CORRUPTION OF TASTE
Sir,-I should say that the blame for corruption of taste rests on both the ertist and on society. On society because they patronise it, and on the artist because he lends himself to it. The idea of Vernon Brown, to establish an Industrial Society of Arts, is excellent, Such a Society could make a useful contribution towards preventing the corruption of art provided it would refuse to act as a figurehead. Industry wields a tremendous influence on the arts because it is in a much better position to patronise sciences than individuals. It is the large industrial enterprise that can be expected to be generous towards the various branches of science and art, rather than the poor scientist or artist himself. ‘ The corruption of taste is more often than not caused by lack of experience. A coal bunker may express beauty with mere simplicity of form following the lines of structural utility, whereas an overplastered edifice just does not convey anything. In fact it is abominable. There is, of course, no mystery in beauty, or taste, All that is required is to apply them in the right place and at the right time. There is no short cut to that realm
which aims at preventing corruption of taste. There is only one remedy for it: experience. I think credit is due to A. R, D. Fairburn, who has taken upon himself the ungrateful task of persuading the people of this lovely land that there is not much scope in insularity and provincialism. I believe his intentions are honest and the suggestion by Vernon Brown of "the public, being clouted" appears to me far-fetched. What would Mr. Fairburn achieve by it anyway? Certainly not popularity. If one considers the hard going G. B. Shaw had in trying to enlighten a much more advanced people than New Zealanders have shown themselves to be, Mr. Faitburn should have all the good ‘wishes we can muster.
CORRUPTIO OPTIMI PESSIMA
(Abridged.- Ed. ) (Auckland)
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New Zealand Listener, Volume 17, Issue 418, 27 June 1947, Page 5
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331CORRUPTION OF TASTE New Zealand Listener, Volume 17, Issue 418, 27 June 1947, Page 5
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