`HE CAN'T BE SERIOUS'

To the Editors of the CRIMSON:

Re: Henry Schwarz's "Gothic Man in an Atomic Age," a review of paintings by Robert Rutman and Jack Wickline at the Dumbarton Gallery, The Weekly Review, October 5.

I am not sure that even the most knowledgeable and perceptive reviewer is qualified to go beyond a critical discussion of paintings themselves--to pass judgment on an artist's attire, or attitude, or on the validity of his personal artistic philosophy. I am very sure Mr. Schwarz is here eminently unqualified. The almost total absence of technical discussion and its naive crudeness when it does appear; as well as an acceptance of mythical canons ("If he is painting pure abstracts, he can't validly title them with anything more than numbers. . . . Knocking art academies is folly.") leads me to further believe him unable to intelligently discuss the pictures themselves.

Like many critics, Mr. Schwarz is guilty of trying to fit all painting into an established academic matrix. His attempt to do so is even more difficult to accept because he uses a grossly oversimplified construct of regulations not even generally accepted.

Having seen the show, I agree that the paintings offer little beyond the purely decorative. In this respect, they are, to a varying degree, successful. This has been, however, characteristic of American art during the wane of abstract expressionism. It is insufficient cause for accusing Mr. Rutman of artistic impotence. To ask, "Why do such galleries exist?" on the basis of one displeasing show, is simple-minded provincialism.

If Mr. Schwarz wants to create controversy by affecting a veil of pretentious ignorance, he is to be saluted on his success. If however, his review is earnestly written, I am led only to think, "It seems he can't be serious, but he is." Louis Natenshen '63.