North Adelaide’s David Roche Gallery will once again be the only South Australian venue to host the popular ‘alternative’ to the Archibald and Wynne Prizes, the renowned Salon des Refusés exhibition. The 2026 selection opens from 14 August to 24 October.
Initiated by the S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney in 1992, the exhibition showcases works entered for the Archibald (portraiture) and Wynne (landscape) Prizes but not selected for the official Art Gallery of New South Wales exhibition, chosen instead for their quality, diversity and experimentation.
In 2026, 57 works were selected for the ‘alternative’ exhibition, with 36 from the Archibald Prize and 21 from the Wynne Prize by selectors Susi Muddiman, gallery director and Jane Watters, director of the S.H Ervin Gallery.
This year’s selection features two South Australian artists – Robert Hannaford and Stewart MacFarlane – in the mix of works spanning self-portraits, portraits of prominent Australians and landscape works, following its Sydney season at the S.H. Ervin Gallery.
The Salon follows the tradition made famous by Napoleon lll in Paris who insisted that the huge number of works which had been rejected by the Academy for that year’s Salon, be displayed for the public to view and judge. The first Salon des Refusés included works by Manet and Pissarro.
David Roche Gallery director Robert Reason says this rare privilege offers South Australians direct access to such a high-calibre national showcase, giving local art lovers the first opportunity outside Sydney to experience these remarkable works up close.
“Salon des Refusés has become one of our most anticipated exhibitions, and this year’s selection is no exception,” he said.
“It gives Adelaide the chance to see some of the country’s most talked-about contemporary portraiture and landscape work. What’s particularly special is that we are welcoming back two exceptional South Australian artists, bringing their standout artworks home to local audiences.”
Director of S.H. Ervin Gallery Jane Watters says Adelaide audiences continued to embrace the exhibition.
“South Australia has shown a real appetite for this exhibition since it first came to David Roche Gallery, and we’re pleased to keep that partnership going,” she says.
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What: Salon des Refusés 2026
Where: David Roche Gallery, 241 Melbourne St, North Adelaide
When: 14 August – 24 October 2026 (open Tuesdays to Saturdays, closed public holidays)
Cost: Adults $15. Concession $12. DRG Member $11. Children under 12 free.
Tickets: Book your ticket online or at the door: https://www.rochegallery.com.au/exhibitions/
David Roche Gallery Fermoy House tours: 10am, 12noon, 2pm (must be prebooked online)
Cost: Adult: $20 | Concession $17 (includes entry to Salon des Refusés)
For more information and events, visit rochegallery.com.au
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Media contact: Natalie Farinola | 0401 308 328 | natalie@jpmedia.com.au
