Helen Stewart

Helen Stewart, who has an Interesting little exhibition running at the Centre Gallery, obviously has a modicum of both talent and, experience. I understand she has studied in Paris and has intimate connections with the world of Australian art.

I must say, however, that Interior purchased by the National Art Gallery, left me wondering. To my mind the talents she exhibits in Morning and Bacchus for example, were superior to Interior, though Interior is on a larger scale, The effect of most of Helen Stewart's work is greatly heightened by the use she makes of pastel colours, particularly yellow; it illumines and makes gay all her canvases and, adding light, throws them into high relief: this is her strength.

The two portraits, Sara and Anna though executed with a certain competency seemed to be too static, perhaps the sitters are awkwardly positioned? Sara's left arm would appear to be out of plumb. The Seasons, a series of four canvases portraying what one might expect, were quite effective. I liked Autumn the best—but they would be ill-at-ease inside a home I think. Two religious canvases Palm Sunday and Church Service were interesting, the latter having great depth but somehow appearing ill-balanced.

Altogether, this exhibition of recent paintings is worth seeing for the sake of Stewart's unusual painting technique, though I found it difficult to interpret the meaning, if any, of many of her canvases: her work falls far short of being termed brilliant.

—G.L.E.