CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 187, 4 May 1940, Page 17

CONTEMPORARY ART EXHIBITION

Reception At National

Gallery

COMMENT ON SUCCESS OF SHOW

'There was a large and representative gathering al the reception given in Hie National Art. Gallery last evening by the chairman. Mr. D. A. Ewen, ami member,s of Ihe committee of management. of the National Art Gallery. Mr. Ewen said it was thought desirable to hold the gathering before the Centennial Exhibition of International and New Zealand Art ended on May 12. The opportunity would be taken to draw and announce the results of the art union in connexion with the show. “This exhibition has, I think, been the outstanding cultural event of New Zealand's Centennial year,” said Mr. Ewen. “It was, as you know, brought out from Great Britain and the Continent at considerable expense, and I am very pleased to announce that, in spite of the difficult conditions, the enthusiasm of the public has been so great that the venture has been completely successful, not only from a financial point of view, which matters least, but from an artistic and educational viewpoint. “Those who have inspected the collection will agree that it is the finest and most comprehensive ever shown in this country,” continued Mr. Ewen. “It is necessary when living so far from the world’s art centres that we should be brought into contact with the best contemporary art from abroad, so that our artists may learn and set a high standard of achievement, and so that the public may have an opportunity of widening its appreciation and knowledge of art. “The trustees of the National Gallery have, with the limited funds available to them, purchased some of the outstanding works for the national collection,” said Mr. Ewen, "and other New Zealand galleries have availed themselves of the opportunity of acquiring suitable pictures. The New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts has also P llr ' chased a number of works with funds granted by the T. G. Macartliy Trust, and these will be presented by the academy to the national collection, “IVe have purchased several paintings for the gallery,” said Mr. Ewen, “and are quite aware that in so doing we could not avoid criticism. One of the factors guiding our choice was to fill some of the gaps in our collection. That Is why we purchased some still life, for we had none. Then we bought some examples of contemporary Continental art, which was also lacking in our collection. These are outstanding examples, works by artists of international repute. Not only that, but we had in mind the type of painting which would be both useful and educational to school children, art students and artists of maturity.” A Valuable Gift. Mr. Ewen said he was pleased to announce the presentation to the gallery of a most interesting painting. This was the water-colour, “Ruins,” by Miss Frances Hodgkins, which had been given by Mrs. J. Shields, Nelson, in memory of her late husband. .Miss Hodgkins, who was born in New Zealand and received her early training in art here, had made a very prominent place for herself in the art world of Europe. The gallery already had a flue collection of her work from the earliest period, and the acquisition of this picture would ’bring the collection up-to-date. He hoped that other public-spirited citizens would follow .Mrs. Shields’s example, as because of the war, it would be a long time before such opportunities presented themselves again in New Zealand. After referring to the inclusion in the exhibition of Frank Salisbury's notable painting of the Coronation of King George VI, Mr. Ewen said that the success of the exhibition had been due in a large measure to the work of Mrs. Murray Fuller; first of all in selecting such a splendid collection of British and European art in the short time al; her disposal; secondly, in her untiring efforts during the course of Ihe exhibition; and also to the secretary, Mr. E. Gore, who was as retiring as he was untiring. Finally Mr. Ewen said that such had been the success of the exhibition (which was financed by guarantors' with a Government subsidy) that, it would cost lhe Government nothing, and would not, be hoped, cost the guarantors anything. The exhibition had been well worth while. It had glveh pleasure to thousands of visitors, interest, had been growing up to Hie Inst, and it had been of tremendous educational value to adults, schoolchildren, and the artistic fraternity of New Zealand. Art Union Drawn. At. the conclusion of Mr. Ewen’s remarks, the guests inspected the pictures in the collection, and were afterward entertained at supper. The art union was drawn. The first prize was a picture tp the value of £75, the second £5O, the third £25, and I here were live paintings each of thq value of £lO. The winners were:—

First prize (ticket 1042). Mr. W. Q. Kel'r, Roxburgh, Central Otago; second (1301), F. B. Clark, P.O. Box 981, Christchurch; third (-1025), Mrs. T. M. Willis, Grcutford; live oilier prizes, (3271), A. J. Cameron, Tiinaru; (2857). Paul. 120 Derwent Street, Island Buy; (3202) Daniel Riddlfoi'd. Wairarapn; (3297) Mrs. Riddltord, Woburn Rond. Lower Hutt; (1430) I). Simmons. Ashburton.

'Die Minister of Finance. Mr. Xasli. apologized for tlie absence of the Prime .Minister, Mr. Fraser, who had urgent work to do before his departure for Auckland. Mr. Nash congratulated Mr. Ewen and those associated will) him on the success they had attained in this exhibition of contemporary art. lie remembered when Mr. Ewen had come io the Government, not. for money, but for a guarantee of some sort in tiie event of failtne. It was usual that when the Government was appealed to in tlial: manner it sooner or later iiad Io pay up; but. on this occasion. it was gratifying to know that no claim would lie made upon the Government. thanks to the success of (he exhibition. lie thanked Mr. Ewen and those associated with him for the good work they were doing in advancing the cultural 'life of the community, and trusted that they would go forward, as it was an essential factor in the national life.