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—Sun. 13 5 48.Can An Artist Earn a Living?] IOW docs an artist make enough money to keep alive? This question is prompted by a visit to the paintings of Weaver Hawkins (Rankin) at 5 Phillip Street. Svdney.The paintings are colorful, attractive. capably painted, and reasonably priced. But very few have been sold Why?Apparently because In our present society people don't buy paintings because they like them. Ordinary people don't buy paintings at all. For one reason, they cant afford them.Wealthier people of certain types buy paintings because ‘It is done,” oi for investment. Biggest boom in this investment buying of paintings was during the war, when black marketeers had plenty of cash but little to buy. Today they're buying cars instead. But most buying of Pointings is still for investment purposes.This means that most artists cannot make a living of it. They paint in their spare time between working 1 »r a crust.Even the few artists who can make n If ing of it don't have much free-cVrn Expenses are heavy, sales un-• rti In. There is a big temptation to let ones painting become paint-for the investors, rather than * with a message for the people' re art world becomes dominated ry * ash. The key question in the realm of art becomes: 'How much *ill this painting be worth in 20 years’ time—will it sell at a profit?1 he investor dominates the scene. Artist and public both suffer, drift further apart.Some progressive artists today are striving hard to bridge the gap between artist and public. But it needs a new social order to do the Job thoroughly.Weaver Hawkins* exhibition closes today. It consists mainly of landscapes. with two interesting paintings of groups of football players —M
Newspaper Details
Hobart Tribune
Hobart, Tasmania, AU
Wed, May 19, 1948
Page 4
Full Page
Clipped by
David C.
AU 06 Nov 2022
Other Publications Near Hobart, Tasmania
Hobart Colonial Advocate and Tasmanian Monthly Review and Register
Hobart Colonist and Van Diemens Land Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser
Hobart Hobarton Guardian or True Friend of Tasmania
Hobart Town Punch
Hobart Town Gazette and Van Diemens Land Advertiser
