Evening star., 1945-06-03

we have heard so much of late, finds
tangible expression in the exhibition
of water colors from Latin America
and the Dominion of Canada, set
forth in the Corcoran Gallery of Art
at this time through the courtesy of
Mr.. Thomas j. Watson, liberal pa
tron of the arts and president of the
International Business Machines
Corp.
Of the 72 paintings listed in the
catalogue, 81 are by our Latin Amer
ican neighbors, 20 in all, and the re-
manning 10 by our neighbors to the
north, the Dominion of Canada,
with its eight provinces all repre-
sented-certainly a comprehensive
showing. That the art of water
color today is practiced so widely
and so we'll will no doubt be sur
prise to many.
The collection is shown in the
large gallery of special exhibitions
and in the cases in the upper atrium.
In the former they are hung in
single line and somewhat belittled
by the height of the skylighted CELL
ing. But for the most part these
water colors are rather delicately
handled, clear. transparent color
being almost universally used rather
than gouache or body color. Some
possess an exquisiteness quite their
own; practically all evidence good
drawing This delicacy noted in ex-
ecution is unexpected, for we have
come to associate the art of Latin
American countries with that of
their best mural painters, very
strong and vigorous-works which,
in color and style, have exerted a
strong influence on the art of our
own Nation. Two of the Latin Amer
ican artists, Diego Rivera and Oros-
CO, whose influence has been most
felt, are represented in the current
showing, but not by very important
works.
Gay Warmth to Gray Cold
OF all the Latin American coun-
tries here given representation, Mex
leo takes first place numerically, con-
tributing nine paintings. Argentina
comes next with seven, Salvador six,
other countries still fewer. The
gamut runs. subjectively, from the
warmth and color of the countries
to the south to the stern wintry gray
of the countries to the north. Pri-
marily the works are illustrative.
The artists have not gone far afield
for subject matter, but have found
it at their own doors. We may travel
far with them. They seem to say,
See what we see; let us show it to
you"
On the whole, the paintings in this
collection are unusually even in
merit-none standing out notably
among its fellows: few falling be-
low comparatively high standard.
For this reason the visitor may be
conscious of disappointment upon
first inspection. But this will dis
appear on second or third round
for the work exhibited is sound and
good. and therefore stands the test
of familiarity. Taken collectively
these water colors demonstrate on
the part of the painters human in
terest~ Almost none is extreme or
markedly modernistic. There are
two or three excellent flower paint
ings, skillfully rendered, charming
in color, we'll rendered. Of other
still life there is little. Canada shows
chiefly winter pictures, snow, ice
and, in one or two instances, views
Of the vast country, stern and un-
tanned. The blue waters of the
Caribbean Sea. from countries whose
shores it washes, lend gaiety and
charm. Ours is indeed a great con-
tinent with a still greater future.
The exhibition will continue through
June TO- 1t is we'll worth seeing.
"The War Against japan"
The National Gallery of Art
opened last Sunday, to continue
through June 10, an exhibition of
paintings entitled THE War Against
Japan" which represents the work
of II American artists and is spon-
sored by the Treasury Department
in connection with the War Bond
drive. Included among these artists
are Aaron Bohrod, a member of the