WORKS OF ART

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21618, 10 October 1933, Page 11

WORKS OF ART

SPRING EXHIBITION SOCIETY MEMBERS' DISPLAY GOOD STANDARD SHOWN The second spring exhibition of the Auckland Society of Arts, opened at the Kitchener Hall, Kitchener Street, yesterday, is a distinctly interesting: one. The exhibition is confined to members of the society, and as a means of giving to them an outlet that is sometimes lacking at the displays open to artiets from all over the Dominion this spring fixture is fully justifying itself. A total of 250 exhibits has been received, and the general standard maintained is considered by the council of the society to be well in advance of that shown at the corresponding exhibition last year. Although the display is Conducted on the non-rejection plan, very little that is poor has been received. The great bulk of tlio work has life and promise, and here and there are pieces of outstanding merit. The exhibition embraces not only oil and watercolour painting and black and white work, including photographs, but also a third section for encouraging applied art and craft work, to which the society attaches great importance. Modern furniture is represented by a beautifully finished occasional cabinet by Cedric Firth, who also shows a reading lamp. A Beautiful Model A wonderfully delicate and exact piece of craftsmanship is a three-foot model of H.M.S. Royal Albert, executed by the Rev. J. L. Greer. Every detail of this old war vessel, which saw service more than two centuries ago, has been reproduced with scrupulous faithfulness. Mrs. M. C. Cheal exhibits a four-panel Eastern screen most richly ornate in leather and metal work adorned with precious stones. On it are inscribed passages from the Koran in .Arabic. From the same hands comes a choice decorative Eastern panel of lacquer work. Some fine handcraft pottery, both glazed and unglazed, is the work of Minnie F. White.

Special care has been taken to display effectively the embroidery, tapestry, weaving and kindred work that has been received. A feature of this section is the hand-woven tweed and beautiful hangings by Marion Champ. A tapestry rug by Sybil M. Mulvany and applique work by Molly C. Stewart also will be admired not a little. Sculpture is represented by a bust of Zoo Hamilton and a modelled female figure by Blanche Hazelwood. Among the painters whose work is being shown by the society for the first time A. B. Barns Graham, a student of the Slade School, is one of the most interesting. His oil portraits show real power of draftsmanship and the general construction of his pictures is good. His Avork is marked by an attractive simplicity. Local Landscapes

Two landscapes by D. J. Payne, one depicting a road "Near the Coast" and the other a coastal scene "Near Whangapoa," are pleasing studies of New Zealand scenery. Ida G. Eise is represented by several landscapes that show her gift for choosing a subject. Of outstanding quality is W. F. Quick's picture of a bowl of hydrangeas, notablo for its rich and true colouring. There is good work in G. H. Nichols' still-life study of "Common Objects." Much interest will be taken in several Egyptian scenes by Leslie Greener. The skill of their composition and the Eastern atmosphere they convey is unmistakeable. Cornish scenes by Ivy M. Copeland, now in Christcharch, have a charm about them that will appeal to many. Winifred Bodle's picture of the scene as one looks toward Auckland from Nihotupu is distinctly successful and deserves not to be passed over. H. Tornquist, who is even better known for his photography than for his brushwork, has achieved a striking effect in his painting of the brilliant blue of the water at Amodeo Bay as seen from the steep hill above. There is choice colour work and careful detail in Amy B. Dawson's picture of Phar Lap, but it is somewhat lacking in drawing. The work of Robert Donn, who has recently come to the Training College from Dunedin, indicates that he will bo a real asset to the society. There is very effective composition in his fresh snow scene. Successful Paintings

A fine piece of colouring with good distance in the picture is Ralph Patterson's, "On a Farm Near Morrinsville." Vernon A. Brown's "Cottages" are well done, and both composition and colouring are good; Definitely successful as an example of the older manner is 11. Pheney's "Low Tide," a picture remarkable for its atmosphere. Many visitors will pause to enjoy two of Hilda Wiseman's —"The Old Pump, St. Stephen's School," and "The Haystack"—and also Evelyn Vaile's study of a ship standing out in still water under a full moon.

Among the best of the drawings are those of Kathleen M. Browne, whose studies of the human figure are instinct with life and form. A. Lois White's "Girl's Head" is very nicely modelled, and an interesting figure study for a Nativity picture is contributed by L. F. Eraser. H. Tornquist, P. S. Herbert and Una Garlick are responsible for some fine photographic work that adds to the attractiveness of the exhibition. It is intended to keep the exhibition open for about a week. REPLY TO CRITICISM OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY Reference to some recent criticism was made by tho president of the Auckland Society of Arts, Mr. C, Reginald Ford, at the official opening of the society's exhibition last evening. A new society had been formed, Mr. Ford said, consisting of some who wero dissatisfied with tho existing societies, and, in printed criticism, it had attacked the Auckland society on many fronts. ... "In reply to this criticism," Mr. Ford said, "I would point out that this is not a society of painters or artists, but a society for. the promotion of the fine arts. It includes potential artists and young amateurs, as well as laymen. Wo always have artists on the council of the society, and laymen' certainly do not the destiny of art and artists. No picture has ever been rejected because it is vital or new, but only because it has been considered, rightly or wrongly, that it does not measure up to the standard set for exhibition." Referring to tho business side of tho society's activities, Mr. Ford said it was impossible to rtiake the public buy pictures which thej' did not want. The society would soon be occupying new premises, and it was .hoped there to increase activity in bringing before the notice of the Auckland public the work of local artists.

Speaking of the exhibition, Mr. Ford said he regretted the absence of the work of some members. The minor arts and crafts were represented. Mr. E. S. Kohn had donated a medal for the best exhibit in this section, and it was awarded to Sybil M. Mulvaney and Josephine Mulvaney jointly for their exhibit of hand-loom weaving.