PUBLIC ART GALLERY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19946, 13 November 1926, Page 14

PUBLIC ART GALLERY.

DUNEDIN SOCIETY. ANNUAL EXHIBITION. i. it is two years since the last regular exhibition was held by the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society, and dm"- dioso two years much has happened. What is of most importance to New Zealand artists is that they have had a unique opportunity of studying the work of most of the leading British artists, and although some of that work was not entirely representative, there is no doubt that the Exhibition collection Fas, of itself, formed a source of instruction, inspiration, and inquire. Those who go to the Art Gallery Society's exhibition expecting to find the walls bristling with imitations of John, Orpen and Russell Flint will he disappointed, but those who go expecting to find that great strides have been made in New Zealand art will find their highest expectations very pleasantly fulfilled. There is no doubt that, as one noticed two years ago, there is a small band of ’ artists in this country who are determined to represent its beauties as they really are, ■uninfluenced by the work of artists of other countries, but inspired by what those artists have accomplished to accomplish something themselves, which shall be entirely their own. It is not only in this representation of the country itself, but of the people in it that one sees this growth of a National Art. The present exhibition contains, in proportion, quite double the number of large figure studies that we have been accustomed to. And these studies show, far more than previously, a sincere endeavour to represent the national type, in all its variations, from the official type, as represented bv F. V. Ellis s portrait of Mr A. F. Lowe, 0.M.G., to the very human representation of youth and age in the remarkable portraits by Lmley Richardson, R.B.A.

It seems as if the work which we saw at the Exhibition Gallery has made New Zealand artists realise what may be done by experiment and sincere endeavour, not only in the craftsmanship of painting, but in the actual choice of subject. In the past, we have seen too much of the imitative type of picture—pictures which not onK imitate the methods and even personal mannerisms of British and Continental artists, but actual 1 - imitate the subjects. It is very much to he regretted that several rmall examples of the “imitative” school have crept into this year’s exhibition, and one hopes that as time goes on they will bo “crowded out” by the healthy growth of real New Zealand art. The object of the Art Gallery Society is to foster and encourage New Zealand art, and the annual picture exhibitions are its only means of showing to the public generally that that object is being carried out. If, on entering the gallery, one could say. “I may possibly be in New Zealand, but judging by the pictures I might equally well be in Edinburgh, Rome, or Borneo,” then there would be something seriously wrong with the society’s work. But, on the contrary, one is happy to feel that every year the society’s exhibitions have become more and more national in character, and this year one glance round the gallery is sufficient to convey-the impression that it is essentially of New Zealand. And this is not due at all to the posteresque portrait of Mr Massey, but to the very fine landscapes o Archibald Nicholl, Cecil and Elizabeth Kelly, and Grace Butler. Here are four artists whose aim it is to become expert craftsmen, and by means of their expertness, to show us the truth about our country. The beautiful grey darks and golden lights are real they are the true atmosphere of the

country, and not mere conventions, adopted through mediocrity or to please a certain class of the picture-buying public. The very similarity of these artists’ work is sufficient proof of their genuineness, for one sees- that they have all abandoned the easy path of personal mannerism and tricks of painting, and trodden the straight path of hard work and diligent study.

The work shown in the Exhibition Art Gallery made one realise that Art is really a life-work, and not a pastime. It requires an effort of imagination, an effort of will, and an effort of muscle to produce a great picture. It does not come automatically as the result of buying a box of paints, and one feels that the day of the artistic “dabbler” is nearly over, or at any rate he will have to work very hard indeed to keep pace with the fine work which is now being exhibited at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and which everyone should see who has any pretensions to an interest in Art.

THE OFFICIAL OPENING

ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT.

A very large number, induing many Indies, took advantage of the opportunity of inspecting the pictures that form tha annual exhibition of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society, in the Art Gallery Hall last evening. The exhibitions are generally well attended when the private view is given, but there were certainly many more present last evening than is usual. The visitors lost no time in making a tour of inspection of the works, numbering 418. Of these 133 are water colour paintings, 241 oil colour paintings, and the remainder consist of specimens of arts and crafts works. It was close on 9 o’clock before the exhibition was formally opened, and the remarks of the president were listened to with interest. Sir Lindo Ferguson, who was received with applause, said he did not intend to keep them very long. According to arrangement there was to be no speechmaking at all, but he (Sir Lindo) found that Mr Neilson who ruled there had instigated the press to state that something would be said. He (the speaker) had rung up the Mayor, who was —if ho might use the expression—public executioner to officiate, but the Mayor had failed him. He had not been able to run him to earth. Possibly a few words were neces-

eary because it was two years since they had had an exhibition of the present class. Indeed, they had never had one quite like it before; that was, an exhibition of the same type. Last year they had not held their exhibition because they did not want to spoil the big show at Lojtan Park. The Art Gallery there had

done a great ddal for Dunedin. It was from it that a few pictures had been bought for the city which, with the collection the Art Society had, now formed the gallery. They had had in the past a few donations from public-minded citizens, by means of which the gallery had grown until its insurable value was £7OOO. Then came the Exhibition at Logan Park, and from then till now another £7OOO in value had been given them. The Exhibition therefore, had had a stimulating effect so far as the collection was concerned, not only in money value but in the direction of strengthening the gallery from many points of view. There wore many specimens of work they were not able to secure before the Exhibition that were of immense value in drawing attention to art and in educating the public taste. Since the Exhibition closed they had had pictures presented to them, and an interest had been shown that would not have been obtained in the ordinary way. This interest had been so general that he did not like to specify any particular instance. In the next room was a picture that had recently been given to them by one of their oldest and most valued members, Mr A. F. Roberts who had sent it from Scotland. Another picture had been given by Sir James Allen. Then they had three pictures coming to them under the will of the late Mr Wolf Harris. These were on the way out. The gallery had now reached a high standard and was like a tree—when it grew to a certain size, it grew more rapidly. The growth would now be much faster than it had been in the past, and at the end of another 20 years the gallery would bo a source of very great pride to the citizens. It was with pleasure that he looked forward to such a promising future. As to the local collection now on view, they had exercised very keen scrutiny in adorning the walls. If artists had had their pictures refused, they must understand that a new standard had necessitated stricter care in admitting pictures. They would see that the standard was higher than any they had ever reached before. They would find treasures on the walls that would adorn any home. He was very pleased to see so many present. —(Applause.)

Light refreshments were then dispensed, and the inspection of the pictures continued.

The exhibition will be otien to the public this morning, afternoon, and evening.