Review by Neil Miley (UpsideDownInsideOut.com.au) of the ‘Real Refuses’ exhibition at TAP Gallery, Sydney:
“The Real Refusals is an opportunity for entrants not selected for exhibition in the Archibald, Wynn, and Sulman to have their entries viewed by the public. Conducted by the TAP Gallery at 45 Burton Street, Darlinghurst and opening on 10 April this exhibition often throws up works that have been unjustifiably overlooked for these prize competitions and this year is no exception. The casual nature of the gallery makes it a great place for the public to see art without the library like viewing regime of the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman. There are nearly 100 works in this years exhibition, all clearly striving for excellence. This year a number of works that are technically, imaginatively and pictorially superior to any at the Archibald, Wynn, Sulman or Salon de Refuses are shown. The paintings are an eclectic collection of styles that vary from what in the past could have been called conservative through to avante guard. Works by Dapeng liu, Graeme Balchin, Alex Bacskay, Justin Pearson, Jackson Gooch and Colette Jonquieres are all of a standard that is equal to or better than the works in the Archibald exhibition. Their exclusion in my opinion points out the failure of the Archibald’s selection process to pick the best paintings. The exhibition does carry a small prize which is determined by the vote of the public that attend the opening night. The choice is always up in the air until the announcement but it reflects broad current taste amongst a diverse group of people with no underlying attachment to any one form of artistic expression.”
The Real Refuses exhibition of over one hundred 2010 Archibald, Wynne and Sulman entries is on show from April 10th-25th at TAP Gallery, 278 Palmer St, Darlinghurst, Sydney.
‘Defiant’, Oil over Acrylic on Canvas, 101x101cm, 2010 Archibald Prize entry, Mortimore Prize finalist and Aesthetica Creative Works Competition finalist by Alex Bacskay.
