Salon des Refusés Exhibition Review – Reading/Example

2017 Exhibition Review

S.H. Ervin Gallery began their annual exhibition of “Salon des Refusés” in 1992, an alternative selection of Archibald and Wynne Prize submissions. Jane Watters (director of S.H. Ervin Gallery), James Dorahy (Michael Reid Galleries) and Elisabeth Hastings (author and curator) make up the 2017 selection panel for “Salon des Refusés”. Out of the combined 1,490 entries for the Archibald Prize and the Wynne Prize rejected for display at the Art Gallery of New South Wales, 54 were selected for “Salon des Refusés”. The tradition of “Salon des Refusés” dates back to 1863 Paris, an exhibition that was ordered by Emperor Napoleon III to display the works rejected by the Paris Salon. The purpose was to allow the public to judge the merit of the refused artworks themselves. Cezanne and Manet were among the artists displayed in the first “Salon des Refusés” exhibition, which sets the precedent that such exhibitions will hold the next generation of art, and emerging art forms. The S.H. Ervin Gallery lists their criteria for artworks in their “Salon des Refusés” exhibition, as “quality, diversity, humour and innovation”.

Artworks explored:

Craig Handley’s landscape piece Mary is off to Bunnings ‘cause she’s got an excellent fixer upperra!

George Tjungurrayi’s Untitled (language group Pintupi)

Mertim Gokalp’s rather humorous portrait of celebrity chef Manu Feildel, Bon Appétit

Tamara Armstrong’s portrait of broadcaster, actor and DJ, Faustina Agolley – The Power of vulnerability and surrender

Wendy Sharpe’s exquisite portrayal of composer Elena Kats-Chernin, The witching hour – Elena Kats-Chernin