Sir, - Sacre blanc! Your photo of the "notional white canvas" in the arts section (May 13th) has only served to exacerbate the differences between Modernists and Conceptualists and fan the flames of the current debate. It has also bypassed the minimalist doctrine at the core of Yasmina Reza's excellent play at the Gate.
True, the photo captures the tension of the painting provided by the symmetrical pairs of cleats in each of the four corners. Notwithstanding the untreated whorls around the perimeter, the red deal frame adds an additional dimension not apparent from the audience viewpoint. But where is the absolutism of the white clad figure trudging through the snow against the background of a blinding blizzard? And what has happened to the ephermeral synergy of those wonderful, diagonal white lines? Something is missing! Perhaps you can make amends by the inclusion of a full colour photo of this masterpiece in the next arts page.
(Incidentally, did anyone else notice that the painting was back to front?) Yours, etc.,
Ballinclea Heights,
Killiney,
Co. Dublin.