Comparisons are odious, but all art is not created equal

4 hours ago 4

I agree with Jacqueline Maley in principle that works of art should neither be timid in expression nor resile from being contemporaneous (“We may have just failed the only worthwhile test of social cohesion”, July 6). I hesitate to agree on what she regards as an art work as opposed to an assembly of objects or so-called tailored video installations being categorised as art, however much they may reflect the present day and/or the availability of technology for expression. Comparing Picasso’s Guernica with anything the esteemed subjects of her article have produced is not only unfair to them and to the public, but especially to Picasso. However, if history is any guide, works such as Guernica, Leonardo’s Mona Lisa, Michelangelo’s David or Sistine chapel, offer timelessness, radiance, movement, emotional stimulation, thus engendering meaning and appreciation for all peoples for all time and for every epoch in history. Frederick Jansohn, Rose Bay

I agree with Jacqueline Maley that our ability to support freedom of expression and diversity of thought are worthwhile tests of social cohesion. But I disagree that it is the only worthwhile test. The real test is our ability to agree on the limits of free speech, especially its transition into calls for violence, and enact and enforce sensible legislation in this regard at the moment when it urgently matters, which is right now. Raymond Schwartz, Bellevue Hill

Khaled Sabsabi with one of the works in his survey exhibition, A Hope.

Data mine on the line

The rail unions have negotiated two days in which Opal fare meters will be turned off (“Free train days follow union wage deal”, July 6). We will not now how many people used public transport on those days. However, it would be better if the unions negotiated “zero fare” days on which the meters operated so we could see the effect of reducing fares across the many different socioeconomic communities in NSW. For people interested in city building, this is a major data opportunity. Peter Egan, Mosman

Church scandals

It’s pretty clear that society has had more than a gutful of child abuse (“Sermon after child abuse conviction shocks victims”, July 6). It especially hates a cover-up, and the church’s reputation there is woeful. Some of us don’t believe in your god and don’t care if you wear a frock, a cross or whatever. We don’t hear your “Do unto others” speeches when your house is hiding evil. Ted Bush, North Epping

The flip side to priest Alexis Rosentool’s warning to his followers is the Bible’s stern “Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture” (Jeremiah 23:1). Steve Ngeow, Chatswood

Loneliness and health

Loneliness and social isolation aren’t new, but little has been done to address them. The fact that some children and young adults now rely on AI bots for friendship is deeply disturbing (Letters, July 6). It’s well known that social isolation and loneliness are deleterious to physical and mental health. These factors have been linked to suicide, dementia, premature death and domestic violence. The NSW government continues to abdicate its responsibility regarding mental health. Without adequate intervention, the problem will grow, and the financial burden will increase. Graham Lum, North Rocks

Thoughtful young

I was happy to see the Young Archies story (“Family heroes in frame for Young Archies stars”, July 6) because viewing the artwork of our youth every year at the Archibald exhibition is a favourite activity of mine. Not only are the portraits of interest, but equally the artists’ descriptions of their subjects. Here’s one example. The portrait is entitled Maiden of Mushrooms. Here is the 11-year-old Rui Ling Hu’s description: “All my life I have loved nature and animals. In this artwork, I have chosen to draw myself as ‘maiden of mushrooms’. My artwork represents the colourfulness and mysteriousness of the Earth. The bird in the centre is a noisy miner, a common animal that roams my backyard. I included this bird to show that not everything in nature is calm and peaceful.”
Larry Woldenberg, Forest Lodge

Bezos billions

While the reactions to Bezos’ excessive and vulgar display in Venice are understandable (Letters, July 6), the practice of excessive wealth and displays of luxury are not new. In every country and in every age there have been those with such wealth, and such indifference to the condition of others. In Europe for centuries the ruling classes ignored the sufferings of the poor. It was taken as a natural thing. One high point, of course, is the callousness of the French royal court to their own people as the court spent vast amounts on pleasure, on houses and gardens. In the last few hundred years, Britain and Europe attained vast wealth in exploiting other countries, taking their resources and building the wealth that underpins their current society and culture. No account was taken of the natives ruthlessly used to build and maintain that wealth. Very few Britons paid any attention to that, even if they knew about it. Callous indifference is not just a characteristic of the very wealthy. David Ashton, Katoomba

Victoria Devine (“Dream trip could be disastrous”, July 6) says surely we can all agree that spending $50 million is “a couple of zeros too far”. Well, actually, no. To date, Jeff Bezos has given over $US2 billion to philanthropic causes too numerous to mention. Furthermore, he has committed to giving away most of his $US124 billion fortune during his lifetime. It’s his money. He can spend it on anything he wants. Riley Brown, Bondi Beach

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