ARTS EXHIBITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22099, 3 May 1935, Page 13

ARTS EXHIBITION

THE AUCKLAND SOCIETY OFFICIAL OPENING FUNCTION MORE CRAFTS ENTRIES DESIRED The 54tli annual exhibition of the Auckland Society of" Arts was officially opened at the Kitchener Hall last evening by Sir Joseph Smith at the customary members' private view. The attendance was approximately >3OO. In introducing Sir Joseph, the president of the society. Mr. C. I'. Ford, said he was compelled to express regret that more entries had not been received for the crafts section of the exhibition. There were some excellent exhibits of printed and woven textiles, a good exhibit of pottery and one in metal that deserved praise, but that was the limit. The council desired to encourage work for this section—works of everv-dav use and possessing beauty. If necessary, the council was prepared to arrange a special exhibition if it would help to encourage work in tlje crafts section.. —■ The pictures of all exhibitors were always given careful consideration by the judges, said Mr. Ford. Those whose pictures were rejected had the consolation of feeling that the decision might have been a mistake. The exhibition as a whole was an excellent one. With regard to some pictures, a number of members might wonder why they were on exhibition, but he did not think that could be said of many. On the other hand, there were pictures of distinct merit, not only those from the south, but also work by local artists. Society in Sound Position

In considering the pictures, members would have to make an allowance for the walls, and also, owing to space reasons, the fact that some had been hung close to others, resulting in several cases in injurious effects. "The Society of Arts is in a very sound and flourishing position and is entering upon another year of usefulness," concluded the president. It had still to grow, however. The preservation of art meant the preservation of the inner life, the keeping of real and eternal things. "1 am not an authority on art in the sense in which the word is used here generally; I am not even a critic," said Sir Joseph Smith. "But I am just one of those persons in the community who believe that there is rather more in art than the painting of a pretty picture." The life, civilisation and culture of any people were invariably reflected in the arts they left behind. Displays of Works of Art Sir Joseph said a friend of his held the opinion that in every home there should be at least two Medici prints. He, personally, would advocate that in addition there should be at least one work of art in every house, school, office and warehouse. "Think what this would do," he added. Sir Joseph congratulated those who had gained success in the exhibition, while those who had been disappointed he hoped would rise to further efforts in the future. The exhibition was then declared open. deferring to the remarks made by Sir Joseph concerning the display of works of art in the home, school and place of business, Mr. Ford «aid the Italian Government had recently announced that in future those erecting buildings in Italy would have to spend at least 2 per cent of their cost price in the purchase and hanging of works of art.

Several sales were effected during the evening. They were as follows:—John Weeks' oil painting, "Village in Corsica," 8 guineas; two handwrought silver spoons exhibited by M. Watson, ]2s 6d each; and two pieces of pottery, "Nut Bowl" and "lied Pot," exhibited by O. E. Jones, one guinea each. BLACK AND WHITE WORK SOME GOOD DRAWINGS Though not large, the black-and-white photographic and craft sections of the Auckland Society of Arts' exhibition contain work of high quality. In late years Auckland artists have made good progress in tho graphic arts, especially etching and wood and lino cutting. The influence of the Elam School of Art in fostering drawing has also been very beneficial. "" A fine conte head of a young man by A. B. Barns Graham should please visitors more than the paintings by him which hang elsewhere in the exhibition. J. Ar Thomasson, of Christchurch, shows a large pencil drawing of the portico of the Christchurcli Roman Catholic Cathedral and three equally large lithographs of North Canterbury scenes. All the subjects are treated in a straightforward way. Work by Alex. Garmonsway, of Auckland, covers a wide range, and includes a fine drawing of the female figure, a study of trees, three lino-cut hookplates and etchings of buildings and grotesque head s " Bookplates by Hilda Wiseman are good specimens of this accomplished artist's work. H. Tornquist, who shows two landscape wood engravings of fair size, is gaining an increasing mastery over the medium, and the results are very attractive. There are a couple of good aquatints by Connie Lloyd. A conte and wash drawing of buildings by .T. Crippen shows much promise, and Jioland Hipkins exhibits a very capable pencil drawing of a boy's head. In the photographic section the Auckland Camera Club has a varied display of work by seven members, including a fine study of the nude male figure and a portrait by H. Tornquist and a city scene in bromoil by E. C. Lackland. Douglas F. Lyons shows independently a variety of subjects, notably a female torso and decorative studies. P. S. Herbert's landscapes include a fine picture of plough horses with a snow-clad mountain in the background. The only sculpture in the exhibition is a torso modelled by Lesley Waller.