Sir, - In Luke Clancy's review of Jane O'Malley's exhibition at the Taylor Galleries (The Irish Times, November 13th) he refers to the number of pieces sold as an "infestation of red spots" and then sneers at what he calls "an inexhaustible outlet for still lives featuring kitchen utensils". This kind of snide remark is as foolish and unhelpful as criticising Morandi for painting bottles or Charlie Brady for painting bus tickets.
The truth is that Jane O'Malley is a painter of integrity who belongs to a long tradition of painting that celebrates the ordinary, intimate things of everyday life. As such, she deserves a more professional consideration from your critic.
The surprise is not that reviews of this calibre are written, but that there are reputable newspapers willing to print them. - Yours, etc., James O'Nolan, Graphic Studio,
Dublin.