Evening star., 1938-08-14

One interesting fact in connection
with the reviews of this display is that
whereas the paintings brought forth
little or no praise. the architectural
section and the moving pictures, which
were included, were enthusiastically
received. Said Francois Fosca, Il
would give all the paintings in the
United States for few meters Of their
films" After all, may 1t not be true
that the art which we are producing
unconsciously to meet a public demand
may be finer and more sincere than
that which has no other purpose than
self expression?
The London show, a much smaller
assemblage, met with kinder recep-
ton, but was also condemned for lack
Of nationalistic qualities. Unquestion-
ably Europe is looking to us for some
thing newer and finer and more in
spring than, Of late years, we have
been able to give. Is the fault with
us or with our age? When we come
to think about 1t, however, do we
really please ourselves any better than
we please our neighbors overseas? II
80. would there be 50 poor an art mar
ket for contemporary work-so many
artists on the Federal relief roles? 1t
Is worth pondering.
TO RETURN for a moment to the
two great world fairs which are
to be held next summer, the one on
q man-made island in San Francisco
Bay. the other within the confines OF
Greater New York. it is interesting to
note how large a place both are giving
to art. For more than a year now
representatives of the former, mu-
scum directors snatched from their
strongholds. connoisseurs Of interna-
tional reputation. have been search
Ing. not only this country, but the
countries of Europe and those washed
by the waters Of the Pacific Ocean,
for the finest and best examples and
soliciting their loan.
The art collection to be shown on
Treasure Island" in San Francisco
Bay in 1899, WILL it is said, be the
richest and rarest ever assembled
and set forth in this country, and
the amount for which 1t will be In
sured will be high In the millions
But such works as those promised
cannot be adequately insured-they
are not replaceable, therefore in
valuable. For this reason some art
lovers do not favor the growing Gus
tom Of loan exhibitions Of this char
acter. believing the risk of transporta-
ton and handling far too great. For
those who assume it 1t is a great re-
sponsibility-but for persons living on
the West Coast or visiting there next
summer such an assemblage will az
ford great opportunity.
The fair in New York did not
originally plan to include art in its
attractions. save that which in the
way Of buildings and decorations was
an inherent part of the great scheme.
But the decision has been changed
to meet public demand and both
contemporary art and that Of the past
will be exhibited each In q separate
building designed for the purpose
Both fairs will afford in their up
building exceptional opportunities for
artists in the several fields. What will
they make Of it? For adequate answer
we must wait yet year.
WALT DISNEY has, as almost
every one knows, been given
this summer honorary degrees by
three of our largest and most con-
servative universities "Why?"-some
may ask-"because Of his art or his
skill in invention?" A little of both,
perhaps, but chiefly as stated in the
citation which accompanied his de-
gree at Yale-because he has brought
the joy of deep laughter to millions
and touched the hearts of humanity" F."
Surely this Is adequate reason-for
should not art be joy giving and does
1t not when really fine stir the emo
tions? Artists take note. Let US have
more laughter and less tears. It is
Of this the world stands today in need.