Great modern art debate rages on (From Daily Echo)

Great modern art debate rages on

5:30am Wednesday 20th September 2006

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Click HERE to view a gallery of masterpieces sent in by Daily Echo readers

SOUTHAMPTON'S top politician has defended a decision to spend £250,000 of public money on buying a controversial work for the city by modern artist Bridget Riley.

Daily Echo readers have sent in their modern art masterpieces in a bid to rival Bridget Riley’s work.

Read today's Daily Echo to see a selection of the best creations.

City council leader Councillor Adrian Vinson and members of the city council's ruling Liberal Democrat Cabinet have backed plans to buy Red Movement - in spite of concerns that Southampton should not be paying so much for something branded by some as looking like a duvet cover.

Cash to pay for the painting will come from bequests and grants - notably £130,000 from the former curator of the Tate Gallery, Dr David Brown.

The rest of the money will come from government art organisation, the Art Fund, which is paying out £80,000, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Cllr Vinson said: "At least the decision is being made by people who know something about modern art.

"The decision to allocate that grant money is an Art Fund decision by people who know something about modern art.

"Why does it (the painting) have to mean anything? Go and look at some of her work. Why can't it be a pleasant arrangement of line and colour?

"Why can't it create an illusion of flow and movement on the surface?"

The council had already received cash from the Art Fund to pay for the painting and is awaiting the final £40,000 from the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Daily Echo readers have sent in their modern art masterpieces in a bid to rival Bridget Riley's work. Read today's Daily Echo to see a selection of the best creations.

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