The New York herald., 1921-05-29
z. w. Chanler's Art
Called 'NeO-FantaSy'

The decorative art OF Robert Winthrop
Chanier has melted many critics to at
tempts at classifying 1t, but chittenden
Turner is the first, l believe. to call 1t
',Neo-Fantasy." In the following note
he explains his exact reaction to Mr..
Chanler's art:
Modern interior decorative art. So
subtly influenced by current ideas and
prevailing fashions, appears to be under
going a metamorphosis that augurs
complete remuneration of early twentieth
century designs. The restless spirit OF
the times, which has affected general
business and uuiclIened the pulse OF pic
toral art, is now providing decoration
with stimulant of extraordinary power.
Denoted mainly by motifs of vivldly
fantastic nature. this recent trend di-
verged so sharply from conservative
lines as to threaten ali present survivals
and revivals OF the familiar stately
forms.
Free breathing. broad sweeping. un-
sentimental. the new pyromantic jinni
comes out of this modern whirlwind of
confused thoughts and activities and
with a wicked laugh roughly dispiaces
the innocent, pristine muse, who now
sits disconsolate In a vapory abattoir.
We survey his handiwork: limitless gro-
tesque rtrayals-perhaps n sardonic
reminder of old artificialities hyper
romatism-significant of the stress Of
popular imagination, plus the influence
Of business advertising: curious vibra-
tory rotations and parallelisms-the fl
brous feeling of the modernist.
THE rigor, precision and elemental
force OF decoration which have invaded
all forms of art have also reacted upon
Z interior darnra tI0p itsalf IN a nranotfppaI
degree. In this composite and unique
development is observed small kinship
with any of the best known modern
| schools 'Neo-Fantasy' perhaps ade-
quately describes the evolution, OF which
free. imaginative quality provides the
salient features.
I'm the duasi-symbolic forms and cx-
travagant thematlc treatment seen in
the murals and screens of Robert Win
throp Chanler we find the best examples
OF this type of decoration. now en-
+ pioyed in the most luxuriously appoint
ed city and country homes. A certain
spontaneity in the color and rhythm. the
investiture for subjects daringly select
! ed. gives no clue to any prototype. The
'Neo-fantast himself Is spontaneous
rather than evolutionary. which places
him Immediately in the ranks Of the spe-
cialiats
as Flying fish 'Flamingoes' aud
I Japanese Warriors reveal his exotic
I mt IN its finest phases. These widely
I exhibited screens testify TO this deco
rator's mastery OF chromatic rhythm.
i The feeling of the dance, the contest.
7 the rout IL transferred TO his painting
With great emotional strength. aug
mented by n symbolism IN which ira
dlton comminges with spontaneous
Imagery. With "A fancy that is luxuri-
antly tropical and creative zest Of the
most propulsive kind he infuacs decora.
4 ton with stimulating force that conveys
tae suggestion Of wlzardry. Atnos.
I phcre is never lacking In the presence
/ or q Chanler screen
ITO what Cathay the swift sailing
brigantine OF tho 'Neo-fantast is bound
matters little so long as the winds arc
fair and the coast Is safe. The binocu-
lars OF the cognoscenti are trained upon
his course. which he sails by dead reck-
I oning, and the salutes OF passing ships
| echo In his cars.
THAT 'Neo- Fantasy is a comparatively
direct reaction from the complexities OF
modern life, as excmplIfied III the great
art centres OF the world. is thoroughly
apparent out Of the confusion ot be-
4 lefs and activities. out or tho upheay-
ais social economic and political springs
! the inevitable. concrete expression Of
4 new art. Whether II represents the un-
\ fulfilled hopes OF dreamers, the mighty
Il struggle of the classes, tho blightinw de-
y struction Of revolution or the ultimate
\ victory Of might Il awakens reaponse
wherever the soul OF the aesthetic sur
I vives---and that Is more impcrlshablo
than all the rest"