, A round table conference was held with writers, artists Journalists and photographers at the Alliance Francalse. It was presided over by the noted French critic and art historian Gerard Xurlguera. The conducting of the questions and answers was dqpe by Sayeed Ahmed, noted playwright and critic.

Do we need a critic? is a pertinent question. Sayeed Ahmed in his opening talk pointed out that even God had a critic when he created the world in the form of Satan. He stressed that it was not necessarily an artist who has failed who becomes a critic

Kabir Chowdhury said that a good critic is a link between a creation and the people. He lamented the fact that art critics were poorly paid In Bangladesh. At this point Nawazlsh All Khan commented that there was a tremendous deficiency of art criticism." The newspapers are short of space and the critics are short of money", he said. Sadek Khan added that if he wrote anything adverse It was immediately resented. "If art criticism becomes too scholarly it is not read. Painters sell because of their already established name. If critics are honest this should help the artists," he insisted.

Chery Ie, a photographer from Australia, working in Dhaka said, "There are not enough art write ups In Bangladesh. How are the reporters qualified to write about art?" Kabir Chowdhury, then pointed out." The critic cannot give up his personal reaction but he must have a deep knowledge of the

9y5 Manzurul Islam said. The art critic is like a tightrope walker. There are often condemnation from his friends which Includes the artist. Sometimes critics cannot express their own views as the editors intervene. The art critic has sometimes to lie.He colours his own perception by what others think. He has to say something good when the fact is that the painting may not be worth much."

Farouq Faisal, a Journalist, said that art criticism is a hobby and only a part time Job for writers in Bangladesh. "Often his friends push him to it. He loves his friend and not the art '

M. Gerard Xurlguera, who spoke at the gathering at Alliance Francalse also held a press conference at the residence of the French ambassador, later that evening, and there he spoke on the modern art movement

Speaking exclusively to The Dally Star, during lunch break at Sonargaon. M. Xurlguera said that the work of an art critic was to consider the art market, promotion for the

artist, while keeping the sociological and historical background In mind. "I try to distinguish the essential characteristics of the work. You must know the synthesis of the work that is in front of you."

Talking about regular journalists who write reviews, the historian said, The critic is often a man who could not make it as an artist himself. Similarly a writer, who does not have enough potentialities to write books turns to criticism. My advice to the critics Is to study the artist closely.’

Commenting on the Bangladeshi artists he said. They are one of the most interesting in this part of Asia. There is a lot of originality and enthusiasm in them. 1 compare them with artists I have known in S. Korea, Japan. Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore.There is an explosion of styles. There is no hanging on to the past for fomts like Cubism."

He praised some of the artists and Shahabuddin in particular for his "strong expressionism and his ability to depict men in action." He admired Hamiduzzaman Khan, Md. Younus, Jamal Ahmed, Kanak Champa and Mithu.

Discussing the primary Influences of the world art scene .on the local scenario, M. Xurlguera said." In the seventies and eighties the art scene was influenced by a world of minimalism. It was bombarded with ideas. The people here are very emotional. They are not driven by Intellectual fads This does not mean they are not intelligent.'

Talking about the Asian Biennale in Bangladesh, he said. "It was a mistake to exhibit over 10O paintings by the local artists and only about ten each from different countries. The participation should have been equal." He thought the Biennale registered emotions in a fine manner. It captured the gentleness as well as the aggressive nature of the local people. As for countries like Japan and Taipei, They have a lot of money to spend. They turn more to USA than France for guidance in the art world," the critic added.

Tn many countries folk art like your clay figurines, nakshlkatha and alpana’ is very fashionable. In countries like France and Australia folk art Is being rejuvenated." he said about the focal traditional art.

Commenting on the art scene in Paris, the art historian said, There is nothing new after the fifties. All the movements after that are a heritage of the big movements of the century with Picasso. MaUaae and Kandinsky"

The critic's favourite painters arc Bacon In England, Pellyu in Spain, Krishan Khanna and Jogan Chowdhury in India, and Imai in Japan. J