Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1945-07-15
By Leila Mechlin

The Soldier Art eXnlDlClOn, WHICH
opened with private view, cannot
fail to create both interest and sur
prise because of the merit and char
acter of the work shown, and like
wise, the unusual source from which
it has been derived.
All of the 214 exhibits, of which
the collection is composed, are the
work of men in the nine military
service commands of the United
States, the Military District OF
Washington and the United States
Military Academy. They represent
in the opinion of expert jurieS, the
best set forth in a series of exhibit
lions sponsored by the Special Serv-
ices Division, Army Service Forces
with the cooperation of such out
standing institutions as the Art
Students League, New York; the
High Museum of Art, Atlanta; the
Chicago Historical Society, Museum
of Fine Arts, Dallas; Museum of
Fine Arts, Boston; Baltimore Mu-
scum of Art, Gallery of Fine Arts,
Columbus; Joselyn Memorial, Oma-
ha: San Francisco Museum Of Art
and the National Gallery in Wash
ington.
The project, under the title The
Army Arts Contest" was officially
announced by the Services Division
last December, and the response
was so much greater than antlcl-
pated that it must have been quite
overwhelming. 1t is estimated that
no less than 5000 entries were sub
mitted in all to the regional Juries
from which 1900 were found &C
ceptable and exhibited. 1t is from
these by further elimination, that
the works composing the current
showing were derived.
Done in Of-Dnty
All of these works OF art were
done in off-duty hours and pri-
marily as recreation. Some OF the
artists had previously had profess
sional training, and, in a few in
stances, before the war gave their
entire time to some branch of crea-
tive work in this field, but others
and in considerable number-came
from men in other walks Of life.
According to the listing of prewar
occupations these were merchants,
mechanics, farmers, clerks and
others, who in all probability had
not had time for instruction in art,
despite which the standard upheld
is exceptionally high.
It is interesting also to note that,
in many instances, the subjects
chosen for Interpretation are not
those having to do with war, save as
It inevitably intrudes upon life. In
other words these are not pictures
of war, but by those who are en-
gagged in warfare, at the call of their
country, that we may again have
peace.
A NetO Language
People enter into the majority OF
the compositions set forth, which is
natural, for. as some one very wise
has said, Man will always be the
most interesting to man." These
soldier artists have chosen to use
their fellow servicemen as models
and picture them well. Then there
are landscapes and village scenes
doubtless reminding of home-in a
third class are things imagined
dreamed, but of these there are too
few. All are frankly treated, rep
ortorial rather than esthetic, fac
tual and sincere. None would seem
to suggest self consciousness on the
part of the painters. They have
merely found a new language and
use it we'll. This is very encourag-
ing.
The works are in various media
paintings in oil and water color
drawings in pencil and crayon
prints made by hthography-and
exceedingly well-photographs and
works in sculpture. The oil paint
ings are the strongest and most self
assured. Some of the water colors
have much charm and display skill
full technique the Autographs have
these same virtues, but of all, the
photographs excel in picturesque
ness and go further to appeal to the
eye and sensibilities of the observer
In these and certain other particu-
lars this exhibition, comprising
works by soldier artists, compares
most favorably with those held by
professional associations throughout
the season.
The soldier artists furthermore
seem to have something to say ano
to have said it with the positiveness
which may have come through mill
tary training-directness and vigol
and without wasting time on feel
ing ones spiritual muscles"
Effect Is Saddenine
These are not, as has been previ.
ously said-pictures of war, but they
show the stamp that war has placed
on our servicemen who have an.
swered our country's call so val
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