Holding Redlich announces 26th Salon des Refusés People’s Choice Award winner

National law firm Holding Redlich congratulates artist Noel Thurgate for winning the 26^th People’s Choice Award at the 2024 Salon des Refusés: The alternative Archibald & Wynne Prize selection exhibition.

Thurgate’s portrait of artist Ann Thomson was selected from entries among the Archibald Prize entries.

A long-time exhibitor and teacher at the National Art School, Thurgate has been documenting portraits of fellow artists for nearly a decade. His portrait of Ann Thomson is a testament to her significant contribution to the National Art School and a reflection of Thurgate’s deep admiration for her artistic dedication.

“My portrait of Ann Thomson is a personal acknowledgement of her contribution to the school over many years, as well as my deep admiration for her lifelong dedication to the processes and practises of drawing and painting," says Thurgate.

Thurgate has been an exhibiting artist since the 70s, and a teacher at the National Art School since the 80s. He first entered the Archibald Prize in 1977 as a final year art school student, aged 22, and was named a finalist in his first year. His work was selected again in ’78, ’79, and 37 years later in 2017 and 2018. This is his second time featuring in the Salon des Refusés exhibition.

“We are honoured to present the Holding Redlich People’s Choice Award to Noel,” said Darren Pereira, Holding Redlich’s State Managing Partner for NSW and ACT. “His winning artwork illustrates his talent, the respect he has for the artists who have inspired him, and the power of mentors in our society.”

Holding Redlich has been a proud supporter of the Salon des Refusés exhibition and the People’s Choice Award for the past 26 years. The firm’s founder, Peter Redlich, was a passionate advocate for the arts, and the firm continues to honour his legacy through its partnership with the National Trust’s S.H. Ervin Gallery.

The Salon des Refusés, initiated by the National Trust S.H. Ervin Gallery in 1992, provides a platform for artworks that were not selected for the Archibald or Wynne Prizes. The exhibition at the S.H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney is an annual event, with the winner of the People’s Choice Award voted by visitors to the exhibition. The exhibition will run until 25 August 2024.

Photo (from left to right): Holding Redlich People’s Choice Award winner Noel Thurgate, S.H. Ervin Gallery Director Jane Watters, and Holding Redlich’s State Managing Partner for NSW and ACT Darren Pereira, against the winning artwork, Portrait of Ann Thomson.

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