Canadian Army 1943-46. Both are really exceptional pictures. Of more modern technique is Jack Bush’s “Haunted House.” in which the colouring alone makes a picture. “Recorded Concert,” by Martha G. Jamieson, is another of very modern style. Two pictures by William Winter, “Flute Player” and “Broadway Bar,” are both skilful masterpieces in character studies, the latter picture being reminiscent of the picture entitled “The Party,” by the Australian artist Arthur Murch exhibited here last year, except that the picture now on exhibition is perhaps stronger in character. “Chief Sitting Eagle” is a clever study of' an Indian chief. It is the work of G. D. Pepper, A.R.C.A., also an official war artist with the Canadian Army. This picture has been purchased by the Hawke’s Bay and East Coast Art Society. Exhibits Nos. 30 and 31. “Old Trinity College” and “The Roller-Coaster,” are of another type, being delicate pen and wash drawings by Edward Lukeman.