ARS LONGA

New Zealand Listener, Volume 26, Issue 668, 24 April 1952, Page 12

ARS LONGA

SIGNPOST TO ART, by Edward C. Simpson; New Zealand University Press; 15/-. R. SIMPSON’S work as an adulteducation lecturer on art is well known, and this short book shows very clearly the qualities of lucidity, clarity and penetration which have given him deserved popularity and authority in this field. He does, however, at times

closely skirt that pitfall into which so many tumble when attempting to explain something difficult to formulate intellectually, which can only be finally sensed emotionally,, a delusive simplicity, the promotion of a sense of understanding which may well prove premature and inadequately based. One is all too apt to say to oneself after reading such an excellent little book: "Why, I know all the answers now about modern art. Nothing in it!" One would prefer the reader to’ be left with a sense of awe before his own ignorance. But these cavils are rather ungenerous. Mr. Simpson ends with advice which shows that he does not willingly offer any easy road to the appreciation of art: "Experience of a work of art requires release of all tension, complete silence, and a mind bent easily and held receptively upon it." He talks intelligibly and uses no terms which he does not explain. He illustrates every point in his pilgrimage through art, from the caves of Altamira to tube shelters of Henry Moore, with precise references to one or other of the 32 plates. It is a pity that these are all monochrome, but it was a herculean feat to include so many illustrations in a book at this price, The publisher should be commended for this and also for offering us a book on an important educational topic which does not yet find a large enough: place in the responsibilities of

the University. ~

David

Hall