2017 Salon des Refuses

Overview

Now over 25 years strong, the 2017 Salon de Refusés (otherwise known as the alternative Archibald and Wynne Prize exhibition) is back from July 29 to October 15 and will definitely be worth checking out.

Haven't heard of it? It's a show that takes its cue from Napoleon III, who insisted that the significant amount of artworks rejected by the French Academy's selection jury be displayed at a breakaway exhibition for the public to view and judge. Oh and yeah, the very first exhibition of 'rejected art' included Pissarro, Cezanne and Manet, to give you an idea of the incredible artworks that sometimes, both then and now, just don't make the final cut for whatever reason. The original Salon allowed emerging artistic forms (deemed scandalous) real public exposure and legitimacy, in part paving the way for French impressionism. You get the idea: the judges don't always know best.

This year's selectors (including Elizabeth Hastings, James Dorahy and S.H.Ervin Gallery Director Jane Watters) will go behind the judging process of the Archibald and Wynne to curate an exhibition drawn from the works not chosen as finalists — looking in particular for quality, humour, diversity and experimentation.

The list of selected artists will be released July 21, and then from July 29 you'll be able to visit and vote for your favourite artwork in the Holding Redlich People's Choice Award. The winner is announced October 12.

Image: Glenn Morgan, 'Self Portrait in shed' (2016 Salon des Refuses).