SOUTHERN TASMANIAN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
EXHIBITION
A CRITIQUE OF THE PICTURES
JOSEPH O’CONNOR
May 1928 Page 230 - Australasian Photo-Review
It has been my good fortune to visit several of the exhibitions held by the Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society, so I feel well qualified to make the statement that the best of the work of this club could hold its own with Australia’s best.
As I looked around the walls, I was quickly impressed by the strong and out standing character of some of the work exhibited. Such studies are no doubt to be found in every exhibition, yet, unfortunately this work of character and individuality may not appeal to the general public or receive as much praise as some other pictures which have not had anything like the same constructive effort behind them.
No work of art ever lived but that the artist gave much time and thought to its conception. A work apparently easily executed is in reality the result of a long series of experiments before the end was gained and joy given to those who beheld it.
It is always a matter of great regret that the general public do not extend greater patronage to these photographic exhibitions: by so doing they would help along a good and healthy pastime—one whose ideal is the observation and reception of all that Nature has to give—an ideal without which we are lost. Yet, if we take only the least inspiration from Nature and see it clearly, we have at any rate made progress. The perception is the great difficulty; in most photographic work there is no perception and all character is lost; instead of a most interesting artistic contribution, there is but the ordinary and the commonplace. With more individuality we should automatically get work of greater variety.
Of all the prints in the exhibition. I think Dr. Hodgkinson’s panel shows real character. In every picture we see a distinctive touch. This was particularly emphasized in his “Sea Shore”, which has been treated in a broad and simple way; he has felt the movement of the water and conveyed his impression to us in a most satisfying way, while the shadows on the sand give a solid mass for the water to rest on. In his other studies, notably “Prince’s Bridge” and “Working the Winch”, he shows commendable simplicity, which, after all, is not far from the truth we are seeking.
Mr. C. Gruncell shows some fine prints, especially his “Study in Greek”, which is well composed and simply treated. All his exhibits show knowledge, and demonstrate what can be done by one who gives careful study and treatment to every subject.
Mr. H.W. Thomas’s pictures, “The Down Express” and “Harvesting", are especially interesting and well thought out. and it is pleasing to see the great advance that he has made.
May 1928 Page 230 - Australasian Photo-Review
KITTENS AT PLAY
Madge Jackson
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
May 1928 Page 232 - Australasian Photo-Review
MENDING SAILS
Dr. G.F. Robinson
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
May 1928 Page 233 - Australasian Photo-Review
Dr. G.F. Robinson
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
A group of prints by Mr. J. Eccles was well executed in his usual masterly manner. The most striking of this artist’s work is the “Finish of the Race"; that is because of the boldness and sense of movement that has been obtained.
Mr. F.G. Robinson shows distinctive treatment in two pictures entitled “Tar Lading" and “Mending Sails”, both giving a good feeling of light and shadow. A church interior also is good, a subject to which this worker gives much attention.
Mr. V. Oxenford excels in “Oak Avenue”, which is pleasing and well executed. The composition is good and it may be instanced as one of the “gems” of the Exhibition. All his subjects are well composed.
Mr. F.S. Rodgers is well represented. His harvesting scenes show fine treatment. “The Old Convent” is also quite a good subject.
Several well-treated landscapes by Mr. A.E. Lodge are very interesting and his large study of “Sunshine and Shadow" is especially fine.
Mr. W.R. McKay’s bromoils entitled “Sandy Bay Beach” and “Outward Bound" show careful treatment.
Mr. E.T. Parlato is at home with “Homeward Bound" and “Fishing Smack", although the latter has been marred by not showing enough sail.
A collection of eighteen pictures by Mr. O.C. Avery are all appealing. In “Winding Road” he has succeeded in a difficult subject. His picture entitled “Pals” is full of life and vigor.
Mr. J.B. Stevens, who is one of the new members, shows good work, “In Pastures Green” and “In Winter’s Garb” being the best. The latter has a good effect of winter sunlight.
Miss Madge Jackson’s “Kittens at Play". Mr. R. Cooper’s landscapes and Mr. H.F. Robertson’s "Lagoon” complete what is altogether a very creditable show of work.
May 1928 Page 235 - Australasian Photo-Review
THE OLD CONVENT, RICHMOND
F.S. Rodgers
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society
May 1928 Page 237 - Australasian Photo-Review
PRINCE OF WALES BAY
Charles Gruncell
From the Exhibition of the
Southern Tasmanian Photographic Society