Wieneke Archive Book 4c : Queensland Art Gallery Presscuttings

left: In picking an Epstein sculpture as one of his fovourite works of art in the Gallery, Mr. James Wieneke, till recently Director of the Queensland Art Gallery, says: "This hauntingly beautiful bronze, entitled 'The Visitation', is by Sir Jacob Epstein, who was born in New York City's East Side in 1880. After a period of study in Pork, Epstein settled in England and devoted his life to sculpture, becoming world famous for his portraits and figure compositions. Remarkably penetrating perception, origin- ality of thought, and great vigour in style and handling ore qualities inwar.a1), evdent in Epstein's work. This cost, dated 1926, was wisely acquired by the Trustees in 1958, and is regarded as one of the masterpieces in the Queensland collection. It is certainly among my favourite pieces. When contemplating this lovely bronze, one feels on irresistible glow of response to the artist's creative spiritual vision and extraordinary technical accomplishment. The sensitivity of conceptual thought in the superbly expressed sense of character, humility and dignity is deeply moving. The gentle figure unerringly reveals a great artist's understanding of, and sympathy for his fellow-mon's inevitnhle struggle, suffering and happiness, encountered by n11 through the centuries of time." COVER: Another selection made by Mr. James Wieneke. He says: "The Bather, by renowned Italian sculptor, Emilio Greco, who today lives on the outskirts of Rome. is a favourite piece of mine. Greco was born in 1913 in Sicily and began working at the age of 13. He is now a famous sculptor and his work has been acquired for many ma[or collections. The smooth technique and feeling expressed in 'The Bather' offers great contrast with Epstein's figure and illustrates well the point that truth in figurative art can be approached and stated in more ways than one, and still retain the essential character and spirit of the subject. This striking cast was bought in 1966. It is a handsome and sophisticated bronze, which captures the free spirit and independence of a modern girl, in a beautifully simple and relaxed state- ment. The happy co-ordination of the rhythmic flow of line, the well-organised masses and planes, with assured verve and originality of assessment, all combine in making this contemporary work a unique and fascinating creation in metal." Alan Wane., Jam., Menai, Above: "Godfrey Miller's compact formal structure Trees and Moonlight will not, I realise, be everyone's 'cup's°. yet it has all the virtues of this artist's work," says Mr. Alan Warren, artist, art critic and now principal of the Queensland Institute of Tech- nology's College of Art, Seven Hills, Brisbane. "Any artist worth his salt tries to say something to us; something which cannot necessarily be expressed in words. Indeed, Miller is no longer saying something to us, he is doing something to us. The colors he has put on canvas are vibrating along our nerves, creating a sense of pleasure in our minds. The balance of the composition is dependent on the different values and colors situated either vertically or horizontally. As a result, the painting hos an easy I hythmic flow and unity. At no point, is one allowed to forget the linear tensions which do so much to endow the picture with alife of its own. This is painting for painting's sake and not for the sake of picturesque make loelteve till11111111.111IMINIZICAn=lit The Sunday Mail Color Magazine, September 15, 1974 9