PUBLIC TASTE AND PRIVATE OPINION

Korero (AEWS), Volume 2, Issue 9, 8 May 1944, Page 22

PUBLIC TASTE AND PRIVATE OPINION

Miss Bulley’s judgment (Korero No. 6) is open to correction. An ornament need not necessarily be an integral part of the structure. For example, note the diving figure on the prow of a Maori war canoe. In this case a sense of mass need only balance when judged with the surroundings of the room. No chests of drawers are placed on a special stand and judged without a suitable background. There is only one place for the handles and keyholes— most convenient for the user of the article. The fact that the mass is closer to the floor makes cleaning harder. The lower rail or bar is in the correct place for lightness and strength. The chest on the left is better because there is no attempt made ato ver-ornamentation. Neither teapot is a “ thing of beauty.” The bottom is the better designed article. The wine-glass on the right is to be preferred because, even if the stem is thick, the curves blend better with the general design.

On the whole the article is timely, but the writer has overlooked two main points in modern life : (i) a general desire for simplicity in all art; (2) art for art’s sake must combine some measure of usefulness.