NIALL MEAGHER,
Sir, - Kevin Myers (An Irishman's Diary, February 12th) refers to the dispute at the Irish Museum of Modern Art and its dire need for a suitable director.
In the course of solving these problems he completely demolishes the IMMA and modern art in general. The picture he paints of his progress through the Tate Modern with his imaginary pet flamethrower recalls Dante's journey through hell and such memorable criticisms of contemporary art as Ruskin's admonition of Whistler for "flinging a pot of paint in the public's face"; while Duchamp's "nude descending a staircase" was promptly labelled as "an explosion in a shingle factory" ..
Contemporary art has always been a sitting target. Patrick Scott (The Irish Times, February 6th) recalls one of his early works - a deserted racecourse - being lampooned by Myles na Gopaleen!
Over 70 years ago Liam O'Flaherty said: "Any fool can see beauty in pretty things. It is only the man of genius that can see beauty in ugliness."
The IMMA will hopefully overcome its present difficulties and continue to provide what is a splendid setting for the display and evaluation of modern art - the good, the bad and the ugly. - Yours, etc.,
NIALL MEAGHER,
Gleann na Greine,
Naas,
Co Kildare.